Energy System Studies Engineer - South Africa at Tetra Tech

Position summary and job purpose: 

Tetra Tech is seeking multiple positions of Energy System Studies Engineers at different seniority levels to support the growth of our South Africa-based energy practice. Studies Engineers lead and undertake grid integration and other grid stability related studies, site measurements and analyze and prepare reports in response to client terms of references, manage projects, support or lead business development efforts, perform technical analyses, develop presentations, undertake desk research and write technical reports related to clients’ energy sector needs. S/he will travel to international locations occasionally to execute technical tasks in collaboration with local project personnel, project stakeholder, and clients. S/he will write expressions of interest, support the development of technical proposals, and marketing material. Position and title will be commensurate with years of experience and technical ability. 

Position responsibilities:

Technical:

• Conduct power system analyses covering load flow, short circuit, dynamic and transient stability, harmonics, protection, arc flash, EMT switching studies and insulation coordination studies
• Conduct power system modelling using software such as PSS/E, DigSilent PowerFactory, ETAP, PSCAD/EMTDC
• Conduct governor and AVR modelling including user-defined models
• Conduct modeling of battery storage, wind and solar PV generation including master controllers
• Undertake SVC, SCO and STATCOM modelling
• Implement inverter models including grid-forming inverters in consulting assignments
• Perform automated power system simulation studies using scripting tools such as Python
• Analyze and interpret simulation and test data using industry standard tools
• Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of technical engineering codes and practices, taking a hands-on role in technical matters 
• Other tasks as assigned    

Project management:

• Prepare reports and presentations to clients
• Interact and coordinate with experts from other Tetra Tech operating units, as necessary
• Interact with clients, suppliers and (sub)contractors
• Provide technical inputs to BD and marketing efforts 
• Prepare technical responses to RFPs, EOIs, and RFIs
• Travel internationally to visit utilities, national control centers, substations, project sites and power plants to collect data, via measurements, as necessary
• Work independently on complex tasks
• Strong organizational, teamwork, and technical skills

Leadership and supervisory responsibility (only applicable to Senior or Principal level positions):

• Lead the studies team and study assignments
• Grow the grid engineering studies business and team
• As appropriate mentor and supervise junior staff
• Lead and support proposal writing

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities KSAs required: 

• Undergraduate degree in engineering such as BTech, BSc or BEng
• Senior Studies Engineer must have a minimum of seven years of relevant experience
• Principal Studies Engineer must have a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience
• Ability to work within and guide and provide leadership to a system studies team
• Energy sector experience, preferably in a technical role with experience in project implementation required
• Ability to grow a system studies team where applicable
• Knowledge of Python programming language
• Commercial awareness and ability to develop business through existing and new workstreams
• High level of IT literacy and numeracy skills
• Ability to return to first principles and academic literature to resolve complex technical problems
• Adaptable and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Able to confidently build and maintain external and internal relationships
• Ability to produce clear and logical written communication
• A systematic logical approach to problem solving
• Pay strong attention to detail and demonstrate accurate work
• Flexible approach to work, and ability to prioritize and manage time effectively to meet deadlines and client needs
• Highly motivated to learn on the job, interface with clients, suppliers, and contractors, as well as undertake training
• Willingness to travel internationally from time to time
• Able to communicate complex information and deliver verbal and written messages in English, effectively
• Strong research capabilities, using a variety of primary and secondary sources
• Must be able to manage several tasks simultaneously, and prioritize as necessary
• Self-starter, working effectively under tight deadlines

Valued but not required KSAs: 

• Advanced degree in electrical or similar engineering field
• Knowledge of substation and line design
• Prior experience with donor-funded projects and their procurement policies and procedures
• International experience and global perspective – direct experience working in developing countries 
• Prior experience working (as an employee or as a consultant) with donor agency/international organization
• Knowledge of French, Portuguese or Arabic is a plus

Physical demands and work enviornment: 

• Office setting, with an estimated 20% regional and international travel