Power Systems Engineer

Power Systems Engineer

Department: Technical

Employment Type: Contract / Temp

Location: Africa

Reporting To: GE Vernova Grid Integration Lead

Description Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa.  ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.

High-Level Overview 

The Client provides engineering, technical, and advisory support to utilities and developers involved in power generation and grid projects across the region. The team focuses on grid integration, renewable interconnection, and system studies to ensure compliance with regulatory and operational standards. Drawing on both regional expertise and global engineering resources, it supports the practical implementation of energy transition and infrastructure programs. 

The Client seeks expert support to execute a grid-connection study package for a hybrid renewable project comprising ~50 MW PV and ~16 MW biogas generation, connected at medium voltage and tied to the national grid in Morocco. The work includes the standard studies required to demonstrate compliance with the local grid code prior to interconnection: steady-state/load-flow and reactive compliance, short-circuit, protection coordination/selectivity, dynamic/transient stability (including LVRT/HVRT), harmonics/power quality, flicker, sudden voltage variations, and associated reporting and modelling.    Three specialist roles may be filled individually or combined under a single senior engineer capable of delivering the full scope. Whether one, two, or three individuals are engaged, they must operate as an integrated team - sharing the same network model, data, and methodologies to ensure consistency across all studies. The Client will manage all local coordination and customer interfaces, while the specialists collaborate remotely to deliver a unified technical output. 

Role and Responsibilities
Role: 1)Steady-State & Grid Impact Engineer – 2) Protection & Selectivity Engineer – 3) Power Quality & Dynamics Engineer
Direct Report:  Grid Integration Lead
Candidates Required: 1-3

Key Deliverables:
Steady-State & Grid Impact Engineer: Build the integrated network model; perform load-flow, N-1 contingency, voltage profile, transformer tap optimization, losses, and power-factor assessment at PCC; size/assess reactive compensation to meet grid-code requirements; document assumptions, results, and recommendations.

• Design/Systems: Validated base case and scenarios; reactive compliance cases; equipment loading checks with manufacturer limits. 
• Physical supply chain/logistics: [TBD] (e.g., data requests for transformers/cables, nameplate & impedance data). 
• Execution: Load-flow report with alerts for overload/violations; reactive compensation recommendations; editable files and model exports. 
• Capability building: Handover of modeling approach, case library, and parameter book.

Protection & Selectivity Engineer:  Produce short-circuit levels (3-phase, 2-phase, 2-phase-to-ground, 1-phase-to-ground; max/min demand) and coordinate MV/HV protections, including CT ratios, relay settings, breaker/fuse curves, time-current coordination, and violation analysis.

• Design/Systems: Short-circuit study pack incl. cable withstand checks and MV cable specs (insulation/shielding cross-section). Protection settings sheets and TCC plots. 
• Physical supply chain/logistics: [TBD] (CT/VT ratings, relay/breaker catalog selections). 
• Execution: Protection study report incl. device tags, CT ratios, time dials, long/short/inst settings, ground-fault elements, and recommendations. 
• Capability building: Settings rationale playbook; template for future projects. 

Power Quality & Dynamics Engineer:  Perform transient and dynamic studies for PV and biogas plants, including modelling, FRT (LVRT/HVRT), frequency response, dynamic voltage control; harmonic impedance and THD assessment; flicker; transformer inrush/sudden voltage variations; propose filters/mitigations..

• Design/Systems: Dynamic cases and harmonic models; passive filter options if required. 
• Physical supply chain/logistics: [TBD] (inverter capability curves, P/Q charts, filter components). 
• Execution: Dynamics & PQ report with modeling notes, test cases, compliance vs. code, and mitigations. 
• Capability building: Analysis scripts/macros; how-to guide for repeating FRT and PQ assessments

Requirements Experience Required:

• 7–10+ years (senior) in utility-scale renewables grid integration and interconnection studies; prior work on PV plants (≈50 MW class) and gas/biogas turbines; demonstrated delivery of end-to-end compliance packages for interconnection.

Technical Requirements:

• Proficiency in DIgSILENT/ETAP/PSS/E/PSCAD; short-circuit per IEC 60909; protection coordination including TCC; dynamic/FRT per grid-code; harmonic/flicker analysis. 

Other Skills:

• Clear technical writing (French preferred) and collaboration with client reviewers; ability to work in a matrix team where the client provides 20–30% guidance/review; proactive risk identification and mitigation. 
• French is advantageous for interpreting the grid code and preparing the official report set
• Shared tooling & standards across roles: DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP, PSS/E, PSCAD; alignment to IEEE/IEC standards and Moroccan CRENT grid code; results presentation per RFP, in staged technical alignment with editable source files. 
  Data/inputs: Single-line diagrams, equipment nameplate/limits, inverter capability curves (MW–MVAr), relay/breaker catalogs, CT/VT specs, cable data, grid code references. 
  Standards & compliance: All studies and reporting will align with IEEE/IEC standards (e.g., IEC 60909 for short-circuit, IEEE protection/earthing guides) and the Moroccan CRENT grid code; exact references to be listed in the final deliverables. 

Working Arrangement
Location: 100% Remote. Client will lead all customer meetings and local interface; local team available in-country if needed
Travel: None

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: January 2025 or Q1
Contracting Period: 3-4 months  

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