Principal Electrical Design Engineer - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Kimberley; Remote; CAD 197,000 - 296,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Industry-leading salary package

Private medical aid

Retirement fund

Significant bonus opportunities

Professional growth through training

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a pioneering renewable energy client to recruit a Principal Electrical Design Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead complex electrical design for large-scale solar and wind projects, focusing on grid integration and high-voltage systems.

The role requires 12+ years in electrical engineering with strong leadership, mentoring, and international standards compliance. You will supervise a distributed team, provide technical direction, and ensure robust

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or Renewable Energy.
• Minimum 12 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with 7+ years in renewable energy.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design of renewable energy projects, including architecture, components, and integration strategy.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics and equipment specifications for solar and wind plants.
• Perform power system studies: load flow, short circuit, harmonics, transient stability.
• Ensure designs comply with grid codes and international standards.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to a team of engineers and designers.
• Collaborate with project management, procurement, and construction teams for successful execution.
• Evaluate electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, inverters, cables.
• Troubleshoot design issues during development and construction phases.
• Contribute to design standards, tools, and processes improvement.
• Stay updated on renewable energy technologies and grid integration challenges.

Skills

Power systems

Renewable energy

Grid interconnection standards

Power electronics

SCADA systems

Project leadership

Remote work

Mentoring

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems or Renewable Energy)

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) with ECSA

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an exceptional Principal Electrical Design Engineer to lead critical design initiatives from a remote position. This role is pivotal in conceptualizing and developing the electrical systems for large-scale solar and wind farm projects across South Africa. The ideal candidate will possess extensive expertise in grid integration, power conversion technologies, and high-voltage AC/DC systems. You will be responsible for providing technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, and ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of our renewable energy solutions. This is a fully remote role, demanding self-discipline, excellent communication, and a proactive approach to collaboration within a distributed team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of complex renewable energy projects, including system architecture, component selection, and integration strategy.
• Develop detailed electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and equipment specifications for solar and wind power plants.
• Perform power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, harmonic analysis, and transient stability analysis.
• Ensure designs comply with grid codes, international standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to a team of electrical engineers and designers.
• Collaborate with project management, procurement, and construction teams to ensure successful project execution.
• Evaluate and select electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, inverters, and cables.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex electrical design issues encountered during project development and construction phases.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of design standards, tools, and processes within the organization.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in renewable energy technologies and grid integration challenges.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems or Renewable Energy.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with at least 7 years focused on renewable energy projects.
• Proven track record in designing and integrating large-scale solar PV and/or wind energy systems.
• Extensive knowledge of power electronics, grid interconnection standards, and power system protection principles.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
• Experience with SCADA and control systems for renewable energy plants.
• Strong leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively manage multiple high-priority projects in a remote setting.
• Registered Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) with ECSA is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers an industry-leading salary package.
• A comprehensive benefits suite including private medical aid.
• An excellent retirement fund.
• Significant bonus opportunities tied to project success and company performance.
• We champion professional growth through subsidized advanced training, conference participation, and opportunities to publish research.
• This fully remote position offers unparalleled flexibility and autonomy.
• Additional benefits include generous annual leave, wellness programs, and the chance to be part of groundbreaking projects that are shaping a sustainable future.
• Make a significant impact from anywhere in the country.