Electrical Design Engineer - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer in Queenstown to lead electrical design for renewable energy projects, focusing on solar and wind power. You will create detailed designs, diagrams, and specifications, and collaborate with project teams to ensure efficient integration and grid connections.

The role requires 5+ years in electrical design, strong knowledge of renewables, and proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, and PVSyst.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of electrical design experience focusing on power systems or renewables.
• Strong knowledge of solar PV and/or wind generation.
• Proficiency with electrical CAD software (AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PVSyst).
• Understanding of protection, grounding, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Design electrical systems for renewable energy projects (solar PV, wind).
• Develop detailed single-line diagrams, schematics, and equipment specs.
• Perform power system studies including load flow and short circuit calculations.
• Ensure compliance with IEC/IEEE codes and grid connection requirements.
• Select transformers, switchgear, cables, and inverters.
• Collaborate with other engineers to integrate electrical systems.
• Oversee installation, testing and commissioning.
• Troubleshoot issues during development and operation.
• Prepare technical reports, cost estimates, and project docs.
• Stay updated on renewable tech and engineering practices.

Skills

Power systems knowledge

Renewable energy

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication skills

Technical drawing interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ETAP

PVSyst

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a dedicated Electrical Design Engineer to focus on renewable energy projects, specifically solar and wind power generation, to be based in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role is crucial for designing and developing the electrical systems that underpin sustainable energy solutions. You will be responsible for creating detailed electrical designs, schematics, and specifications for power generation facilities, substations, and grid connections. The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of power systems, renewable energy technologies, and relevant industry standards. This is a hands‑on, site‑oriented role requiring collaboration with project managers, site engineers, and contractors to ensure the successful implementation of electrical designs. You will play a vital part in advancing our client's commitment to clean energy infrastructure. A passion for sustainability and innovative engineering solutions is highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

• Design electrical systems for renewable energy projects, including solar PV arrays, wind turbines, and associated infrastructure.
• Develop detailed single‑line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, and equipment specifications.
• Perform power system studies, including load flow analysis, short circuit calculations, and protection coordination.
• Ensure designs comply with national and international electrical codes, standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE), and grid connection requirements.
• Select appropriate electrical equipment, such as transformers, switchgear, cables, and inverters.
• Collaborate with civil and mechanical engineers to ensure seamless integration of electrical systems.
• Oversee the electrical aspects of project execution, including installation, testing, and commissioning.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues that arise during project development and operation.
• Prepare technical reports, cost estimates, and project documentation.
• Stay updated on advancements in renewable energy technologies and electrical engineering practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical design, with a significant focus on power systems or renewable energy.
• Strong knowledge of solar PV and/or wind power generation systems.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PVSyst).
• Understanding of power system protection, grounding, and earthing principles.
• Familiarity with relevant electrical codes and safety standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and design skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork.
• Ability to interpret and generate complex technical drawings and specifications.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits are provided.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector are available.
• You will be part of a forward‑thinking company contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
• Generous annual leave and other employee benefits are part of the package.
• Career advancement opportunities exist within project engineering and technical management roles.
• This role offers the chance to work on impactful projects that contribute to a greener future.