BESS Senior Engineer

3E; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

3E, based in Cape Town, South Africa, seeks a Battery and Energy Storage System (BESS) Engineer to strengthen its renewable energy advisory capabilities across Sub-Saharan Africa. The role focuses on technical feasibility, development, operation and grid integration of BESS projects, with emphasis on Li-ion technology and market analytics.

You will lead technical workstreams, advise clients, and contribute to a regional roadmap for BESS services while mentoring colleagues and collaborating with

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems or equivalent.
• 3–5 years of experience in BESS design and deployment focused on Li-ion technology.
• Strong Project Management skills; ability to manage multiple projects.
• Interest in renewable energies and dynamic markets.
• Analytical, structured and solution-oriented mindset with strong communication skills.
• Presentation skills and ability to participate in group discussions.
• Basic knowledge of programming (Python) is an asset.
• Knowledge of running BESS simulations or sizing tools.
• Experience in solar energy field.
• Fluency in French.

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on battery technologies selections and system sizing.
• Support BESS projects from design through contracting, construction and commissioning.
• Contribute to technical specifications, procurement processes, and contractor evaluation.
• Provide recommendations to improve system availability, performance, and lifespan.
• Support clients in optimizing operational strategies and asset management.
• Address grid integration challenges and integration into utility/hybrid systems.
• Develop tools, methodologies, templates and guidelines for delivery quality.
• Mentor and train colleagues on BESS topics; knowledge transfer across offices.

Job description

To strengthen and expand our leading position in renewable energy advisory across Sub-Saharan Africa, we are looking for a Battery and Energy Storage System (BESS) Engineer to join our team based in Cape Town, South Africa.

The core responsibilities are structured around three core pillars:

1. Technical Expertise:

Feasibility

• Advise clients on the selection of cutting-edge battery technologies.
• Support optimal system sizing, including hybridisation with solar and wind assets.
• Assess technical and financial feasibility of BESS deployments within African markets.
• Conduct market and regulatory analyses across Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Identify revenue streams including energy trading, ancillary services, and flexibility markets.
• Support client decision-making through data-driven insights and modelling.

Development

• Support BESS projects from early-stage design through to contracting, construction, and commissioning.
• Contribute to technical specifications, procurement processes, and contractor evaluation.

Operation & Performance

• Provide recommendations to improve system availability, performance, and lifespan.
• Support clients in optimising operational strategies and asset management.

Grid Integration

• Address grid integration challenges specific to emerging and evolving power systems.
• Support the integration of storage solutions into utility and hybrid systems.
• Contribute to the development of 3E’s storage offering across Africa.
• Support the definition of a regional roadmap for BESS services.
• Develop tools, methodologies, templates, and guidelines to ensure consistent delivery quality.
• Continuously improve processes based on project experience and regional learning.

3. Training & Knowledge Transfer:

• Mentor and train colleagues on BESS-related topics, ensuring the consistent upskilling of company personnel.
• Facilitate the exchange of technical knowledge and best practices across all global offices.

Requirements

We are looking for someone who combines technical excellence with a pragmatic, commercially minded approach, and who is eager to contribute to the energy transition in Africa.

• You hold a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems or equivalent.
• You have a solid experience in industry, with a minimum 3-5 years of experience in BESS design and deployment focused on Li-on technology.
• You have strong Project Management skills and can manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• You show a strong interest in renewable energies, and this reflects in your way of life.
• You are analytical, structured and solution-oriented, with strong communication skills.
• You are curious, proactive and confortable working in dynamic & evolving markets.
• Your presentation skills are on point and you like participating in group discussions.
• Basic knowledge in programming (Python) is an asset.
• Knowledge of running BESS simulations with specific software or creating sizing tools for this purpose.
• Experience in the solar energy field.
• Fluency in French.

In addition to joining a fast-growing international environment that promotes a stimulating atmosphere in a collaborative, international team with strong technical expertise, 3E offers a unique opportunity to further develop yourself in a company with an ambitious growth plan, delivering innovative services. You will work in Cape Town’s city centre, in an office with wonderful views of Table Mountain.