Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration Specialist

Placements24; Paarl; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Remote work flexibility

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a leading energy transition company in recruiting a DER Integration Specialist. This fully remote role focuses on planning, designing and implementing DER integrations into the existing grid to modernize energy systems.

You will work with engineers, project managers and utility partners to ensure reliable DER deployments, align with grid codes, and advance grid modernization initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems or related field.
• Minimum 5 years experience in power systems, DERs, grid integration or microgrids.
• Strong knowledge of solar PV, BESS and EV charging technologies.
• Familiarity with DERMS, SCADA or EMS is a plus.
• Solid analytical, problem-solving and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for DER integration into the utility grid.
• Analyze DER impact on grid stability, power quality and reliability.
• Design interconnection requirements and control systems for DER projects.
• Collaborate with utilities, developers and regulators to enable deployment.
• Develop DER modeling and simulation tools to assess performance.
• Ensure compliance with grid codes and interconnection agreements.
• Support DERMS and advanced grid control technologies.
• Provide expertise on DER integration best practices.
• Conduct techno-economic feasibility studies for DER projects.
• Stay updated on DER technologies and market trends.

Skills

DER integration

Power systems

Grid interconnection standards

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

PSS/E

PowerWorld

PSCAD

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in the transition to a sustainable energy future, is seeking a highly skilled Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Integration Specialist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute to critical grid modernization efforts from anywhere. You will play a key role in the planning, design, and implementation of integrating various DERs, such as solar PV, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, into the existing energy grid. This role demands a deep technical understanding of power systems, control strategies, and grid interconnection standards. As a remote-first expert, you will collaborate with engineers, project managers, and utility partners to ensure seamless and efficient DER deployment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop strategies and technical solutions for the integration of DERs into the utility grid.
• Analyze the impact of DERs on grid stability, power quality, and operational reliability.
• Design and specify interconnection requirements and control systems for DER projects.
• Collaborate with project developers, utilities, and regulatory bodies to facilitate DER deployment.
• Develop and maintain DER modeling and simulation tools to assess system performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant grid codes, standards, and interconnection agreements.
• Support the development of DER management systems (DERMS) and advanced grid control technologies.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on DER integration best practices.
• Conduct feasibility studies and techno-economic assessments for DER projects.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in DER technologies, policies, and market trends.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in power systems engineering, with a focus on distributed energy resources, grid integration, or microgrids.
• Strong technical knowledge of solar PV, battery energy storage systems (BESS), EV charging, and other DER technologies.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, PowerWorld, PSCAD, ETAP).
• Understanding of grid interconnection standards, utility interconnection processes, and grid codes.
• Experience with DER management systems (DERMS), SCADA, or EMS is a plus.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in a remote, cross-functional team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage technical projects and deliver results.
• Familiarity with South African energy regulations and utility practices is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and retirement benefits.
• We provide generous paid time off and support for professional development, including continuing education, training programs, and conference attendance.
• This fully remote position offers exceptional flexibility and work-life balance.
• Join a dynamic and forward-thinking company that is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution.
• You will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects and make a significant contribution to a sustainable future.