Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Specialist

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and incentives

Comprehensive health insurance

Remote-first and flexible schedule

Professional development and travel to

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Specialist to join a fully remote team. You will assess, integrate, and optimize solar PV, battery storage, and EV DERs to support a decentralized energy grid.

The role requires a Master's in Electrical/Computer Engineering with a focus on power systems, at least 6 years in the energy sector, and strong knowledge of DER technologies, grid interaction, and modeling tools.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering with focus on power systems or renewables.
• 6+ years in the energy sector, focused on DERs, grid integration or power systems engineering.
• Strong knowledge of DER technologies and their interaction with the grid.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and model DER performance and grid impact (solar PV, storage, EVs).
• Develop specifications and integration plans for DER projects.
• Analyze DER data to optimize performance and operations.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, project developers, and external stakeholders.
• Stay updated on DER technologies, market trends, and regulatory developments.
• Contribute to software tools and platforms for DER management.
• Assess technical feasibility and economic viability of DER projects.
• Ensure compliance with interconnection standards and grid codes.
• Support design and implementation of virtual power plants (VPPs) and demand response.
• Provide DER-related technical guidance.

Skills

DER technologies

Power systems engineering

Data analysis

Remote collaboration

Regulatory awareness

Education

Master's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering focusing on power systems or renewables

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

GridLAB-D

Data analysis software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking energy company, is seeking a highly skilled Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Specialist to join their fully remote team.

This critical role involves the technical assessment, integration, and optimization of various DERs, including solar PV, battery storage, and electric vehicles, into the energy grid.

You will work with cutting‑edge technologies and play a key role in shaping the future of a decentralized energy system.

As a remote‑first organization, we offer a flexible and collaborative environment where you can contribute from anywhere.

The ideal candidate possesses a strong technical background in power systems and a passion for renewable energy and smart grid solutions.

Join us in accelerating the clean energy transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate and model the performance and grid impact of DERs, including solar PV, battery storage, and EV charging.
• Develop technical specifications and integration plans for DER projects.
• Analyze data from DER installations to optimize performance and identify operational improvements.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams, project developers, and external stakeholders on DER integration strategies.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in DER technologies, market trends, and regulatory developments.
• Contribute to the development of software tools and platforms for DER management and control.
• Assess the technical feasibility and economic viability of proposed DER projects.
• Ensure compliance with interconnection standards, grid codes, and safety regulations.
• Support the design and implementation of virtual power plants (VPPs) and demand response programs.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on DER-related matters.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field with a focus on power systems or renewable energy.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the energy sector, with a significant focus on distributed energy resources, grid integration, or power systems engineering.
• Strong understanding of DER technologies (solar PV, battery storage, EVs, microgrids) and their interaction with the grid.
• Proficiency in power system modeling software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, GridLAB-D) and data analysis tools.
• Experience with energy storage system design and operation is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of grid interconnection standards and utility best practices.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and technical documentation skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, adept at working effectively in a remote team environment.
• Familiarity with energy market operations and regulatory frameworks is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and flexible work schedule.
• Remote-first work environment fostering work‑life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Access to innovative projects and technologies in the clean energy space.
• Retirement savings plan with company contribution.
• Supportive and collaborative company culture.