Electrical Design Engineer - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Upington; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 980,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Training and development

Performance-based incentives

Collaborative work culture

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to design and optimize electrical infrastructure for utility-scale solar PV plants. You will develop electrical designs, select components, ensure grid code compliance, and support project execution from concept through operation.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering and at least 4 years of renewable energy design experience, proficiency with AutoCAD and Revit, and strong analytical and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum 4 years in electrical design, with focus on solar PV or renewable energy projects.
• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (AutoCAD, Revit) and simulation tools.
• Strong understanding of solar PV system components, configurations, and performance characteristics.
• Knowledge of power system analysis, protection principles, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Familiarity with relevant electrical codes and standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in project teams.
• Willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer electrical systems for solar PV power plants, including DC and AC collection systems, substations, and grid interconnection facilities.
• Develop detailed electrical drawings, schematics, single-line diagrams, and specifications using AutoCAD and other design tools.
• Perform electrical load calculations, fault studies, and grounding system designs.
• Select appropriate electrical components such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, cables, and protection devices.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant national and international standards (IEC, SANS) and utility grid codes.
• Collaborate with civil, structural, and mechanical engineers to integrate electrical designs into overall plant layouts.
• Support procurement activities by preparing BOMs and technical specifications for equipment.
• Provide technical assistance during the construction, commissioning, and testing phases of projects.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues that arise during project implementation and operation.
• Stay current with advancements in solar PV technology and electrical engineering best practices.

Skills

Electrical design

AutoCAD

Revit

Grid interconnection

Power system analysis

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Power system simulation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing company in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an innovative Electrical Design Engineer to join their project development team in Upington, Northern Cape. This role is integral to designing and optimizing the electrical infrastructure for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants. You will be responsible for developing electrical designs, selecting components, ensuring compliance with grid codes and standards, and supporting project execution from conception through to operation. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise in solar PV electrical systems, proficiency in relevant design software, and a keen eye for detail. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to sustainable energy projects in a region known for its solar potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer electrical systems for solar PV power plants, including DC and AC collection systems, substations, and grid interconnection facilities.


• Develop detailed electrical drawings, schematics, single-line diagrams, and specifications using AutoCAD and other design tools.


• Perform electrical load calculations, fault studies, and grounding system designs.


• Select appropriate electrical components such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, cables, and protection devices.


• Ensure designs comply with relevant national and international standards (e.g., IEC, SANS) and utility grid codes.


• Collaborate with civil, structural, and mechanical engineers to integrate electrical designs into overall plant layouts.


• Support procurement activities by preparing Bill of Materials (BOMs) and technical specifications for equipment.


• Provide technical assistance during the construction, commissioning, and testing phases of projects.


• Troubleshoot electrical issues that arise during project implementation and operation.


• Stay current with advancements in solar PV technology and electrical engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 4 years of experience in electrical design, with a specific focus on solar PV or other renewable energy projects.


• Proficiency in electrical CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit) and simulation tools.


• Strong understanding of solar PV system components, configurations, and performance characteristics.


• Knowledge of power system analysis, protection principles, and grid interconnection requirements.


• Familiarity with relevant electrical codes and standards.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a project team.


• Experience with power system simulation software is a plus.


• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and a provident fund. Employees will have the opportunity to work on exciting and impactful renewable energy projects in a growing industry.

The role is based in Upington, Northern Cape, a key location for solar energy development. Our client provides ongoing training and professional development opportunities to support career growth.

Additional benefits include performance-based incentives and a collaborative work culture. This position is ideal for an engineer passionate about renewable energy seeking to make a significant contribution.