Electrical Design Engineer - Renewable Energy Projects

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Hybrid work arrangement

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to join our renewable energy team in Bloemfontein. The role focuses on electrical design and integration of solar PV and battery energy storage systems, delivering designs, specs, and project support from concept to commissioning.

You will work with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure code-compliant, reliable designs across utility-scale projects. The ideal candidate holds a BEng/BTech in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years in renewable

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in electrical engineering, with renewable energy projects (solar PV preferred).
• Strong knowledge of PV system components, design principles, and performance modeling.
• Familiarity with BESS design and integration is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in CAD software (AutoCAD) and electrical design tools.
• Understanding of grid interconnection requirements and utility standards.
• Knowledge of South African electrical codes and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills; team collaboration in Bloemfontein.

Responsibilities

• Develop electrical designs and single-line diagrams for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects.
• Perform AC and DC design calculations including load flow, fault current, and voltage drop analysis.
• Select and specify key electrical components such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, cabling.
• Ensure designs comply with IEC, IEEE and SANS standards and local regulations.
• Collaborate with civil and mechanical teams for integrated project design.
• Prepare technical specifications, BOMs, and procurement documentation.
• Provide electrical engineering support during construction, including site visits.
• Review contractor submittals and ensure design compliance.
• Assist in commissioning and testing to verify performance and safety.
• Stay updated on new technologies and best practices in renewable energy design.

Skills

Electrical design

PV systems

BESS integration

AutoCAD

Load flow analysis

Grid interconnection

Electrical codes IEC/IEEE/SANS

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ETAP

SKM PowerTools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a prominent developer and operator of renewable energy facilities, is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer to join their growing team in Bloemfontein. This role will focus on the electrical design and integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS). You will be responsible for creating detailed electrical designs, specifications, and supporting project execution from concept through to commissioning. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of PV system design, grid interconnection standards, and relevant electrical codes. Join a forward-thinking company in Bloemfontein that is committed to advancing sustainable energy solutions and driving the green transition in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop electrical designs and single-line diagrams for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects.
• Perform AC and DC system design calculations, including load flow, fault current, and voltage drop analysis.
• Select and specify key electrical components such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, combiner boxes, and cabling.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant international standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE) and South African national standards (SANS).
• Collaborate with civil and mechanical engineering teams to ensure the integrated design of the project.
• Prepare technical specifications, Bill of Materials (BOMs), and procurement documentation.
• Provide electrical engineering support during the construction phase, including site visits and issue resolution.
• Review contractor submittals and ensure compliance with design requirements.
• Assist in the commissioning and testing of electrical systems to verify performance and safety.
• Stay updated on the latest technologies and best practices in renewable energy electrical design.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in electrical engineering, with specific experience in renewable energy projects (solar PV preferred).
• Strong knowledge of PV system components, design principles, and performance modeling.
• Familiarity with BESS design and integration is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD) and electrical design tools.
• Understanding of grid interconnection requirements and relevant utility standards.
• Knowledge of South African electrical codes and regulations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple tasks effectively in Bloemfontein.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or Technologist (Pr Tech Eng) registration with ECSA is an advantage.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and a retirement fund. The company fosters a culture of innovation and provides opportunities for professional development and career growth within the renewable energy sector.
• This role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing in-office collaboration with remote flexibility for our Bloemfontein team.