Engineering Manager - Renewable Energy

Engineered Sourcing; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead a dynamic design team in the solar energy sector. This role involves transforming initial concepts into detailed designs, ensuring compliance with grid codes, and managing stakeholder expectations. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in the solar industry, particularly in project management and technical consulting. You will be instrumental in guiding projects from conception to execution, conducting energy yield assessments, and optimizing designs for safety and reliability. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and offers a supportive work environment with competitive benefits.

Benefits

21 days annual paid vacation

Private Health Care

Reimbursement for business expenses

Necessary business tools provided

Qualifications

• 8+ years in the solar industry, with 3+ years in a managerial role.
• Expert in PVSYST, AutoCAD, and solar equipment specifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead the engineering team and manage design processes for PV systems.
• Conduct site visits and ensure compliance with international standards.

Skills

Solar Industry Experience

Project Management

Technical Consulting

Stakeholder Management

Energy Yield Assessment

Compliance Knowledge

Education

University degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PVSYST

AutoCAD

SOLARGIS

SKETCHUP

PVCase

HOMER Software

Job description

The Engineering Manager’s job is mainly to lead and manage the design team in South Africa, taking the initial system concept designs and translate them into fully detailed construction-ready designs. Assist the project management team and provide corporate business assurance for all matters about photovoltaic (PV) system engineering and technology.

Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Lead and build the engineering and technology team while addressing business requirements for assets at various stages and for M&A opportunities.
  
• Develop, execute, and uphold team management processes to ensure everything is delivered to schedule and budget, guidelines, and standards.
  
• Assist Customers and Business Development teams by comprehending their needs and providing customised solutions to enhance business success.
  

Technical Design Knowledge and Project Management

• Provide hands-on technical support for design reviews of pre-construction and construction projects, including AS-BUILT designs.
  
• Stay current with PV technologies, contributing to equipment specification and selection. Assess technology risks and opportunities at corporate and project levels, emphasising expertise in compliance with grid codes and operator requirements for LV/MV/HV systems.
  
• Conduct Energy Yield Assessments for complex terrains using simulation software like PVSyst.
  
• Lead key equipment reviews, defining requirements in tender packages, reviewing agreements, and participating in negotiations.
  
• Review project designs for site suitability, optimising for a safe and reliable operational life, aligning with guidelines and international standards.
  
• Support Project Management during construction phases, executing QA/QC protocols, conducting factory acceptance testing, site inspections, and End of Warranty inspections.
  
• Conduct site visits for new projects, generating PV layouts/SLD’s on AutoCAD following international guidelines.
  
• Create and maintain tools for evaluating DEVEX, CAPEX, and OPEX assumptions.
  

Perform Compliance and Quality Control

• Contribute to pre-construction by defining contractor obligations, requirements, and technical specs.
  
• Review agreements and lead EPC technical appendices development.
  
• Technical design and review of PV plant equipment, interpreting technical studies, and specifying PV modules, inverters, BESS, LV/MV/HV equipment (switchgear, transformers, cables, protection equipment), tracking PV systems, and monitoring systems.
  
• Maintain continuous technical discussions with suppliers, exploring project solutions, alternatives, and optimising electrical infrastructures.
  
• Expert in simulating PV system performance, conducting detailed operational assessments, and proficient in P50 and P90 probability analysis, uncertainties calculation.
  

Requirements

• University degree in Electrical Engineering.
  
• 8+ years demonstrated experience in the solar industry, at least 03 years in a managerial position with a background in technical consulting, EPC or Asset Management.
  
• Experience of working in a multinational, multi-segment, environment with matrix reporting.
  
• Awareness of cultural differences and varying legal/regulatory environments.
  
• Expert command of PVSYST –– SOLARGIS –– AUTOCAD, SKETCHUP, PVCase, HOMER Software to do modelling, design, analysis, optimization, monitoring, control, and automation for PV and BESS systems.
  
• Strong knowledge of electrical systems (LV/MV/HV, protection logic and termination) and structural design components and solar equipment manufacturers.
  
• Knowledge of local authority requirements and regulations with local grid operators, National Electrical Code and International standards.
  

Benefits

21 working days of annual paid vacation.

Private Health Care as per South Africa policy for the employee and dependents (provided the dependents are not already covered through the spouse’s insurance).

Regulatory other leaves & social contributions (Any employee contributions plus taxes will be paid by the employee and the employer contributions will be paid by the employer).

Reimbursement for business expenses and travel costs as per company expense policy.

Computer and other necessary business tools, not including a phone.