Head of Electrical Engineering (Renewable Energy)

Status; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Status in Somerset West is seeking an experienced Head of Engineering (Electrical) to lead the engineering function for a fast-growing solar energy company. You will oversee the design, implementation and optimisation of solar energy systems while guiding a high-performing engineering team.

The role requires a BEng/BSc in Electrical Engineering, 8–10+ years in renewable energy, strong PV design experience (C&I or utility-scale), and proficiency with PVSyst, Helioscope and AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc in Electrical Engineering.
• 8–10+ years’ experience in renewable energy.
• Strong Solar PV design experience (C&I and/or utility-scale).
• Proven leadership of engineering teams.
• Solid understanding of BESS integration.
• Knowledge of SA grid code, NRS, and SSEG requirements.
• Proficiency in tools such as PVSyst / Helioscope / AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the engineering team.
• Own system design across PV and BESS.
• Ensure bankable, compliant, and optimised designs.
• Drive engineering standards, processes, and continuous improvement.
• Support project delivery, tenders, and technical decision‑making.
• Interface with clients, utilities, and regulatory bodies.

Skills

PVSyst

Helioscope

AutoCAD

Engineering leadership

Solar PV design

Grid codes (NRS/SSEG)

Education

BEng/BSc Electrical Engineering

Tools

PVSyst

Helioscope

AutoCAD

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Engineering (Electrical) to lead the engineering function within a fast‑growing solar energy company based in Somerset West. This role is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and optimisation of solar energy systems, while leading a high‑performing engineering team and ensuring technical excellence across all projects.

Employment type: Permanent | Sector: Engineering | Basic salary: Market related | Start date: ASAP / Immediate.

Requirements

• BEng/BSc in Electrical Engineering
• 8–10+ years’ experience in renewable energy
• Strong Solar PV design experience (C&I and/or utility‑scale)
• Proven leadership of engineering teams
• Solid understanding of BESS integration
• Knowledge of SA grid code, NRS, and SSEG requirements
• Proficiency in tools such as PVSyst / Helioscope / AutoCAD

Advantageous

• ECSA (Pr Eng) registration
• EPC environment experience
• Hybrid systems (PV + BESS + generators)
• Techno‑economic / financial modelling

Duties

• Lead and manage the engineering team
• Own system design across PV and BESS
• Ensure bankable, compliant, and optimised designs
• Drive engineering standards, processes, and continuous improvement
• Support project delivery, tenders, and technical decision‑making
• Interface with clients, utilities, and regulatory bodies

Key Competencies

• Strong technical authority with leadership capability
• Commercially aware and solutions‑driven
• Able to balance design optimisation with project realities
• Comfortable in a high‑performance, delivery‑focused environment

Requires regular travel to project sites across South Africa (and occasionally Africa).