Head of Electrical Engineering, Solar & BESS

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

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).