Junior Electrical Engineer

Network Finance; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 290,000; Full time

Job summary

Network Finance is recruiting a Junior Solar Design Engineer in South Africa to join a growing renewable energy team. You will assist in Solar PV system design, engineering and project delivery, gaining exposure from site assessments to installation and handover.

The role involves using AutoCAD, PVsyst, PV Sol and Helioscope, with responsibilities spanning technical drawings, BOQs, sizing and performance modelling. Ideal for graduates or early-career engineers with a passion for renewables.

Qualifications

• BEng / BSc / BTech in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 0-2 years' experience in engineering or Solar PV design; graduates considered.
• Experience with Solar PV systems is advantageous.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Experience with PV design software like PVsyst, PV Sol, Helioscope.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and layout of Solar PV systems for commercial, industrial and other applications.
• Prepare detailed technical drawings, layouts, schematics and documentation.
• Develop single-line diagrams (SLDs), PV layouts, stringing layouts, inverter layouts, earthing and cable-routing drawings.
• Assist with PV system sizing, energy yield calculations and performance modelling.
• Use PVsyst, PV Sol, Helioscope, AutoCAD or similar engineering software.
• Assist with site assessments, measurements and technical feasibility studies.
• Support the preparation of BOQs, equipment schedules and technical specifications.
• Assist with the selection and sizing of PV modules, inverters, mounting systems and balance-of-system components.
• Analyse electrical loads and client consumption profiles where required.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable SANS, NRS, municipal and electrical requirements.
• Provide technical support to project managers, installation teams and senior engineers.
• Assist with procurement, installation and commissioning activities.
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving technical design and site-related issues.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and project records.
• Stay informed about developments in Solar PV, BESS and renewable energy technologies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

MS Office

Communication skills

Education

BEng / BSc / BTech in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

PVsyst

PV Sol

Helioscope

Job description

Our client is looking for a motivated and technically minded Junior Solar Design Engineer to join their growing renewable energy team. This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career Electrical Engineer who is passionate about renewable energy and wants to develop their expertise in Solar PV system design, engineering and project delivery.
The successful candidate will work closely with experienced engineers and project teams, gaining exposure to the full project lifecycle from site assessments and system design through to installation, commissioning and handover. Typical junior solar design roles in South Africa involve AutoCAD, PVsyst or similar modelling tools, technical drawings, feasibility studies and support for project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the design and layout of Solar PV systems for commercial, industrial and other applications.
• Prepare detailed technical drawings, layouts, schematics and documentation.
• Develop single-line diagrams (SLDs), PV layouts, stringing layouts, inverter layouts, earthing and cable-routing drawings.
• Assist with PV system sizing, energy yield calculations and performance modelling.
• Use PVsyst, PV Sol, Helioscope, AutoCAD or similar engineering software.
• Assist with site assessments, measurements and technical feasibility studies.
• Support the preparation of Bills of Quantities (BOQs), equipment schedules and technical specifications.
• Assist with the selection and sizing of PV modules, inverters, mounting systems and balance-of-system components.
• Analyse electrical loads and client consumption profiles where required.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable SANS, NRS, municipal and electrical requirements.
• Provide technical support to project managers, installation teams and senior engineers.
• Assist with procurement, installation and commissioning activities.
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving technical design and site-related issues.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation and project records.
• Stay informed about developments in Solar PV, BESS and renewable energy technologies.

Minimum Requirements

• BEng / BSc / BTech in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 0-2 years' experience in engineering or Solar PV design; graduate candidates will be considered.
• Internship, graduate training or practical exposure to Solar PV systems will be advantageous.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Exposure to PVsyst, PV Sol, Helioscope or similar solar design/simulation software.
• Basic understanding of electrical systems, PV technology and energy generation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Good Microsoft Office skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel to project sites.