Lead Electrical Design Engineer - Renewables

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 850,000 - 1,250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote benefits package

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Design Engineer to drive electrical design for solar and wind projects from a remote capacity. You will guide the design process, deliver detailed diagrams, and ensure grid compliance across multiple locations.

The role requires a Master’s in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems) and 8+ years’ experience, including leadership in renewables. Candidates must be proficient with PSS/E/ETAP/DIgSILENT and CAD tools.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a Power Systems focus.
• At least 8 years in electrical design; 3+ years in renewables (solar/wind).
• Experience leading electrical design teams or projects.
• Strong knowledge of grid interconnection standards and requirements.
• Proficiency with power system analysis software and CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for utility-scale solar and wind projects.
• Develop and review electrical designs, including single-line diagrams, schematics, and equipment specifications.
• Perform detailed power system studies: load flow, fault analysis, and stability simulations.
• Ensure designs comply with IEC, IEEE, NEC and client requirements.
• Select electrical equipment considering performance, reliability and cost.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in a remote setting.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers.
• Oversee procurement, construction and commissioning aspects.
• Conduct design reviews and risk assessments with mitigation strategies.
• Stay current with renewables tech and engineering best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Project management

Analytical thinking

Decision making

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

PSS/E

ETAP

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Electrical CAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a trailblazer in the renewable energy sector, is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Design Engineer to spearhead their design initiatives from a remote capacity. This position is integral to the development of innovative electrical systems for solar and wind power projects. You will be responsible for leading the design process, from conceptualization through to detailed engineering, ensuring the electrical integrity and efficiency of our renewable energy installations. The ideal candidate possesses extensive expertise in power systems design, a strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, and excellent leadership skills to guide design efforts. This is a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the sustainable energy transition, working remotely and impacting projects across various locations, including those near East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of utility-scale solar and wind farm projects.
• Develop and review electrical system designs, including single-line diagrams, schematics, and equipment specifications for PV arrays, inverters, transformers, switchgear, and grid interconnection.
• Perform detailed power system studies, including load flow, fault analysis, and transient stability simulations.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, codes (e.g., IEC, IEEE, NEC), and client requirements.
• Select and specify electrical equipment, considering performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including civil, structural, and project management, in a remote setting.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior electrical engineers.
• Oversee the technical aspects of procurement, construction, and commissioning phases.
• Conduct design reviews, risk assessments, and propose mitigation strategies.
• Stay current with advancements in renewable energy technology and electrical engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, with a specialization in Power Systems.
• A minimum of 8 years of experience in electrical design, with at least 3 years focused on renewable energy projects (solar and/or wind).
• Demonstrated experience leading electrical design teams or projects.
• Proficiency in power system analysis software (e.g., PSS/E, ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
• Strong understanding of grid interconnection standards and requirements.
• Experience with electrical CAD software and relevant industry codes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, adapted for remote work.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively in a distributed team environment.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) designation is highly preferred.
• Experience with energy storage systems integration is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance-based bonuses, and a comprehensive remote benefits package. This Yes remote role provides the ultimate flexibility, allowing you to work from anywhere while contributing to impactful renewable energy projects. We foster a collaborative virtual environment, support continuous professional development, and offer exciting challenges in the growing green energy sector.