Lead Electrical Design Engineer - Renewables

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Design Engineer for its Paarl, Western Cape office to guide the electrical design lifecycle for utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects.

You will lead a design team, develop detailed diagrams, specify equipment, and ensure compliance with IEC/IEEE standards while collaborating with project managers and construction teams. A strong renewable energy background and Pr. Eng are highly regarded.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years in electrical design engineering, with 5+ years in renewables (solar PV, storage).
• Experience leading design teams and delivering projects.
• Knowledge of AC/DC systems, grid interconnection, protection schemes.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PSS/E.
• HV experience and safety risk management.
• Pr. Eng registration with ECSA desirable.
• Eligible to work in South Africa and willing to work in Paarl.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design for solar PV and battery storage projects.
• Develop and review single-line diagrams, schematics and wiring layouts.
• Specify equipment: inverters, transformers, switchgear, cabling.
• Conduct electrical studies: load flow, short circuit, protection coordination.
• Ensure designs meet IEC/IEEE standards and client specs.
• Mentor a team of electrical design engineers and drafters.
• Collaborate with project managers, civil, procurement and construction teams.
• Provide technical support during procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Stay updated with design best practices in renewable energy.
• Review designs from third-party consultants or contractors.

Skills

Leadership

Team mentoring

Project management

Communication

Problem solving

Electrical design

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration desirable

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ETAP

PSS/E

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent developer of renewable **energy** projects, is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Design Engineer for their **Paarl, Western Cape** office. This role is crucial for leading the electrical design aspects of utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire design lifecycle, from conceptualization and detailed engineering to supporting construction and commissioning. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electrical engineering, specifically within the renewable **energy** sector, with proven experience in managing design teams and complex projects. This is a key position within a growing organization committed to driving the transition to sustainable energy solutions in **South Africa**. You will play a vital role in shaping the future of clean energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of renewable energy projects, including solar farms and energy storage systems.
• Develop and review electrical single-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring layouts.
• Specify electrical equipment, including inverters, transformers, switchgear, and cabling.
• Conduct electrical studies, such as load flow, short circuit, and protection coordination.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant national and international electrical codes, standards (e.g., IEC, IEEE), and client specifications.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical design engineers and drafters, ensuring high-quality deliverables.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, civil engineers, procurement, and construction teams.
• Provide technical support during the procurement, construction, and commissioning phases of projects in **Paarl**.
• Stay current with the latest technological advancements and design best practices in the renewable **energy** field.
• Review and approve design documentation submitted by third-party consultants or contractors.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical design engineering, with at least 5 years dedicated to renewable **energy** projects (solar PV, battery storage).
• Proven experience in leading electrical design teams and managing project deliverables.
• In-depth knowledge of AC/DC systems, power electronics, grid interconnection standards, and protection schemes.
• Proficiency with electrical design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PSS/E).
• Experience with medium and high-voltage systems.
• Strong understanding of safety principles and risk management in electrical design.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Must be eligible to work in **South Africa** and comfortable working in **Paarl**.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Be part of impactful projects contributing to a sustainable energy future.
• Collaborative and innovative work environment within the **Western Cape** region.
• Potential for international project exposure.