Lead Electrical Engineer

Petroplan; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy firm in Cape Town is looking for a Lead Electrical Engineer to manage the internal engineering team and provide technical support across various project phases. The ideal candidate will possess a BSc in Electrical Engineering with at least 15 years of experience. Key responsibilities include managing electrical design, liaising with contractors, and ensuring safety compliance. This role requires strong skills in AutoCAD, project management, and knowledge of renewable energy technologies.

Qualifications

• 15 years in electrical engineering for BSc Eng / Pr Eng or NDip / Pr Tech qualifications.
• Experience in transmission and distribution.
• 2-3 years' experience in renewable generation and design.
• 2-3 years construction experience and grid connection studies.

Responsibilities

• Manage the electrical engineering team and provide technical support.
• Ensure designs meet client's requirements and safety regulations.
• Compile RFP/RFQ documents and evaluate contractors.
• Oversee compliance with Grid Code Requirements.

Skills

Knowledge of engineering and construction contracts

H&S experience and training

AutoCAD

DIGSilent

Microsoft Office literate

Understanding of solar engineering

Understanding of wind engineering

Understanding of hydro engineering

Understanding of Battery Technology

Project Management

Education

BSc Electrical Engineering or National Diploma (NDip) Electrical Engineering

Pr Eng or Pr Tech or equivalent chartered engineer qualification

Job description

The lead electrical engineer

Petroplan are pleased to be working alongside a reputable independent power producer (IPP) specialised in the renewable energy sector based in Cape Town.

The lead electrical engineer manages the internal electrical engineering team and provides technical support on all electrical aspects of the projects during the development, transactions, execution and operational phases of projects.

Responsibilities

• Managing of the activities of the electrical engineering department aligned with the Head of Engineering
• Management of electrical engineers and performance engineers who report directly to the lead electrical engineer
• Management of any external electrical engineering consultants
• Management of Control & Instrumentation and SCADA Engineering
• Liaising with utilities and off-takers for grid connection works
• Technical evaluation of RFP documents and PPAs
• The compilation of concept / FEED level electrical designs at Development and Transaction phases of projects, both for interconnection / grid connection works and for internal plant electrical works
• The compilation of cost estimates for financial model purposes for electrical works
• Producing bid deliverables relating to electrical works and grid connection
• The compilation of technical electrical specifications and Employer's Requirements
• The compilation of RFP / RFQ documents (drawings, specifications, returnable documents) for EPC Contractors
• Technical evaluation and negotiations with EPC Contractors
• Support to Project Engineers during execution phase of projects
• Ensuring that the designs and installations meet the client's requirements and all the relevant safety regulations.
• Support to Project Managers, Construction Managers, Electrical Site Supervisors and Commissioning Managers for site electrical activities during execution phase of projects
• The review and acceptance of detailed AFC electrical designs produced by external consultants / contractors
• Management of Grid Code Compliance Requirements
• The overarching responsibility of all our client's engineering team members is to support the development of projects, contribute to the winning of projects, achieving financial close for the projects and executing the projects to achieve COD and Facility Acceptance within budget, within the required timelines and to the required quality and standard.

Minimum Educational Qualifications

• BSc Electrical Engineering or National Diploma (NDip) Electrical Engineering
• Pr Eng or Pr Tech or equivalent chartered engineer qualification

Minimum Previous Experience

• For BSc Eng / Pr Eng - 15 years in electrical engineering
• For NDip / Pr Tech - 15 years in electrical engineering
• Transmission and distribution experience
• HV, MV and LV experience
• 2-3 years' experience in renewable generation
• 5 years design experience
• 2-3 years construction experience
• 2-3 years' experience in grid connection studies

Other Skills

• Knowledge of engineering and construction contracts
• H&S experience and training
• AutoCAD
• DIGSilent
• Microsoft Office literate
• Understanding of solar engineering
• Understanding of wind engineering
• Understanding of hydro engineering
• Understanding of Battery Technology
• Project Management

Languages

• English (Read, write & speak)

About Petroplan

Petroplan is the trusted, specialist global Talent Solutions partner of choice for employers and professionals in the Energy sector. Since 1976, Petroplan has been here to help people like you make the most of the opportunities available and find the best fit for you as an individual.

Over 10,000 placements in more than 55 countries for over 550 clients across 65 disciplines.

In an industry where skilled and experienced professionals are increasingly sought after resource, we appreciate the true value of what you have to offer. What's more, we understand that different things are important to different people in today's world of work - it's about making exactly the right connections for you as an individual.

Our reputation for contractor and candidate care, understanding what makes you tick, and finding you the best match is second-to-none. We understand the industry inside-out and seek to understand YOU and your motivations in the same way. We take the time to evaluate your individual strengths, understand the most important things to you, and establish exactly what you're looking for from your next role.

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• English