Lead Electrical Engineer - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Medical aid coverage

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development opportunities

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Electrical Engineer to drive design, development, and deployment of electrical systems for solar and wind projects in Johannesburg, Gauteng. You will guide a team of engineers, ensuring safe, compliant, and innovative solutions across project lifecycles.

The role requires a Pr.Eng. registration, 8+ years in renewables, strong leadership, and expertise in power systems, grid interconnection, and protection schemes. Travel to sites may be necessary in Gauteng and beyond.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Pr.Eng.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering with renewable energy projects (solar, wind).
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of power systems, grid interconnection standards, and protection schemes.
• Familiarity with ETAP and PVSyst.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites within Johannesburg and beyond.
• A commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of engineering work.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical systems for renewable energy projects, including solar PV and wind farms.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and commissioning phases of electrical installations.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Conduct feasibility studies, technical analyses, and risk assessments for new projects.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including project managers, civil engineers, and procurement specialists.
• Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for electrical aspects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues that arise during project execution and operation.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in electrical engineering and renewable energy technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and documentation.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Electrical design

Grid interconnection

Protection schemes

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Pr.Eng. registration with ECSA

Tools

ETAP

PVSyst

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in the renewable energy sector, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead innovative projects from conception through to completion in Johannesburg, Gauteng . This is a critical role demanding exceptional technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a forward-thinking approach to sustainable energy solutions. You will be responsible for guiding a team of engineers, ensuring the successful design, development, implementation, and maintenance of electrical systems for our solar and wind power projects. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of electrical power systems, grid integration, and emerging renewable energy technologies. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on the future of energy in South Africa and contribute to a greener planet, working within a collaborative and growth-oriented environment. The role involves significant responsibility and the opportunity to influence project direction and technological adoption.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of electrical systems for renewable energy projects, including solar PV and wind farms.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and commissioning phases of electrical installations.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols.
• Conduct feasibility studies, technical analyses, and risk assessments for new projects.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including project managers, civil engineers, and procurement specialists.
• Develop and manage project budgets, timelines, and resource allocation for electrical aspects.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues that arise during project execution and operation.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in electrical engineering and renewable energy technologies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and documentation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) as a Pr.Eng.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with a significant focus on renewable energy projects (solar, wind).
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams and managing complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of power systems, grid interconnection standards, and protection schemes.
• Familiarity with relevant software tools for electrical design and simulation (e.g., ETAP, PVSyst).
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal abilities.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to project sites within Johannesburg and beyond.
• A commitment to safety and quality in all aspects of engineering work.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with your experience and expertise in the renewable energy sector.
• Benefits include a generous performance-based bonus structure, comprehensive medical aid coverage with leading providers, and a robust retirement fund contribution.
• Our client invests heavily in employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and attending industry conferences.
• You will work in a state-of-the-art facility in Johannesburg and have access to cutting-edge technology.
• The company culture promotes innovation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to sustainability, offering a challenging yet rewarding career path in the heart of Gauteng .