Lead Electrical Engineer - Renewable Energy Projects

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Private medical insurance

Pension fund

Relocation assistance

Professional development

International conferences

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer in Cape Town to drive end-to-end electrical design for large-scale solar and wind projects. You will oversee design, procurement, construction, and grid interconnection, ensuring safety and Eskom compliance.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in electrical engineering, with 5+ in renewables, Pr. Eng registration, and strong leadership abilities to guide multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering is required.
• Pr. Eng registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in renewable energy (solar PV, wind).
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• In-depth knowledge of grid integration and protection/SCADA systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical design and engineering for utility-scale renewable energy projects (solar PV, wind).
• Develop and review electrical system designs, single-line diagrams, protection schemes, and grounding plans.
• Oversee procurement of electrical equipment (inverters, transformers, switchgear, cabling).
• Manage installation, commissioning, and grid interconnection activities with Eskom requirements.
• Conduct performance analysis and root cause investigations; implement corrective actions.
• Mentor and direct a team of engineers and technicians.
• Liaise with clients, grid operators, regulators, and EPC contractors.
• Ensure designs comply with SANS, IEC, and international standards.

Skills

Leadership

Renewable energy experience

Electrical design

Project management

Stakeholder management

Grid interconnection

SCADA systems

Mentorship

Education

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Pr. Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

PVSyst

PSCAD

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding force in the renewable energy sector, is looking for a visionary Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead groundbreaking projects in Cape Town, Western Cape . This critical role involves the full lifecycle management of electrical aspects for large-scale solar and wind farm developments. You will be responsible for overseeing design, engineering, procurement, and construction phases, ensuring optimal performance, grid compliance, and adherence to the highest safety standards. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in renewable energy electrical systems, strong leadership qualities, and a passion for sustainable solutions. Join a company that is at the forefront of driving South Africa's energy transition and make a tangible impact on the future of clean energy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design and engineering efforts for utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar PV plants and wind farms.
• Develop and review electrical system designs, single-line diagrams, protection schemes, and grounding plans.
• Manage the technical aspects of equipment procurement, including specifications for inverters, transformers, switchgear, and cabling.
• Oversee electrical installation, commissioning, and grid interconnection activities, ensuring compliance with Eskom requirements and relevant standards.
• Conduct performance analysis, root cause analysis for system failures, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage a team of electrical engineers and technicians, providing mentorship and technical direction.
• Liaise with project stakeholders, including clients, grid operators, regulatory bodies, and EPC contractors.
• Ensure all electrical designs and installations comply with relevant SANS, IEC, and other international standards.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional registration (Pr. Eng) with ECSA is mandatory.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years specifically in renewable energy (solar PV, wind).
• Demonstrated experience in leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• In-depth knowledge of grid integration of renewable energy sources, including SCADA systems and protection relays.
• Proficiency with electrical modeling and simulation software (e.g., PVSyst, PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory).
• Strong understanding of project management principles and experience in managing budgets and schedules.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.

Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including a substantial annual bonus, comprehensive private medical insurance, a generous pension fund, and relocation assistance if necessary for candidates moving to Cape Town, Western Cape . Our client invests heavily in professional development, offering access to specialized training, international conferences, and opportunities for career advancement. You will work on cutting-edge projects that contribute significantly to a sustainable energy future. The chance to lead and innovate within the vibrant energy landscape of Cape Town is unparalleled.