Lead Electrical Engineer - Renewable Energy Projects

Placements24; Centurion; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid

Life insurance

Retirement annuity

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to champion the electrical design of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects across South Africa. This fully remote role will leverage your deep power systems expertise and leadership to drive grid interconnection, protection, and optimization.

You will lead a team of experienced engineers, coordinate with grid operators and regulators, and guide projects from feasibility through construction support while staying ahead of industry

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in renewable energy projects.
• Proven experience in leading electrical design teams and managing complex projects.
• In-depth knowledge of power system analysis tools (PSS/E, PSCAD, ETAP).
• Strong understanding of grid codes, interconnection standards, and power quality issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering design for utility-scale renewable energy projects (solar, wind, storage).
• Develop detailed electrical designs, single-line diagrams, protection schemes, and grounding systems.
• Conduct power system studies including grid interconnection and transient stability analysis.
• Specify major electrical equipment such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, and storage systems.
• Oversee electrical aspects from feasibility to detailed engineering and construction support.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers, providing technical guidance.
• Liaise with grid operators and regulators to ensure project compliance and grid connection.
• Review and approve electrical design documents per industry standards and codes.
• Contribute technical input to tendering and evaluate contractor proposals.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in renewables.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Stakeholder management

Communication

Remote work capability

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

PSCAD

ETAP

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering company at the forefront of sustainable energy development, is seeking an experienced and visionary Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead their renewable energy projects. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere in South Africa. You will play a pivotal role in the design, development, and execution of large-scale solar, wind, and battery storage projects. This role demands a deep understanding of power systems, grid integration, and renewable energy technologies. You will lead a team of engineers, ensuring the technical excellence and successful delivery of projects that contribute significantly to South Africa's clean energy transition. We are looking for a seasoned professional with strong leadership capabilities, a passion for sustainability, and the ability to drive innovation in a fast-paced, remote work environment. Your insights will be critical in shaping the future of energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical engineering design for utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar PV, wind farms, and energy storage systems.
• Develop detailed electrical designs, single-line diagrams, protection schemes, and grounding systems.
• Conduct comprehensive power system studies, including grid interconnection studies, transient stability analysis, and protection coordination.
• Specify major electrical equipment such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, and energy storage systems.
• Oversee the electrical aspects of project development, from feasibility studies and conceptual design through to detailed engineering and construction support.
• Manage and mentor a team of electrical engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering a collaborative work environment.
• Liaise with grid operators, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure project compliance and successful grid connection.
• Review and approve electrical design documents, ensuring adherence to industry standards, codes, and best practices.
• Contribute to the tendering process by providing technical input and evaluating contractor proposals.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends in the renewable energy sector.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years focused specifically on renewable energy projects (solar, wind, BESS).
• Proven experience in leading electrical design teams and managing complex engineering projects.
• In-depth knowledge of power system analysis tools (e.g., PSS/E, PSCAD, ETAP).
• Strong understanding of grid codes, interconnection standards, and power quality issues.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work effectively and autonomously in a remote setting.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.
• Experience with SCADA systems for renewable energy plants is a plus.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary package, including significant bonus potential tied to project success.
• Our client provides a comprehensive benefits program, featuring excellent medical aid coverage, life insurance, and a generous retirement annuity.
• Continuous professional development opportunities, including advanced training and conference attendance, are a priority.
• You’ll be part of a mission-driven organization contributing to a sustainable future, working on groundbreaking projects from Centurion, Gauteng or any preferred location in South Africa, and making a tangible impact on the renewable energy landscape.