Lead Electrical Engineer - Renewable Energy Projects

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement annuity

Life insurance

Growth opportunities

Training in renewables

Professional development

Leave allowances

International exposure

Stable office environment

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer for a renewables-focused developer/operator in George, Western Cape. You will oversee electrical design, engineering, and commissioning of solar and wind projects, ensuring technical integrity and compliance from feasibility to grid connection.

You will lead a team of engineers and technicians, drive innovation, and uphold safety and performance standards while delivering scalable energy solutions and supporting growth across South Africa's

Qualifications

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) designation is essential.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on renewable energy projects (solar PV or wind).
• Demonstrated expertise in grid connection studies and requirements for large-scale power plants.
• Proficiency with simulation software relevant to renewable energy systems (e.g., PVSyst, DigSilent PowerFactory, PSCAD).
• Strong understanding of power electronics, energy storage systems, and SCADA systems.
• Experience in managing engineering teams and leading technical projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex technical concepts.
• Willingness to undertake frequent site visits within George and surrounding areas.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead the electrical engineering design for utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar PV farms and wind installations.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, control philosophies, and protection schemes.
• Perform complex electrical studies, including power quality, grid stability, and harmonic analysis.
• Manage the selection and procurement of electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, inverters, and cabling.
• Oversee the electrical aspects of project construction, ensuring adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
• Lead the commissioning and testing phases of electrical systems, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (project management, O&M) and external parties (grid operators, suppliers, contractors).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the electrical engineering team.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant South African and international standards and regulations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and technical solutions for renewable energy systems.

Skills

Team leadership

Grid studies

Power electronics

Communication

Decision making

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Pr.Eng. designation

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PVSyst

DigSilent PowerFactory

PSCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leading developer and operator of renewable energy facilities and is seeking a highly motivated Lead Electrical Engineer to join their expanding operations in George . This critical role will involve overseeing the electrical design, engineering, and commissioning of large-scale solar and wind projects. You will be responsible for ensuring the technical integrity and compliance of all electrical aspects, from feasibility studies through to grid connection. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in the transition to sustainable energy sources within the Western Cape. The Lead Electrical Engineer will manage a team of engineers and technicians, foster innovation, and ensure the highest standards of safety and performance are maintained. This position offers a challenging yet rewarding career path for a visionary engineer passionate about clean energy solutions and contributing to a greener future for South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Spearhead the electrical engineering design for utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar PV farms and wind installations.
• Develop and review electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, control philosophies, and protection schemes.
• Perform complex electrical studies, including power quality, grid stability, and harmonic analysis.
• Manage the selection and procurement of electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, inverters, and cabling.
• Oversee the electrical aspects of project construction, ensuring adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
• Lead the commissioning and testing phases of electrical systems, troubleshooting any issues that arise.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders (project management, O&M) and external parties (grid operators, suppliers, contractors).
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to the electrical engineering team.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant South African and international standards and regulations.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes and technical solutions for renewable energy systems.

Requirements

• Master's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) designation is essential.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on renewable energy projects (solar PV or wind).
• Demonstrated expertise in grid connection studies and requirements for large-scale power plants.
• Proficiency with simulation software relevant to renewable energy systems (e.g., PVSyst, DigSilent PowerFactory, PSCAD).
• Strong understanding of power electronics, energy storage systems, and SCADA systems.
• Experience in managing engineering teams and leading technical projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, with the capacity to articulate complex technical concepts.
• Willingness to undertake frequent site visits within George and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• an attractive salary package
• performance-based bonuses
• medical aid
• retirement annuity
• life insurance
• significant opportunities for professional growth
• specialized training in cutting-edge renewable energy technologies
• support for professional development
• generous leave allowances
• potential for international exposure
• office-based, offering a stable and structured work environment to focus on project delivery.
• The role is based in the scenic city of George , offering a unique lifestyle balance.

You will be part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions in South Africa.