Lead Electrical Engineer - Renewable Energy Systems

Placements24; George; Hybrid; ZAR 1,100,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Competitive remuneration package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Engineer to drive design, development, and implementation of electrical systems for solar, wind, and other renewables from a remote-first setup.

The role requires strong leadership, deep expertise in power electronics, grid integration, and storage technologies, with remote team management and cross-functional collaboration across projects in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or Renewable Energy.
• 8+ years of relevant experience in electrical design and engineering, with at least 4 years in renewable energy.
• Experience with grid interconnection studies and standards for renewable energy sources.
• Proficiency in electrical design and simulation software (PVSyst, ETAP, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong understanding of power electronics, control systems, and energy storage technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage remote engineering teams.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration is advantageous.
• Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design and engineering efforts for renewable energy projects such as solar and wind installations.
• Develop detailed electrical system designs, schematics, single-line diagrams, and control logic for grid-tied and off-grid systems.
• Perform power flow, fault analysis, stability, and protection coordination studies.
• Specify major electrical equipment like inverters, transformers, switchgear, and energy storage systems.
• Oversee technical aspects of project execution to ensure designs meet specifications.
• Collaborate with remote cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence.
• Stay updated on renewable energy tech and best practices.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Renewable energy

Remote team leadership

Grid interconnection studies

Electrical design & analysis

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Pr. Eng. registration (advantage)

Tools

PVSyst

ETAP

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

About the Role

Our client is revolutionizing the renewable energy sector and is seeking an experienced Lead Electrical Engineer to spearhead critical projects from a remote-first perspective. This role is based in **George, Western Cape**, but operates entirely remotely, allowing you to contribute your expertise from anywhere. You will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge electrical systems for solar, wind, and other renewable energy installations. This position demands a strong technical background in power electronics, grid integration, and system optimization, coupled with excellent leadership and communication skills to effectively manage remote teams and stakeholders. You will play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable energy solutions and driving innovation in a rapidly growing industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design and engineering efforts for renewable energy projects, including solar PV farms and wind energy installations.
• Develop detailed electrical system designs, schematics, single-line diagrams, and control logic for grid-tied and off-grid systems.
• Perform complex electrical studies, including power flow, fault analysis, stability, and protection coordination for renewable energy integration.
• Specify and select major electrical equipment such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, and energy storage systems.
• Oversee the technical aspects of project execution, ensuring designs are implemented efficiently and according to specifications.
• Collaborate with cross-functional remote teams, including project managers, civil engineers, and software developers.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in renewable energy technologies and electrical engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or Renewable Energy.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in the design and engineering of electrical systems, with at least 4 years focused on renewable energy projects.
• Proven experience with grid interconnection studies and standards for renewable energy sources.
• Proficiency in electrical design and simulation software (e.g., PVSyst, ETAP, MATLAB/Simulink).
• Strong understanding of power electronics, control systems, and energy storage technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage remote engineering teams effectively.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills for remote collaboration.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is a significant advantage.
• Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) is highly preferred.

Benefits

• Fully remote work arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Competitive remuneration package, reflecting your senior expertise.
• Opportunity to shape the future of renewable energy in South Africa.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and professional development resources.
• Work with a passionate and innovative team dedicated to sustainability.