Lead Geothermal Energy Engineer

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave and growth opportunities

Medical aid and pension contributions

International training programs

Relocation assistance

Access to advanced geothermal tech

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geothermal Energy Engineer to head our geothermal projects in George, Western Cape. You will oversee from resource assessment to commissioning, leading a team of engineers and geologists in a safe, efficient and high-quality delivery.

The role requires a Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field, 8+ years of experience, and on-site presence in George. Expect involvement in design, modeling, budgeting and regulatory compliance with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geothermal Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geology or related field.
• 8+ years in geothermal energy with leadership experience.
• Proven track record in geothermal power project design and development.
• Experience with subsurface exploration, drilling operations, and reservoir management.
• Thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer and fluid dynamics in geothermal systems.
• Experience with geological modeling, reservoir simulation and plant design software.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Based in George, Western Cape with full-time on-site presence.

Responsibilities

• Lead conceptualization, design and engineering of geothermal plants and related infrastructure.
• Oversee all phases from resource assessment to commissioning.
• Conduct surveys, reservoir modeling and feasibility studies.
• Manage procurement and installation of specialized equipment with safety compliance.
• Develop operational strategies to maximize energy output and efficiency.
• Ensure adherence to environmental regulations and best practices.
• Mentor a team of engineers, geologists and technicians.
• Collaborate with regulators, communities and investors.
• Develop and manage project budgets and timelines.
• Keep abreast of advances in geothermal exploration and power generation.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Communication

Team mentorship

Decision making

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Geothermal Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geology

Tools

Geological modeling software

Reservoir simulation software

Plant design software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a leader in pioneering innovative energy solutions and is looking for an exceptional Lead Geothermal Energy Engineer to spearhead their operations in George, Western Cape . This is a critical role responsible for the design, development, and implementation of cutting-edge geothermal energy systems. You will be at the forefront of harnessing the Earth's natural heat for sustainable power generation. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of geological processes, thermodynamic principles, and advanced engineering techniques relevant to geothermal resource exploration and utilization. This position demands strong leadership capabilities to guide a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. The role is based in George, Western Cape and requires a commitment to on-site presence for direct oversight and engagement with the resource and infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and engineering of geothermal power plants and related infrastructure.
• Oversee all phases of geothermal project development, from resource assessment and exploration drilling to plant construction and commissioning.
• Conduct detailed geological surveys, reservoir modeling, and feasibility studies to evaluate geothermal resource potential.
• Manage the procurement and installation of specialized equipment, ensuring compliance with technical specifications and safety regulations.
• Develop and implement operational strategies for geothermal plants to maximize energy output and operational efficiency.
• Ensure strict adherence to environmental regulations and best practices throughout project lifecycles.
• Supervise and mentor a team of engineers, geologists, and technicians, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, community representatives, and investors, to ensure project success.
• Develop and manage project budgets, control costs, and ensure timely project completion.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements and technologies in geothermal energy exploration and power generation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geothermal Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Geology, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in the geothermal energy industry, with a focus on engineering and project leadership.
• Proven track record in the design and development of geothermal power projects.
• Extensive knowledge of subsurface exploration techniques, drilling operations, and reservoir management.
• Expertise in thermodynamic cycles, heat transfer, and fluid dynamics relevant to geothermal systems.
• Experience with relevant software for geological modeling, reservoir simulation, and plant design.
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to George, Western Cape , with a requirement for full-time on-site presence.
• Familiarity with South African mining and environmental legislation is a plus.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of R .
• Annual performance bonus scheme.
• Generous contributions to medical aid and pension funds.
• Opportunities for international training and professional development.
• Relocation assistance if applicable.
• Access to state-of-the‑art technology and research facilities.
• Chance to work on pioneering geothermal projects in a beautiful region.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment.
• Potential for significant career growth and leadership opportunities.
• Generous annual leave entitlement.