Lead Solar Farm Operations Engineer

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary with performance-in

Comprehensive medical, dental, and opt

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Solar Farm Operations Engineer to oversee multiple solar facilities in Gauteng. You will lead a team of technicians and engineers, drive continuous improvement, and ensure high energy output with strict safety standards.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Electrical or related field and at least 6 years in solar plant operations/maintenance, with strong knowledge of PV tech and SCADA systems. On-site role with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in operation and maintenance of solar farms or large-scale renewable facilities.
• Proven experience leading technical teams and managing operational budgets.
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV technology, including inverters, panel performance, and grid connection requirements.
• Proficiency with SCADA systems, monitoring software, and data analysis tools relevant to energy operations.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure on site operations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise the daily operations of multiple solar farm sites, ensuring optimal performance and energy generation.
• Develop and implement preventative and corrective maintenance schedules for all solar farm equipment (panels, inverters, tracking systems).
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for operational issues and implement rapid solutions to restore functionality.
• Manage a team of operations technicians and engineers, providing training and performance evaluations.
• Monitor system performance using SCADA and other tools; analyse data to identify trends and improvements.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and company policies across sites.

Skills

Team leadership

Data analysis

Problem solving

Safety compliance

Budget management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SCADA systems

Monitoring software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Solar Farm Operations Engineer to oversee the operational efficiency and maintenance of their solar facilities near Tembisa . This critical role involves ensuring maximum energy output, minimizing downtime, and maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance for large-scale solar farms. You will lead a team of technicians and engineers, driving continuous improvement initiatives and implementing cutting‑edge operational strategies. This is an excellent opportunity to take a leading role in the Gauteng province's clean energy infrastructure, contributing directly to the reliability and sustainability of power generation.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise the daily operations of multiple solar farm sites, ensuring optimal performance and energy generation.
• Develop and implement preventative and corrective maintenance schedules for all solar farm equipment, including panels, inverters, and tracking systems.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for operational issues and implement effective solutions to restore functionality rapidly.
• Manage a team of operations technicians and engineers, providing training, guidance, and performance evaluations.
• Monitor system performance using SCADA and other monitoring tools, analyzing data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
• Ensure strict adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and company policies across all operational sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in the operation and maintenance of solar power plants or large-scale renewable energy facilities.
• Proven experience in leading technical teams and managing operational budgets.
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV technology, including inverters, panel performance, and grid connection requirements.
• Proficiency with monitoring software, SCADA systems, and data analysis tools relevant to energy operations.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure in challenging site conditions.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with performance incentives tied to operational efficiency.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Opportunities for advanced training and professional certifications in renewable energy technology.
• Company‑provided vehicle and fuel allowance for site visits.
• A collaborative and safety‑focused work environment within the dynamic Gauteng energy sector.