Lead Solar PV Engineer

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement savings plan

Annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks a Lead Solar PV Engineer to head design and optimization of utility-scale PV projects. You will oversee the full engineering lifecycle from concept through integration, procurement support, and construction oversight.

The ideal candidate has a Pr. Eng registration, 7+ years in solar PV design, and hands-on experience with PV models, inverters, and grid interconnection standards to deliver high-performance energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Pr. Eng registration with ECSA is required.
• 7+ years of experience in solar PV design and engineering.
• Experience leading engineering teams on solar projects.
• Knowledge of PV modules, inverters, and storage systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed design and engineering of utility-scale and commercial PV systems.
• Develop electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and layouts.
• Perform energy yield assessments and system performance modeling.
• Select PV modules, inverters, mounting structures, and BOS components.
• Ensure designs comply with electrical codes and grid interconnection requirements.
• Provide technical support during procurement and construction phases.
• Review engineering docs from third-party engineers and suppliers.
• Stay current with PV tech advancements and regulatory changes.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Pr. Eng

PV design

PVSyst

Helioscope

AutoCAD

Grid interconnection

Project leadership

Energy storage

Energy yield modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PVSyst

Helioscope

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent developer and operator of renewable energy projects, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Solar PV Engineer to join their growing team in Durban. This crucial role will involve leading the technical design, engineering, and optimization of utility-scale and commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) projects. You will be responsible for overseeing the entire engineering process, from conceptual design and feasibility studies through to detailed engineering, procurement support, and construction oversight. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of PV system design principles, component selection, performance modeling, and grid interconnection requirements. You will work closely with project development, construction, and operations teams to ensure the successful and efficient delivery of high-performance solar energy solutions across Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the expansion of clean energy infrastructure and to lead innovative projects in a rapidly evolving industry. Your technical leadership and strategic insights will be vital in driving the success of our solar portfolio. The role requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to engineering excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the detailed design and engineering of utility-scale and commercial solar PV systems.
• Develop electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, and plant layouts.
• Perform energy yield assessments and system performance modeling using industry-standard software.
• Select appropriate PV modules, inverters, mounting structures, and other balance-of-system components.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant electrical codes, standards, and utility interconnection requirements.
• Provide technical support during the procurement and construction phases of projects.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for new solar projects.
• Collaborate with project managers, construction teams, and external stakeholders to ensure project success.
• Review and approve engineering documents and designs submitted by third-party engineers and suppliers.
• Stay current with advancements in solar PV technology, industry best practices, and regulatory changes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng) registration with ECSA is required.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in solar PV system design and engineering.
• Proven experience in leading engineering teams and managing technical aspects of solar projects.
• In-depth knowledge of PV module technologies, inverter technologies, and energy storage systems.
• Proficiency in solar design and simulation software (e.g., PVSyst, Helioscope, AutoCAD).
• Strong understanding of electrical codes (e.g., SANS 10142, IEC standards) and grid interconnection standards.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced project environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience with project management principles is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary with annual performance reviews and potential bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.
• Generous annual leave and opportunities for professional development.
• Chance to work on impactful renewable energy projects shaping the future.
• Collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Travel opportunities within South Africa and potentially internationally.