Lead Solar PV Systems Architect

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote flexibility

Global health benefits

Home office allowance

Flexible hours

Development budget

Laptop & licenses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a fully remote Lead Solar PV Systems Architect for a Cape Town–based client. You will design utility-scale and distributed PV plants from a remote-first perspective, guiding technical direction, ensuring performance, scalability and cost-effectiveness across diverse geographies.

Responsibilities include detailed layouts, schematics, performance simulations, mentoring remote engineers, selecting modules and BOS, and risk reviews.

Qualifications

• 8+ years hands-on design of solar PV systems, including large-scale projects.
• Experience as technical lead or architect for solar power plant designs.
• Proficient with PV performance simulation software and electrical design tools.
• Knowledge of grid codes, interconnection standards, and energy storage integration.
• Experience mentoring remote engineering teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication for remote roles.
• Familiarity with international standards and regulatory environments.
• Master's degree or PE certification highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design utility-scale and distributed PV systems meeting standards.
• Develop detailed system layouts, schematics, and performance simulations.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to remote design teams.
• Lead selection of PV modules, inverters, mounting structures, and BOS.
• Conduct technical reviews and risk assessments for projects.
• Collaborate with PM, procurement, and construction for execution.
• Analyze and optimize system performance with modeling tools and data.
• Stay updated on PV technologies, storage, and grid interconnection.
• Maintain technical documentation, standards, and best practices.
• Support strategic planning and business development for renewables.

Skills

Technical leadership

Remote team mentorship

Strong communication

Grid interconnection knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering or Renewable Energy

Master's or PE desirable

Tools

PVSyst

Helioscope

Electrical design tools

Job description

About the Role

This is a fully remote, Lead Solar PV Systems Architect position at Our client, a visionary company at the forefront of the global energy transition. Based in Cape Town, Western Cape , you will be instrumental in designing and conceptualizing large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plants from a remote-first perspective. Your expertise will guide the technical direction of our most ambitious solar projects, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness. This role demands a deep understanding of PV technologies, grid integration, and project lifecycle management. You will lead a team of engineers and specialists, fostering a collaborative and innovative remote work environment. Our client is committed to fostering sustainable energy solutions and seeks a candidate who shares this passion. You'll be empowered to drive significant technological advancements and shape the future of solar energy development across diverse geographical landscapes. Your contributions will directly impact the company's mission to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable solar power solutions worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

• Architect and design utility-scale and distributed solar PV systems, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Develop detailed system layouts, electrical schematics, and performance simulations for complex PV installations.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to design engineers and project teams operating remotely.
• Lead the selection of PV modules, inverters, mounting structures, and balance-of-system components.
• Conduct rigorous technical reviews and risk assessments for proposed solar projects.
• Collaborate closely with project management, procurement, and construction teams to ensure seamless project execution.
• Analyze and optimize system performance using advanced modeling tools and real-time data.
• Stay at the forefront of emerging PV technologies, energy storage solutions, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, standards, and best practices for solar PV system design.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and business development efforts for renewable energy initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a closely related technical discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in the design and engineering of solar PV systems, with a significant focus on large-scale projects.
• Demonstrated experience as a technical lead or architect for complex solar power plant designs.
• In-depth knowledge of PV performance simulation software (e.g., PVSyst, Helioscope) and electrical design tools.
• Expertise in grid codes, interconnection standards, and energy storage system integration.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor remote engineering teams effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, essential for a remote role.
• Strong understanding of project finance and economic analysis related to renewable energy projects.
• Experience working with international standards and diverse regulatory environments.
• Master's degree or Professional Engineer (PE) certification is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience and remote working flexibility.
• Comprehensive global health benefits package.
• Generous home office setup allowance and internet stipend.
• Flexible working hours to accommodate global project needs.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing industry.
• Annual professional development budget for conferences and training.
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and software.
• Company-provided laptop and necessary software licenses.
• A dynamic and inclusive remote work culture that values collaboration and innovation.