Operation Engineer

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited seeks an Operations Engineer to support day-to-day performance of a fleet of utility-scale renewable energy assets from head office. The role blends engineering, analytics, and operations to optimise asset performance and reliability.

You will monitor solar PV, wind, and BESS assets using SCADA, analyse data, and translate insights into actionable actions. Collaboration with asset management, engineering, and commercial teams is essential for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineering and relevant experience in renewables.
• 3–7+ years operating utility-scale renewable energy plants (solar, wind, or BESS).
• Strong ability to analyse performance data and produce actionable reports.
• Good knowledge of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Responsibilities

• Monitor asset performance and maintain situational awareness of fleet health.
• Track KPIs (availability, PR, energy yield) and identify underperformance.
• Conduct data analyses and produce regular performance reports (monthly, quarterly, ad hoc).
• Investigate faults via SCADA and operational data; perform root-cause analysis.
• Oversee third-party O&M contractors and ensure work quality.
• Collaborate with asset management, engineering, and commercial teams to drive improvements.

Skills

PowerBI

Tableau

Python

SQL

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Education

Electrical Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronic Engineering

Tools

SMA

Vestas

Siemens

Sungrow

Job description

Please read through this role, let me know how you align:

Role Overview

The Operations Engineer will support the day-to-day performance of an operating fleet of utility-scale renewable energy assets from head office.

It is a data-driven position requiring a combination of engineering, analytical, and operational skills to optimise asset performance and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Asset Monitoring and Performance Management
• Monitor solar PV, wind, and BESS assets using SCADA systems
• Track performance metrics including availability, performance ratio (PR), and energy yield
• Identify underperformance and recommend corrective actions
• Monitor adherence to contractual KPIs and SLAs
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Analyse operational data to identify trends and performance issues
• Produce regular performance reports (monthly, quarterly, ad hoc)
• Assess downtime, faults, curtailment losses, and degradation
• Translate data into clear, actionable insights
• Fault Diagnosis and Root Cause Analysis
• Investigate plant faults using SCADA and operational data
• Perform root cause analysis and track corrective actions
• Engage with OEMs and site teams to resolve technical issues
• Contractor and Site Oversight
• Oversee third-party O&M contractors
• Review maintenance schedules, outages, and execution quality
• Ensure alignment with contractual obligations and technical standards
• Continuos Improvement
• Identify opportunities to improve plant performance and availability
• Support implementation of optimisation initiatives
• Contribute to improved systems, tools, and reporting processes
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Work with asset management, engineering, and commercial teams
• Support performance analysis for acquisitions and new projects

Minimum Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

• Degree or BTech in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineering
• Experience operating utility-scale renewable energy plants (solar PV, wind, or BESS)
• Strong SADC knowledge and experience
• Proven ability to analyse performance data and produce reports

Preferred Experience

• 3-7+ years in renewable energy operations or asset management
• Experience managing multiple assets or portfolios
• Exposure to grid-connected generation environments
• Familiarity with data analysis tools such as PowerBI, Tableau, Python, or SQL
• Experience with OEM systems (e.g. SMA, Vestas, Siemens, Sungrow

Key Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to interpret technical data and communicate insights
• Ability to manage multiple workstreams independentlyStrong stakeholder engagement skills