Operations & Maintenance Engineer - Solar Energy - M / F

Cap Vert Energie; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in renewable energy seeks a Solar Operations & Maintenance Engineer to lead the operational management of solar assets and Batteries (BESS). This role is vital for ensuring sustainable performance and involves overseeing O&M tools, daily monitoring, and performance analysis. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and proven experience in operations management. Join a forward-thinking company committed to environmental excellence and play a key role in enhancing solar energy production across South Africa.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in operations and maintenance management, preferably in the EPC sector.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management of solar assets and Batteries (BESS) for optimized performance.
• Implement and commission O&M tools, monitor performance, and analyze production.

Skills

Operations Management

Maintenance Management

Project Management

Analytical Thinking

Problem-Solving

Effective Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

CMMS

PowerBI

Job description

CVE South Africa began operations in with its headquarters in Cape Town.

It seamlessly blends the unique characteristics of a small-to-medium-sized company with the expertise, experience, and financial capabilities of our parent company CVE Group.

CVE South Africa has over 15 MW in construction and operation and as part of its ambitious growth trajectory, the region aims to bolster its presence with over MW across South Africa in .

An integral part of CVE Group, CVE South Africa derives its strength from the group's extensive international experience.

CVE Group is a proud certified B-Corp with a history spanning 12 years.

It is renowned for financing, constructing, and operating community-centric solar installations.

The Group commands an operational portfolio exceeding MW, with activities across diverse regions including France, Chile, USA, South Africa, and Spain. Being committed to surpassing the benchmark in environmental and qualitative excellence, CVE South Africa and the CVE Group are distinguished by their ISO (quality management system) certifications.

The driving force behind CVE's success is its unwavering commitment to our mission statement: Put people and the planet at the heart of tomorrow's energy. As part of its mission, we emphasize our Environmental Impact, Human Impact, and Social Impact when pursuing our renewable energy production activities.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Solar Operations & Maintenance Engineer will lead the operational management of CVE South Africa's solar assets and Batteries (BESS), ensuring their sustainable and optimized performance. Plant sizes vary from X MW to Y MW. This role involves overseeing the implementation and commissioning of O&M tools, daily monitoring of solar plants, conducting analyses, and providing recommendations to enhance production reliability and forecasting accuracy.

Operations:

1. Implement and commission O&M tools, including monitoring software and CMMS, for daily operation and KPI consolidation.
2. Monitor and supervise daily performance of solar plants through established tools.
3. Receive and respond to system alarms, dispatching support personnel/maintenance contractor as required.
4. Conduct weekly, monthly, and yearly analyses and reports of production.
5. Investigate factors negatively affecting plant performance and provide recommendations for improvement.
6. Integrate new assets into the operational process, ensuring compliance with standards.
7. Monitor, evaluate, and optimize OPEX considering current and forecasted service and equipment prices.
8. Provide feedback to construction and development teams for continuous improvement.

Maintenance:

1. Identify, consult, and deploy a network of maintenance providers tailored to the portfolio's specifications.
2. Manage and optimize preventive and corrective maintenance tasks for quality, efficiency, and cost savings.
3. Verify on-site conformity of services provided by subcontractors, utilities, and external service providers with contractual obligations.
4. Supervise subcontractors involved in maintenance, including invoice and contract management.
5. Implement an effective spare parts management system.

Asset Management:

1. Establish and optimize the Asset Operations Budget.
2. Continuously adapt the OPEX to remain aligned with O&M strategy, market conditions, and ensure competitiveness, quality, and positive costs balance of CVE assets.
3. Handle internal and external reporting.
4. Manage external and intercompany contracts and obligations.
5. Oversee production sales and invoicing processes.
6. Manage O&M warranty, insurance, and claims.
7. Interface with regulators, grid operators, and local authorities.

Commissioning:

1. Provide support to CVE Construction Team during start-up and commissioning services.
2. Ensure all assets are successfully onboarded to CVE monitoring platform.
3. Lead contractors in testing and troubleshooting of communications and data acquisition systems before final hand-over.
4. Responsible for ensuring that all commissioning procedures and activities are followed and completed.
5. Provide technical training to AHJ (police, fire department) as needed.

Security, Quality, and Environment Commitment:

1. Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures and applicable regulations.
2. Oversee the full deployment of ISO and certification processes throughout solar operations.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.

• Proven experience in operations and maintenance management, preferably in the EPC sector.
• Professional Engineer (PrEng) registration highly desirable.
• Strong project management skills and understanding of industry standards and regulations.
• Effective communication, leadership, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

Preferred skills include:

• Data monitoring, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience with PowerBI or similar data visualization software.
• Knowledge of electrical systems, communication protocols, and IT architecture.