Operator PV

ENGIE Africa; eDumbe Local Municipality; On-site; USD 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

ENGIE Africa is seeking an Operator (PV) for local employment in South Africa. The role involves monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing utility-scale photovoltaic power systems. This position is ideal for candidates with 3-5 years of experience in solar operations and relevant technical knowledge. Join us in driving the transition to a carbon-neutral world.

Qualifications

• At least 3-5 years’ work experience as an Operator in PV plant operations.
• Knowledge of renewable energy power systems and control circuits.
• Excellent communication skills in English; Afrikaans/Setswana/Sesotho is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and optimizing the performance of PV power systems.
• Troubleshooting faults and alarms affecting the PV system.
• Controlling and maintaining stability of plant equipment.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Problem-Solving

Data Acquisition

Communication

Performance Optimization

Education

High School Diploma

BTech or Electrical Diploma

Job description

INTERNAL / EXTERNAL VACANCY

• POSITION DETAILS
  
  

Position Title:

Operator (PV )

Reports to:

Plant Manager

Department:

Operations and Maintenance

Period:

Full Time - Local Employment Agreement

Location:

Northern Cape / Free State – (Graspan & Grootspruit) - South Africa

Closing Date:

22nd July 2025

• BACKGROUND
  
  

Our group is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. Together with our 170,000 employees, our customers, partners and stakeholders, we are committed to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Inspired by our purpose (“raison d’être”), we reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on our key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to our customers.For more information please visit: www.engie.com or www.engie-africa.com

• JOB PURPOSE
  
  

To monitor, control, and optimize the performance of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) power systems through the effective use of SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems. The role focuses on ensuring real-time system oversight, early fault detection, accurate data logging, and coordination with field teams to support continuous, safe, and efficient plant operations 365 days a year in compliance with operational standards and regulatory requirements.

• KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• System Monitoring – overseeing real--time data from the SCADA system to ensure Safe and optimal plant performance.
• Troubleshooting & Issue Resolution – identifying and resolving faults, alarms, and diagnostic issues affecting the solar PV system.
• Performance Optimization – analysing data trends to improve efficiency and maximize energy output.
• Compliance & Reporting – ensuring all data is provided timeously as required for reporting..
• Remote Operations – controlling plant equipment, including inverters and auxiliary systems, to maintain stability.
• PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
• Availability – tracks the percentage of time the plant is operational and producing electricity.
• Alarm / Fault reaction time – mean detection time - measures how quickly operators detect a fault and resolve system issues
• Mean time to intervene (MTTI)– measures how quickly the technician / service provider intervenes (start of action to remedy)
• HEALTH & SAFETY
• Supports implementation of Engie's 5 safety behaviours
• Create awareness and implementation of Engie 9-lifesaving rules
• Supports the Plant Manager in the event of Emergencies, incidents and threats
• Reacts in accordance with procedures in the event of an emergency
• COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
• Contribute positively to the technical team on site to ensure a collaborative approach with all involved
• Ensure accuracy of data to enable clear analysis and communication to others.
• QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
  
  

Education

• High School Diploma or; Matric
• BTech or Electrical diploma, will be an advantage.
  
  

Work Experience

• At least 3-5 years’ work experience as a Operator PV plant operations.
• Electrical Engineering Basics – knowledge of renewable energy power systems, inverters, transformers, and control circuits to ensure seamless integration with grid infrastructure.
• Control systems & HMI Knowledge – understanding of solar PV plant operations and associated human-machine interfaces (HMI) for system control.
• Data Acquisition & Analysis – ability to interpret real-time data for performance optimization and fault detection.
• Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving – quick diagnosis and resolution of system faults to maintain plant efficiency.
  
  

Language

• English Language: excellent communication skills both written and verbal;
• Afrikaans/Setswana /Sesotho is an advantage;
• GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
• Adheres to the Company Policies and Procedures;
• Behaves in a responsible way;
• Lives the values of the Company;
• Undertakes other duties as may be requested within reason.
  
  

ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd is committed to equality, employment equity, and diversity. In accordance with the employment equity plan of ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd and its employment equity goals and targets, preference may be given, but is not limited, to candidates from under-represented designated groups. ENGIE Southern Africa (Pty) Ltd reserves the right not to make an appointment to the posts as advertised. Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to apply for positions.

Business Unit: GBU Renewables

Division: REN AMEA - South Africa

Legal Entity: ENGIE Southern Africa (Prioprietary) Limited

Professional Experience: Junior (experience < 3 years)

Education Level: Technical College Diploma