Plant-Based Grid Engineer (On-Site Renewable Energy Projects)

Pty; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company seeks a Plant-Based Grid Engineer to manage grid connections at utility-scale solar and wind farms. The engineer will work to ensure compliance with grid requirements and safety standards, collaborating closely with construction teams and coordinating with utilities like Eskom. This role requires extensive experience in renewable energy projects, particularly in construction and commissioning, along with a strong background in electrical engineering.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Professional Registration with ECSA is highly advantageous.
• Experience engaging with Eskom or other utilities.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction of interconnection infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with South African Grid Code.
• Test and monitor HV/MV equipment for reliability.

Skills

HV/MV Equipment Expertise

Grid Code Knowledge

Utility Coordination

Troubleshooting

Cross-Team Collaboration

Education

BSc/BEng in Electrical Engineering

Job description

Introduction

The Plant-Based Grid Engineer will be based on-site at utility-scale solar farms and wind farms, focusing on the implementation and operational aspects of grid connection. The role ensures that all electrical systems are constructed, commissioned, and operated in compliance with Eskom’s grid requirements, South African Grid Code, and applicable safety standards. The engineer will work closely with construction teams, contractors, and utility field engineers to achieve timely and compliant grid integration under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP).

Duties & Responsibilities

• On-Site Grid Connection Management: Oversee construction of interconnection infrastructure, including HV substations and transmission lines, ensuring timely energization, budget adherence, and quality standards.

• Utility Coordination & Commissioning: Liaise with Eskom and contractors during grid tie-in and commissioning. Schedule outages, inspections, and compliance tests to ensure seamless integration into the national grid.

• Grid Code Compliance: Ensure compliance with all South African Grid Code requirements (fault ride-through, voltage/frequency control, protection settings). Supervise and validate grid compliance testing, implementing corrective actions where required.

• Equipment Monitoring & Testing: Test and monitor HV/MV equipment, transformers, switchgear, protection relays, and SCADA systems to ensure reliability and correct implementation of protection schemes and metering.

• Troubleshooting & Support: Identify and resolve grid-related issues during commissioning and operation (e.g., trips, power quality deviations, curtailment). Lead root cause analysis and coordinate corrective measures.

• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with office-based grid engineers and EPC contractors to ensure accurate execution of design. Provide feedback and suggest modifications where necessary.

• Reporting & Documentation: Maintain site records, progress reports, and compliance documentation (as-builts, test results, compliance certificates) for handover.

• Safety & Quality Assurance: Uphold OHS Act requirements and utility safety standards, promoting a safety culture with zero compromise on quality or safety.

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Education: BSc/BEng in Electrical Engineering (focus on power systems or heavy current). A BTech with significant experience will be considered.

• Experience: 5+ years in utility-scale renewable energy projects (≥30 MW), with proven experience in construction, commissioning, or operation of grid connections.

• Professional Registration: Registration with ECSA (Pr.Eng/Pr.Tech Eng) highly advantageous.

• Utility Interface: Experience engaging with Eskom or other utilities on grid access processes, including CEL/BQ applications and HV/MV substation standards.

• HV Equipment Expertise: Strong background in installation, testing, and commissioning of HV/MV equipment (transformers, breakers, isolators, relay schemes).

• Grid Code Knowledge: In-depth understanding of the South African Grid Code, NERSA regulations, and compliance testing procedures.

Industry Knowledge & Alignment

• Strong understanding of REIPPPP requirements and Eskom grid regulations.

• Familiarity with achieving commercial operation dates and compliance milestones under strict timelines.

• Commitment to best practice grid compliance, quality management systems, and proactive risk management in utility-scale renewable energy projects.

Preferred Certifications & Standards