Principal Research Engineer - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Executive benefits

Career advancement

Professional development

Research facilities

Impactful work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Engineer to drive innovation in Renewable Energy from its Mossel Bay facility. Lead advanced research projects, design and test next-generation energy systems, and mentor a team of engineers to translate concepts into viable technologies.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD or MSc in an energy-focused field with 10+ years in renewable R&D, with expertise in solar, wind or storage, and hands-on experience using MATLAB/Simulink or ANSYS.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in EE/ME/Physics with energy systems focus.
• At least 10 years of R&D experience in renewables.
• Proven ability to design, analyze and implement complex energy systems.
• Strong expertise in solar, wind or battery storage.
• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink or ANSYS and experimental validation.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills for Mossel Bay projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D of novel technologies within the renewable energy sector.
• Design, prototype, and test advanced energy systems and components.
• Conduct feasibility studies and technical assessments for new projects.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and research staff.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including R&D, manufacturing, and PM.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations in renewable energy technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team mentoring

Project management

Education

PhD or MSc in EE/ME/Physics with energy systems focus

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Research Engineer to drive innovation in Renewable Energy technologies from their facility in Mossel Bay . This senior role is instrumental in conceptualizing, designing, and developing next-generation energy solutions, focusing on areas such as solar, wind, or energy storage. You will lead advanced research projects, mentor a team of engineers, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to translate cutting-edge concepts into viable technologies. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking engineer with a deep technical understanding of energy systems and a passion for developing sustainable energy solutions for the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research and development of novel technologies within the renewable energy sector.
• Design, prototype, and test advanced energy systems and components.
• Conduct feasibility studies and technical assessments for new renewable energy projects.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers and research staff, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, manufacturing, and project management.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and innovations in renewable energy technologies.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a focus on energy systems.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in research and development within the renewable energy industry.
• Proven track record in designing, analyzing, and implementing complex energy systems.
• Strong expertise in one or more areas of renewable energy (e.g., solar photovoltaics, wind turbine technology, battery storage).
• Experience with simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink, ANSYS) and experimental validation.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills for projects in Mossel Bay .

Benefits

• A highly competitive salary and comprehensive executive benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and leadership roles.
• Support for continuous professional development, including advanced training and certifications.
• Access to state-of-the‑art research facilities and pilot plants.
• An opportunity to make a substantial impact on the future of sustainable energy.