Principal Research Engineer - Renewable Energy

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,900,000 - 2,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Retirement benefits

Leadership training

Conference participation

Advanced prototyping facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Research Engineer to lead renewable energy research at their Pretoria R&D center. The role drives development from concept to prototype, leads engineers and scientists, sets technical direction, and partners with industry to accelerate clean energy adoption.

Requirements include a PhD in energy-related engineering, 10+ years in renewable R&D, and expertise in PV, batteries, power electronics, or grid integration.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical Engineering or related energy systems field.
• 10+ years of progressive R&D experience in renewable energy.
• Expertise in PV technology, battery systems, power electronics or grid integration.
• Proven track record leading complex R&D projects and technical teams.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and testing of renewable energy systems (solar, wind, storage).
• Conduct theoretical and experimental research to improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage research projects: objectives, timelines, resources.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to pilot and scale energy solutions.
• Author reports, papers, and patent applications; present findings at Pretoria forums.

Skills

Team leadership

R&D leadership

Renewable energy

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical/Mechanical/Chemical Engineering (energy systems)

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Research Engineer to lead groundbreaking research in Renewable Energy technologies within their advanced R&D center in Pretoria . This senior position involves driving the development of next-generation sustainable energy solutions, from conceptualization through to prototype validation. You will lead a team of engineers and scientists, set technical direction, and collaborate with industry partners to accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies. This is an opportunity to significantly influence the future of energy sustainability through innovative research and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and testing of innovative renewable energy systems, focusing on areas such as solar, wind, or energy storage.
• Conduct in-depth theoretical and experimental research to improve the efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of energy technologies.
• Manage research projects, including defining objectives, establishing timelines, and allocating resources effectively.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to pilot and scale up new energy solutions.
• Author technical reports, research papers, and patent applications, and present findings at international forums in Pretoria .

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with a strong focus on energy systems.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in research and development within the renewable energy sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in areas such as photovoltaic technology, battery systems, power electronics, or grid integration.
• Proven track record of leading complex R&D projects and managing technical teams.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with a passion for driving innovation in sustainable energy.

Benefits

• A top-tier compensation package, including a significant bonus structure.
• Comprehensive executive health and retirement benefits.
• Extensive support for professional development, including leadership training and conference participation.
• Access to world-class research facilities and advanced prototyping capabilities in Pretoria .
• The opportunity to shape the future of the global energy landscape through impactful research.