Principal Wind Turbine Engineer

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus structure

Medical aid and retirement fund

International travel opportunities

Professional development conferences

Job summary

Placements24 in East London is seeking a Principal Wind Turbine Engineer to lead technical oversight and optimization of wind turbine assets across projects in the Eastern Cape and beyond.

The role requires a PhD/Masters in mechanical or aerospace with wind energy specialization and 10–15 years of experience in wind turbine design, aerodynamics, and control systems. Strong leadership and collaboration with partners are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in wind energy.
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in the wind energy sector, with a focus on wind turbine design, engineering, and performance optimization.
• Extensive knowledge of wind turbine aerodynamics, structural dynamics, fatigue analysis, and control systems.
• Proficiency with relevant simulation software such as FAST, Bladed, HAWC2, or similar tools.
• Experience with Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS) and data analysis for performance assessment.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership in the design, development, and performance analysis of wind turbine components and systems.
• Oversee the selection and specification of wind turbines for new projects, ensuring optimal site-specific performance and reliability.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including aerodynamic, structural, and dynamic load calculations.
• Develop and refine control strategies to maximize energy capture and minimize turbine loads.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues encountered during turbine operation and maintenance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure quality and compliance with design specifications.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and operational manuals.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical growth and innovation within the team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in wind turbine technology, materials, and industry best practices.
• Participate in technical due diligence for potential acquisitions or partnerships.

Skills

Wind turbine design

Engineering leadership

Data analysis

CMS data analysis

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/Aerospace with wind energy specialization

PhD in related field

Tools

FAST

Bladed

HAWC2

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in renewable energy development, is seeking an exceptional Principal Wind Turbine Engineer to join their team in East London . This senior role is critical for the technical oversight, design, and performance optimization of wind turbine assets. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in wind turbine technology, aerodynamics, structural mechanics, and control systems, contributing to the success of wind farm projects in the Eastern Cape and beyond. This position offers a challenging opportunity to influence the design and deployment of cutting-edge wind energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical leadership in the design, development, and performance analysis of wind turbine components and systems.
• Oversee the selection and specification of wind turbines for new projects, ensuring optimal site-specific performance and reliability.
• Conduct advanced engineering analyses, including aerodynamic, structural, and dynamic load calculations.
• Develop and refine control strategies to maximize energy capture and minimize turbine loads.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues encountered during turbine operation and maintenance.
• Collaborate with manufacturing partners and suppliers to ensure quality and compliance with design specifications.
• Review and approve technical documentation, including design reports, test plans, and operational manuals.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering technical growth and innovation within the team.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in wind turbine technology, materials, and industry best practices.
• Participate in technical due diligence for potential acquisitions or partnerships.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in wind energy.
• A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in the wind energy sector, with a focus on wind turbine design, engineering, and performance optimization.
• Extensive knowledge of wind turbine aerodynamics, structural dynamics, fatigue analysis, and control systems.
• Proficiency with relevant simulation software such as FAST, Bladed, HAWC2, or similar tools.
• Experience with Condition Monitoring Systems (CMS) and data analysis for performance assessment.
• Strong understanding of wind farm layout optimization and siting considerations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Exceptional communication and leadership abilities, with the capacity to influence technical decisions.
• Experience working within South African regulatory frameworks and environmental considerations is beneficial.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive-level bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and other benefits.
• Opportunities for international travel and professional development conferences.
• Direct impact on the advancement of renewable energy in East London and the region.
• Work with a talented team on state-of-the‑art wind energy technology.