Principal Wind Turbine Engineer

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 2,988,000 - 3,983,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first environment

Global team collaboration

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Principal Wind Turbine Engineer for a fully remote position. You will lead advanced wind energy research, direct turbine design and optimization, and mentor global engineering teams to deliver high-impact solutions.

The role demands 12+ years in wind turbine engineering, a PhD or MSc in ME/AE with wind energy specialization, and a proven track record in aero/structural analysis, CFD, and control systems. International standards knowledge is a plus.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in wind energy.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in wind turbine engineering, with a significant portion in design, R&D, or advanced technical roles within the Energy sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in turbine aerodynamics, structural dynamics, materials science, and control systems.
• Proficiency in advanced simulation software (e.g., FAST, Bladed, ANSYS) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects and driving innovation.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote setting.
• Experience with international standards and best practices in wind energy.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, analysis, and development of wind turbine components focusing on performance and cost.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering teams.
• Conduct aerodynamic, structural, and dynamic analyses using advanced tools.
• Develop turbine control strategies to maximize energy capture and reduce loads.
• Oversee development and validation of new turbine technologies.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, and R&D to enable deployment.
• Identify and champion innovative wind energy solutions.
• Stay abreast of cutting-edge wind research and technologies.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the wind technology roadmap.
• Author reports, present findings, and contribute to IP development.

Skills

Wind turbine design

R&D leadership

CFD/Simulation

Aerodynamics

Control systems

Education

PhD or MSc in ME/AE with wind energy

Tools

FAST

Bladed

ANSYS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively seeking a visionary Principal Wind Turbine Engineer to join their esteemed, fully remote team. This role is at the forefront of innovation in the renewable Energy sector, focusing on the advanced engineering and optimization of wind turbine technology. As a principal engineer, you will provide critical technical leadership, drive research and development initiatives, and shape the future design and performance of wind energy systems globally. This position is ideal for a highly experienced and self-motivated engineer who thrives in a remote-first environment and possesses a deep understanding of wind power generation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, analysis, and development of advanced wind turbine components and systems, focusing on performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Provide expert technical guidance and mentorship to engineering teams across various disciplines.
• Conduct complex aerodynamic, structural, and dynamic analyses of wind turbines using advanced simulation tools.
• Develop and refine turbine control strategies to maximize energy capture and minimize loads under diverse wind conditions.
• Oversee the development and validation of new turbine technologies and system upgrades.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, operations, and R&D departments to ensure seamless product development and deployment.
• Identify and champion innovative solutions to address technical challenges in the wind energy industry.
• Stay abreast of cutting-edge research and emerging technologies in wind energy.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's wind technology roadmap.
• Author technical reports, present findings at conferences, and contribute to intellectual property development.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in wind energy.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in wind turbine engineering, with a significant portion in design, R&D, or advanced technical roles within the Energy sector.
• Demonstrated expertise in turbine aerodynamics, structural dynamics, materials science, and control systems.
• Proficiency in advanced simulation software (e.g., FAST, Bladed, ANSYS) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
• Proven track record of leading complex engineering projects and driving innovation.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote setting.
• Experience with international standards and best practices in wind energy.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a substantial salary, performance bonuses, and comprehensive benefits. As a remote-first company, we provide exceptional work-life balance and the flexibility to work from anywhere. You will have access to a collaborative virtual environment and opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the global renewable Energy landscape.