Principal Wind Turbine Technician (Offshore Focus)

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Offshore allowances

Private medical insurance

Retirement fund

Career advancement opportunities

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Wind Turbine Technician to lead offshore maintenance in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will direct technical teams, diagnose faults across mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, and implement advanced maintenance strategies to maximize turbine availability.

The role requires extensive offshore wind experience with major manufacturers and a strong safety culture in challenging environments. Travel and offshore periods are expected as part of the leadership remit.

Qualifications

• Formal technical qualification in mechanical or electrical engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years as a Wind Turbine Technician with at least 5 years offshore experience.
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic faults.
• Strong knowledge of SCADA, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Fiber-wuse offshore survival certification (GWO Basic Safety Training or Sea Survival) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor maintenance teams on offshore wind turbines.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex faults in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Perform major component replacements and repairs following safety and manufacturer guidelines.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance strategies to maximize turbine availability.
• Ensure compliance with HSE regulations and maintain accurate maintenance records.
• Provide technical guidance to site management and engineering teams.
• Support on-call rotations and respond to offshore call-outs.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

English proficiency

Mechanical troubleshooting

Electrical troubleshooting

Hydraulic systems

SCADA familiarity

Offshore safety knowledge

Education

Technical qualification in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering

Tools

Siemens Gamesa expertise

Vestas expertise

GE expertise

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in renewable energy infrastructure development, is seeking a highly experienced Principal Wind Turbine Technician with a strong background in offshore wind technology to join their operations team in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This senior role is critical for ensuring the optimal performance, reliability, and safety of wind turbine assets. You will be responsible for leading technical teams, diagnosing complex faults, implementing advanced maintenance strategies, and contributing to the continuous improvement of operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess extensive hands-on experience with various offshore wind turbine models, a deep understanding of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems, and a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards in challenging environments. This is a unique opportunity to play a leading role in the burgeoning offshore wind sector in **South Africa**, contributing to the nation's energy transition.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor teams of wind turbine technicians in the execution of planned and corrective maintenance activities on offshore wind turbines.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic issues on wind turbine systems.
• Perform major component replacements and repairs, ensuring adherence to strict safety protocols and manufacturer guidelines.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance strategies to maximize turbine availability and minimize downtime.
• Conduct thorough inspections and assessments of turbine conditions, identifying potential risks and recommending corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental (HSE) regulations and company policies, especially in offshore environments.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all maintenance activities, findings, and parts usage.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of maintenance procedures and operational best practices.
• Provide technical guidance and support to site management and engineering teams.
• Participate in on-call rotas and respond to emergency call-outs as required.

Requirements

• Recognized technical qualification (e.g., apprenticeship, national diploma) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience as a Wind Turbine Technician, with at least 5 years specifically focused on offshore wind projects.
• Demonstrated expertise with major offshore wind turbine manufacturers (e.g., Siemens Gamesa, Vestas, GE).
• Proven ability to diagnose and repair complex faults across mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
• Strong understanding of SCADA systems, condition monitoring, and predictive maintenance techniques.
• Valid offshore survival certification (e.g., GWO Basic Safety Training, Sea Survival).
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure.
• Strong leadership capabilities and the ability to motivate and guide technical teams.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Must hold valid working rights for **South Africa** and be prepared for extensive travel and periods offshore.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, excellent offshore allowances, comprehensive private medical insurance, a robust retirement fund, and opportunities for career advancement within a leading global energy company.
• Professional development, specialized training, and the chance to work on state-of-the-art offshore wind farms are key components of the package.
• The role is based in **Durban**, offering access to a vibrant coastal city, with significant offshore project potential in **KwaZulu-Natal**.
• We prioritize a strong safety culture and provide a supportive team environment.