Project Engineer - Solar Energy Systems

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive contractor rate

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development in solar tech

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Project Engineer focused on Solar Energy Systems in Upington, Northern Cape. You will design, develop and implement solar projects, from site assessments to commissioning, working in a hybrid setup with periodic site work and documentation tasks performed remotely.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in solar PV project engineering, strong design and modeling skills using PVSyst and AutoCAD, and solid knowledge of electrical and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• At least 4 years of experience in project engineering for solar PV projects.
• Experience in system design, component selection and performance modeling.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer solar PV systems including components and configurations.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for solar projects.
• Prepare technical drawings, specifications and BOQ.
• Manage timelines, budgets and resources from inception to completion.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors and clients to meet objectives.
• Oversee installation and commissioning ensuring quality and safety.
• Troubleshoot issues during project execution.
• Ensure compliance with electrical codes and safety standards.
• Maintain project documentation and progress reports.
• Stay updated on solar tech advancements and best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in the engineering team.

Skills

Project engineering

System design

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Budgeting

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

PVSyst

AutoCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing company within the Energy sector, is seeking a motivated Project Engineer specializing in Solar Energy Systems. This role, primarily based in Upington, Northern Cape , will focus on the design, development, and implementation of solar power projects. You will be involved in all phases of project delivery, from initial site assessments and system design to procurement, installation oversight, and commissioning. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of solar PV technology, electrical systems, and project management principles. This hybrid role allows for focused work in our Upington office and flexible remote work on specific project documentation and analysis tasks, contributing to the expansion of renewable energy solutions in the Northern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer solar PV systems, including component selection and system configuration.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies for potential solar projects.
• Prepare detailed technical drawings, specifications, and Bill of Quantities (BOQ).
• Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources from inception to completion.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors, and clients to ensure project objectives are met.
• Oversee the installation and commissioning phases, ensuring quality and adherence to design.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues that arise during project execution.
• Ensure compliance with relevant electrical codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Maintain project documentation and provide regular progress reports.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in solar technology and industry best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the project engineering team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in project engineering, with a specific focus on solar PV systems.
• Proven experience in system design, component selection, and performance modeling of solar power plants.
• Familiarity with relevant software such as PVSyst, AutoCAD, and other design/simulation tools.
• Understanding of electrical installation practices, grid connection requirements, and safety standards.
• Good project management skills, including planning, scheduling, and cost control.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working in the Northern Cape region is highly desirable.
• This role requires presence in Upington for key project phases but allows for remote work for documentation and planning.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive contractor rate, commensurate with experience, and performance-based bonuses.
• Opportunities for professional development and training in advanced solar technologies are available.
• This role provides the chance to work on impactful renewable Energy projects in a region with immense solar potential.
• The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between site-based and remote work, supporting your contributions to the growing solar industry in the Northern Cape .