Project Engineer - Solar Farm Development

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company vehicle and fuel card

Health coverage and retirement plan

Paid vacation and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Project Engineer to lead solar farm developments in the Welkom region. You will identify sites, guide design, and oversee construction and commissioning of utility-scale solar installations to expand renewable energy in the Free State.

You will coordinate with engineering teams, manage project plans and budgets, and ensure compliance with regulations. The role requires travel to project sites and a strong background in renewable energy projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical engineering.
• 5+ years in project engineering, renewable energy preferred.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Knowledge of solar PV, grid connection processes, and energy markets.
• Willingness to travel across the Free State.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure land for solar farm development.
• Manage full lifecycle from conception to commissioning and handover.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure delivery.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, and monitor progress.
• Ensure compliance with local regulations, permitting, and environmental standards.
• Conduct site visits and quality control inspections during construction.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Travel readiness

Renewable energy knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Project management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a motivated Project Engineer to spearhead the development of Solar Farm projects in the Welkom region. This role is crucial for identifying suitable sites, managing the design process, and overseeing the construction and commissioning phases of utility-scale solar installations. You will be at the forefront of renewable energy expansion in the Free State, working with a dedicated team to bring clean energy solutions to fruition. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious engineer to leave a tangible legacy in sustainable energy infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and secure suitable land for solar farm development.
• Manage the complete project lifecycle from conception through to commissioning and handover.
• Coordinate with engineering consultants, contractors, and suppliers to ensure project delivery.
• Develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets, and monitor progress closely.
• Ensure all projects comply with local regulations, permitting requirements, and environmental standards.
• Conduct site visits and quality control inspections throughout the construction phase.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, or Mechanical preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in project engineering, with a significant portion in renewable energy projects, preferably solar.
• Experience with project management methodologies and tools.
• Knowledge of solar PV technology, grid connection processes, and energy markets.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites within the Free State.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and project completion bonuses.
• Provision of a company vehicle and fuel card.
• Comprehensive health coverage and retirement plan.
• Generous paid vacation and opportunities for advanced training.
• Be part of a growing company making a real difference in clean energy.