Project Engineer - Solar PV

Engineered Sourcing; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy solutions provider in Johannesburg is seeking a Project Engineer to support the Engineering Manager in designing renewable energy systems. The role involves project management, analysing technical data, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. Candidates should have a relevant degree and 3-7 years of experience in renewable energy design. Strong skills in design software and project management are essential.

Qualifications

• Eligible to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
• 3 – 7 years’ experience in the design of renewable energy systems.
• Excellent computer literacy and knowledge of design and visualisation software.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Engineering Manager with all engineering related matters.
• Analyse technical information and generate required compiled documents.
• Provide design, cost, schedule plan, and quality for the engineering component.

Skills

Proficiency in renewable energy system design software (e.g., PVsyst)

Excellent organisational skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Education

B.Eng, BSc. Eng, B.Tech Eng in Electrical engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Helioscope

PV Case

Helios 3D

PVSYST

Job description

The Project Engineer needs to assist the Engineering Manager with all engineering related matters. This includes the designing of renewable energy systems, accurately predicting project costings, accurately calculating system productions, and ensuring the designed systems are robust in operation. The Solar PV Project Engineer must continually be kept up to date with new technological developments in the Solar PV and Energy Storage Industry.

Design Engineering

• Analyse the technical information, including RFP and tenders, and generate the required compiled documents, considering creative and advanced solutions that would reduce cost, time, and optimise the project’s performance.
• Must have designed projects above 1MW ground mount.
• Prepare bill of quantities for specific projects and for the project infrastructures.
• Generate preliminary layouts on AutoCAD, Helioscope, PV Case, Helios 3D or other similar software.
• Perform site visits and, if necessary, measure sites where the drawings are not available.
• Perform desktop analysis and prepare site layouts and energy yield assessments.
• Generate electrical schematics such as SLDs (Single Line Diagrams) aligned with the SANS, NRS and IEC Standards.
• Perform yield assessments using simulation software such as PVSYST and Helioscope following the rules and guidelines defined by the Engineering Manager.
• Work with the central engineering team to produce detailed engineering drawings, technical descriptions, and technical calculations for the engineering signoffs, construction drawings, drawings for project licensing, EPC and execution.

Project Management

• Lend technical support to the business development team and be the technical representative for the company during commercial negotiations and for potential customers.
• Provide design, cost, schedule plan, and quality for the engineering component of the project.
• Assist the engineering and business development team on engineering solutions for planned projects.
• Review and approve material purchases based on project specified equipment.
• Assist in project financial control.
• Pre‑approve Engineering shop drawings.

Requirements

• A minimum qualification of B.Eng, BSc. Eng, B.Tech Eng in Electrical engineering.
• Eligible to register with the Engineering Council of South Africa.
• 3 – 7 years’ experience in the design of renewable energy systems.
• Proficiency in renewable energy system design software (e.g., PVsyst).
• Excellent computer literacy and knowledge of design and visualisation software.
• The ability to work with multiple disciplines of projects.
• The ability to work across multiple projects in parallel.
• Excellent organisational, time management, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, policies, standards and best practices.
• The ability to work within budgets and to deadlines.
• Attention to detail.