Project Engineer - Solar PV and BESS

Part of nGAGE Talent Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 950,000; Full time

Job summary

The Project Engineer will own the technical execution of utility-scale BESS and hybrid PV+BESS projects across Southern Africa from handover to commissioning, coordinating with customers, EPCs and suppliers.

This role requires a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, 3+ years in similar projects, and hands-on experience with grid integration, MV systems, and tools like PVSyst, HOMER, ETAP, DIgSILENT, AutoCAD and MS Project. Willingness to travel across Southern Africa is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field
• 3+ years as Project Engineer on utility-scale BESS, Solar PV + BESS, renewable infra
• Strong knowledge of battery energy storage and hybrid power systems
• Experience with grid integration and MV electrical systems
• Willingness to travel across Southern and East Africa

Responsibilities

• Lead technical execution of utility-scale BESS and hybrid PV+BESS projects from handover through commissioning
• Review scope, technical requirements, contractual obligations and performance guarantees
• Identify technical risks and design deviations; manage changes
• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and consultants
• Define and implement engineering execution strategies
• Engage with customers, EPCs and equipment suppliers for technical alignment

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder coordination

Electrical engineering knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PVSyst

HOMER

ETAP

DIgSILENT

AutoCAD

MS Project

Job description

A leading renewable energy and energy storage solutions provider is seeking a Project Engineer to join its growing Cape Town team and take ownership of the technical execution of utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and hybrid Solar PV + BESS projects across Southern and East Africa.

This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys taking projects from concept through commissioning, working closely with customers, EPC contractors, equipment suppliers and project teams to ensure successful project delivery.

If you're passionate about battery storage, renewable energy integration and solving complex engineering challenges, this could be the next step in your career.

The Opportunity

As the Project Engineer, you'll be the technical lead responsible for the execution of utility-scale BESS and hybrid energy projects from project handover through implementation, commissioning, testing and final acceptance.

You'll work at the intersection of engineering, project delivery and customer engagement, ensuring that technical designs, contractual requirements and performance guarantees are successfully translated into operating renewable energy assets.

In addition to project execution, you'll also provide support during project development and application engineering phases, contributing to system sizing, design validation and technical solution development.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Project Leadership

• Lead the technical execution of utility-scale BESS and hybrid PV+BESS projects from handover through commissioning and close-out.
• Review project scope, technical requirements, contractual obligations and performance guarantees prior to execution.
• Identify technical risks, design deviations and project execution challenges.
• Develop and implement engineering execution strategies.
• Manage technical project risks and change management processes throughout the project lifecycle.

Engineering & Design Coordination

• Coordinate multidisciplinary engineering teams and specialist consultants.
• Review and manage engineeringdeliverables including:
  • Single-line diagrams
  • Electrical designs
  • Control systems
  • Communications architecture
  • Cable routing and layouts
  • Technical studies and calculations
  • Engineering documentation and drawing packages
• Ensure engineering designs remain aligned with project performance requirements and contractual commitments.
• Review supplier designs, technical submissions, calculations and equipment specifications.

Grid Integration & Battery Storage Systems

• Coordinate technical interfaces between battery suppliers, inverter manufacturers, EPC contractors and customers.
• Review battery sizing methodologies, operational requirements and performance assumptions.
• Support Power Plant Controller integration, monitoring systems, metering infrastructure and grid connection requirements.
• Validate system integration architectures and communication requirements.

Commissioning & Testing

• Define and manage FAT and SAT requirements.
• Support manufacturing, installation, commissioning and warranty activities.
• Coordinate testing and commissioning activities with project stakeholders.
• Ensure successful technical acceptance and project handover.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Participate in customer meetings, design reviews and technical workshops.
• Engage with utilities, EPC contractors, consultants and equipment suppliers.
• Support contract clarification discussions and technical negotiations.
• Deliver the highest levels of technical quality and customer service.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 3+years' experience as a Project Engineer within:
  • Utility-scale BESS
  • Solar PV + BESS
  • Renewable energy infrastructure projects
• Strong knowledge of battery energy storage technologies and hybrid power systems.
• Experience working with software such as:
  • PVSyst
  • HOMER
  • ETAP
  • DIgSILENT
  • AutoCAD
  • MS Project
• Understanding of grid integration, MV electrical systems and regional regulatory requirements.
• Experience reviewing technical studies, engineering calculations and design documentation.
• Exposure to FAT, SAT and commissioning of MV-connected equipment.
• Strong project management and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Willingness to travel across Southern and East Africa as required.