Remote Lead Solar PV Design Engineer

Placements24; Bellville; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work from anywhere in SA

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement planning

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a highly skilled Remote Lead Solar PV Design Engineer to drive the design of rooftop, ground-mount, and tracking PV systems from concept through optimization. You will mentor engineers and ensure compliance with SANS/IEC standards, while coordinating with project teams to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale clients.

The role is remote within South Africa, offering challenging projects, cutting-edge software tools, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering (Master's a plus).
• 7+ years in solar PV design; at least 2 years in lead role.
• Proficient in PV design software: PVsyst, Helioscope, AutoCAD, SketchUp.
• Strong knowledge of electrical and structural design; remote leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and engineering of complex solar PV systems, including rooftop, ground-mount, and tracking systems.
• Develop detailed electrical and structural designs, single-line diagrams, stringing layouts, and performance simulations.
• Perform site assessments, shading analyses, and energy yield predictions using industry-standard software.
• Ensure designs comply with electrical codes and standards (SANS, IEC).
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid-level PV design engineers.
• Collaborate with project managers, sales teams, and external stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and client satisfaction.

Skills

Leadership

Remote team leadership

Project management

Mentoring junior engineers

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PVsyst

Helioscope

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a visionary leader in distributed renewable energy solutions, is expanding its capabilities and seeking a highly skilled and motivated Remote Lead Solar PV Design Engineer. This fully remote position is ideal for an experienced professional looking to take on a leadership role while working from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in designing innovative and cost-effective photovoltaic (PV) systems for a diverse range of commercial, industrial, and utility-scale projects. The Lead Engineer will oversee the entire design process, from conceptualization and detailed engineering to system optimization and performance modeling, ensuring that all designs meet stringent quality standards and client requirements. This role demands a proactive approach, exceptional technical acumen, and the ability to mentor junior engineers, all within a remote-first framework. You will be a key contributor to our client's mission of accelerating the adoption of solar energy globally, with a specific focus on impactful projects across various regions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and engineering of complex solar PV systems, including rooftop, ground-mount, and tracking systems.
• Develop detailed electrical and structural designs, single-line diagrams, stringing layouts, and performance simulations.
• Perform site assessments, shading analyses, and energy yield predictions using industry-standard software.
• Ensure designs comply with all relevant national and international electrical codes, standards, and regulations (e.g., SANS, IEC).
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to a team of junior and mid-level PV design engineers.
• Collaborate closely with project managers, sales teams, and external stakeholders to ensure design feasibility and client satisfaction.
• Conduct design reviews and quality assurance checks to maintain high standards of engineering excellence.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in solar PV technology, components, and design best practices.
• Contribute to the development of design tools and methodologies to improve efficiency and accuracy.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in solar PV system design, with at least 2 years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
• Proficiency in industry-standard PV design and simulation software such as PVsyst, Helioscope, AutoCAD, and SketchUp.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical engineering principles, PV module technologies, inverters, and energy storage systems.
• Strong understanding of structural design considerations for solar installations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot complex design challenges.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively lead and collaborate in a remote setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
• Self-motivated and disciplined, with a proven ability to work independently and productively from a remote location.

Benefits

• This is a fully remote position offering the flexibility to work from home anywhere in South Africa.
• Our client provides a highly competitive salary, performance-based incentives, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement planning options.
• You will have access to cutting-edge design software and resources, extensive opportunities for professional development and career growth, and the chance to be part of impactful projects shaping the future of sustainable energy.
• We foster a collaborative and supportive remote culture.