Renewable Energy Engineer

Affirmative Portfolios; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Affirmative Portfolios seeks a Project Engineer focused on solar energy initiatives in SA and international markets. You will oversee projects from conception to completion, coordinating engineers, contractors and stakeholders to ensure timely, compliant, and cost-effective delivery.

Responsibilities include feasibility studies, site assessments and design optimisation, with hands-on support during installation and commissioning. Strong communication and travel readiness are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering required.
• Master’s or renewable energy certifications advantageous.
• 7–10+ years in electrical networks and feasibility studies with solar exposure.
• Experience in energy yield assessments and financial modelling for solar/energy projects.
• Knowledge of local and international energy codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and manage solar energy projects from conception to completion, adhering to timelines, budgets and quality standards.
• Collaborate with engineers, contractors and stakeholders to ensure alignment with goals and regulations.
• Conduct feasibility studies, site assessments and technical evaluations for optimal solar installations.
• Provide technical direction and guidance on system design, equipment selection and optimization.
• Develop design specifications and perform simulations to optimise PV performance.
• Monitor progress, identify risks and implement mitigation strategies for project delivery.
• Support installation, commissioning and performance monitoring activities.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

AutoCAD

PowerFactory

PSSE

Solar PV design

Financial modelling

Energy systems

Permitting knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Masters / Renewable Energy cert

Tools

AutoCAD

PowerFactory

PSSE

MS Project

Job description

Our company is a dynamic forward-thinking engineering firm specialising in construction, and consulting services, as well as expanding into the Independent Power Producer (IPP) market. With a strong foothold in South Africa and an expanding presence in international markets, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that drive sustainable development and empower communities. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Project Engineer , who will be responsible for overseeing and managing various phases of projects across these sectors with a primary focus on solar energy initiatives.

Position Overview

The Project Engineer’s primary focus will be on solar energy initiatives in the South African and international markets. The role involves coordinating tasks, ensuring project success, and contributing to advancing sustainable energy solutions. This role requires a proactive individual with a deep understanding of the industry, exceptional project management skills and a proven track record of project success.

The Project Engineer will provide technical insight about deployment and implementation, putting the value proposition into practice. The Project Engineer will work on impactful projects contributing to sustainable energy solutions. Many aspects of the solar energy field will be worked in, including building, designing, and installing solar panels and working to improve solar technology through data collection, lab work, and field experiments.

Work Activities and Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and manage solar energy projects from conception to completion, adhering to timelines, quality standards, and budget constraints.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, to ensure project alignment with established goals and industry regulations.
• Conduct feasibility studies, site assessments, and technical evaluations to determine optimal solutions and design approaches for solar energy system installations.
• Perform site-specific engineering analysis or evaluation of energy efficiency.
• Create plans for solar energy system development, monitoring, and evaluation activities.
• Conduct engineering site audits to collect structural, electrical, and related site information for use in the design of solar power systems.
• Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using computer-aided design (AutoCAD).
• Review specifications and recommend engineering or manufacturing changes to achieve solar design objectives.
• Provide technical expertise and guidance on solar energy systems, equipment selection, and design optimisation to enhance project performance.
• Develop design specifications and functional requirements for solar energy systems or components.
• Monitor project progress, identify potential risks, and implement strategies to mitigate issues impacting project delivery.
• Provide technical direction or support to installation teams during installation, start-up, testing, system commissioning, and performance monitoring.
• Perform computer simulation of solar PV generation system performance or energy production to optimise efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices in power, and solar and energy-related projects.
• Create checklists for review or inspection of completed solar installation projects.
• Test or evaluate PV cells or modules.
• Perform thermal, stress, or cost reduction analyses for solar systems.
• Assist in the tender process with technical expertise and guidance on solar energy systems, and equipment selection.
• Stay abreast of the latest developments and breakthroughs and pass this vital knowledge on.
• Assist with transmission and distribution network (substations, transformers, lines, grid), projects as and when needed.
• Assist and manage construction projects when needed.

Skills and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering - additional certifications in Renewable Energy would be advantageous.
• A master's degree or additional certifications in electrical power generation, transmission, distribution and renewable energy would be advantageous.
• 7 to 10+ years of proven experience in electrical networks and feasibility studies, with exposure to solar system design.
• Experience in conducting energy yield assessments and financial modelling for solar and energy related projects.
• Knowledge of local and international energy codes and standards.
• Strong understanding of solar energy system design, photovoltaic technology, and related software for design and analysis.
• Familiarity with permitting processes, utility interconnection requirements and commissioning procedures for solar installations.
• Competence in some of the Electrical Engineering software: AutoCAD, PowerFactory, PSSE, or similar software.
• Proficiency in project management tools, such as MS Project, and experience with CAD software for solar system design.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, and a proactive problem-solving attitude.
• Fluent in spoken and written English ~ knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple tasks, set priorities, work independently and well in a team, and perform under pressure.
• Willing to travel internationally.

If you have the skill set and want to be part of a dynamic team.