Renewable Energy Project Engineer

Energy Vault; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the renewable energy sector is seeking a Renewable Energy Project Engineer to manage utility-scale projects in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will have extensive technical expertise, project management experience, and a strong background in electrical or mechanical engineering. This role requires a professional capable of ensuring compliance, optimizing designs, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders while delivering projects on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years in renewable energy projects (solar/wind ≥ 10MW).
• Proven experience with utility-scale and hybrid systems.
• Certifications like PV GreenCard and GWO preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, design, and execution of renewable energy projects.
• Conduct site suitability studies and design optimization.
• Ensure compliance with grid codes and manage EPC contracts.

Skills

Renewable Tech Expertise

Regulatory Knowledge

EPC contract administration

Risk management

Financial modeling

Education

BEng/BSc in Electrical/Mechanical/Renewable Energy Engineering

Professional Registration: ECSA PrEng/PrTechEng

Tools

AutoCAD

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Homer Pro

PVcase

WAsP

Job description

Job Purpose
The Renewable Energy Project Engineer oversees the planning, design, and execution of utility-scale renewable energy projects (50MW+), ensuring technical compliance, cost efficiency, and timely commissioning.Key Responsibilities
1. Project Development & Feasibility

• Conductsite suitability studies(solar irradiance/wind resource assessments usingPVsyst/WindPRO).
• Designlayout optimizationfor solar tracker/wind turbine configurations.
• Preparetechnical specificationsfor EPC tenders (modules, inverters, BESS).

2. Engineering Management

• Reviewsingle-line diagrams (SLDs), civil/structural designs, andgrid connection studies.
• ManageBOP (Balance of Plant)contractors for roads, foundations, and MV/HV infrastructure.
• OverseeSCADA and performance monitoring systems(Sungrow, SMA, Siemens).

3. Grid Compliance & Integration

• Ensure compliance withNRS 097-2-1 (Grid Code)andNERSA licensing requirements.
• Coordinatepower flow studieswith Eskom/IPPs for grid connection agreements.
• Implementreactive power controlandlow-voltage ride-through (LVRT)solutions.

4. Construction & Commissioning

• SupervisePV module installation/wind turbine erectionper IEC 62446/IEC 61400.
• Leadenergization testsandperformance ratio (PR) validation.
• Resolvesnag listsfor practical completion sign-off.

5. Stakeholder Coordination

• Interface withlandowners, Eskom, DMRE, and environmental consultants.
• Report progress to investors/lenders (includingIndependent Engineer reviews).

Required Qualifications

• BEng/BSc in Electrical/Mechanical/Renewable Energy Engineering.
• Professional Registration:ECSA PrEng/PrTechEng (preferred).
• Certifications:
  • PV GreenCard (SAPVIA)for solar safety.
  • GWO (Global Wind Organisation)certification for wind.
  • Project Management (PMBOK/Agile).

Essential Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills

• Renewable Tech Expertise:
  • Solar: String vs. central inverters, DC/AC ratios.
  • Wind: Turbine load calculations, wake effects.
  • BESS: Lithium-ion chemistries, cycle life optimization.
• Software Proficiency:
  • Design:AutoCAD, PVcase (solar), WAsP (wind).
  • Analysis:DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Homer Pro.
• Regulatory Knowledge:
  • Carbon offset mechanisms (CERs).
  • REIPPPP/BWIP bid requirements.

Management Skills

• EPC contract administration (FIDIC Yellow Book).
• Risk management (force majeure in RE projects).
• Financial modeling (LCOE calculations).

Experience Requirements

• 3-5 years in renewable energy projects(solar/wind ≥ 10MW).
• Proven Experience With:
  • Utility-scale projects
  • Hybrid systems(solar+diesel/BESS).
• Exposure To:
  • Eskom grid code compliance.
  • International standards (IEC, UL, DNV GL).