Senior Civil Engineer - Solar PV - BESS - South Africa

AltGen Recruitment; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1 300 000 - 1 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A global renewable energy company is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer with expertise in bulk earthworks and stormwater management. The successful candidate will lead the civil and structural engineering for utility-scale solar PV projects. Responsibilities include leading design, ensuring compliance with regulations, and optimizing site layouts. The ideal applicant will have a Civil Engineering degree, significant experience in large infrastructure projects, and proficiency in design software like AutoCAD. The expected remuneration ranges from R1.3M to R1.6M.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of professional experience in civil design and execution, ideally in large projects.
• Chartered Engineer status or working towards it.
• Familiarity with international standards for earthworks and stormwater management.

Responsibilities

• Lead civil/structural design for utility-scale solar PV plants.
• Review and approve geotechnical and hydrological studies.
• Ensure compliance with local and international codes.

Skills

Geotechnical studies

Hydrological studies

Topographical studies

Site layout optimization

Strong communication skills in English

Education

Bachelor’s degree (BEng/BSc) in Civil or Structural Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

Job description

Introduction

Our client is a global renewable energy company that develops, designs, constructs, and operates solar and hybrid power systems. They are currently seeking a Senior Civil Engineer with strong expertise in bulk earthworks and stormwater management. Renowned for delivering sustainable energy solutions, the company operates across Europe and Africa, driving the transition toward clean, reliable power. With extensive capabilities in project development, engineering, procurement, construction, and asset management, they combine technical excellence and innovation to deliver cost-effective, high-quality renewable energy projects. Their mission is to accelerate the global shift to clean energy through smart, scalable solar and energy storage technologies.

The role will lead civil and structural engineering activities for utility-scale solar PV plants (and associated BESS or hybrid systems). The successful candidate will ensure safe, cost-effective, and timely execution of all civil works from development through to construction and commissioning.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Lead civil/structural design for PV plants, including site layouts, foundations, access roads, drainage, earthworks, and structural supports
• Review and approve geotechnical, hydrological, and topographical studies
• Optimize site layouts to balance cut-and-fill, minimize costs, and mitigate environmental impacts
• Ensure compliance with international and local codes, standards, and permitting requirements
• Review contractor designs, method statements, and shop drawings
• Oversight of quality control and ensuring adherence to project HSE standards
• Conducting site inspections and resolving civil/structural engineering issues during construction
• Interfacing with electrical and mechanical teams to ensure fully coordinated designs
• Supporting project managers in scheduling, cost estimating, and risk management

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree (BEng/BSc) in Civil or Structural Engineering
• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards it)
• 5-7 years of professional experience in civil design and execution, ideally including work on large infrastructure projects or solar PV
• Familiarity with relevant design and modelling software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D, HEC-RAS, drainage design tools)
• Knowledge of international standards and good practice in earthworks, drainage, erosion control, and stormwater management (SANS 1200, BS EN 1990, BS 6031)
• Experience working on international projects and ability to adapt to different regulatory environments
• Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written); French is a plus
• Willingness to travel locally and internationally for site visits and project support
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks in a dynamic environment

Package & Remuneration

R1.3M - R1.6M