Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Solar & Battery Storage

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Professional development

Relocation assistance

Cutting-edge projects

Collaborative environment

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Design Engineer for a leading renewable energy developer in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead electrical design for utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects, develop single-line diagrams and wiring layouts, and ensure compliance with IEC/SANS standards and grid interconnection requirements.

The role requires 7+ years in electrical design with renewables, proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, and PSS/E, and strong leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical design, with a significant focus on renewable energy projects (solar PV, BESS).
• Proven experience with grid interconnection studies and requirements.
• Proficiency in electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PSS/E, or similar.
• Strong understanding of power electronics, AC/DC systems, and control systems.
• Knowledge of South African electrical regulations and grid codes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience in leading design teams is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration with ECSA is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design of utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage systems (BESS).
• Develop single-line diagrams, electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams.
• Perform electrical load calculations, short-circuit studies, and protection coordination analysis.
• Specify electrical equipment, including inverters, transformers, switchgear, and cables.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant national and international electrical codes and standards (e.g., IEC, SANS).
• Collaborate with EPC contractors, suppliers, and internal teams to resolve design issues and ensure constructability.
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical support during the construction and commissioning phases.
• Develop and maintain electrical design standards and best practices.
• Evaluate new technologies and propose innovative design solutions to improve project performance and reduce costs.
• Mentor junior electrical engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Electrical design

Renewable energy

Leadership

Grid interconnection

Power electronics

Communication

Education

BEng/BSc Electrical Engineering

Pr.Eng. desirable

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ETAP

PSS/E

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Design Engineer for a leading renewable energy developer in Paarl, Western Cape. You will lead electrical design for utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects, develop single-line diagrams and wiring layouts, and ensure compliance with IEC/SANS standards and grid interconnection requirements.

The role requires 7+ years in electrical design with renewables, proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, and PSS/E, and strong leadership.