Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Solar PV Systems

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work arrangement

Annual bonus based on performance

Medical aid and retirement savings

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Electrical Design Engineer for a fully remote role. You will lead electrical design for utility-scale and commercial solar PV projects, developing diagrams, performing critical electrical studies, and ensuring compliance with IEC/NRS standards.

The position supports projects across South Africa and beyond, with a distributed team of engineers and project managers. The ideal candidate has 7+ years in solar PV design, strong software skills (AutoCAD Electrical,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical design, with a strong specialization in solar PV systems (utility-scale and commercial).
• Proficiency in electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PSS/E, or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV components, system architecture, grid interconnection requirements, and protection schemes.
• Strong understanding of electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Experience with energy storage systems (BESS) is a significant advantage.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for virtual teamwork.
• Familiarity with the South African energy market and regulations is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design for utility-scale and commercial solar PV projects from concept to final construction drawings.
• Develop single-line diagrams, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system designs.
• Perform electrical calculations, including load flow, short circuit, grounding, and arc flash studies.
• Specify electrical equipment such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, cables, and protection devices.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant electrical codes, standards (e.g., IEC, NRS), and client requirements.
• Collaborate with EPC contractors, site teams, and other engineering disciplines throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical support during construction and commissioning phases.
• Optimize system designs for performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay current with advancements in solar PV technology, energy storage, and electrical engineering practices.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers and designers.

Skills

Project leadership

Solar PV design

Grid interconnection

Electrical safety

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

ETAP

PSS/E

Job description

About the Role

Our client is a rapidly expanding leader in the solar energy industry, and we are seeking an accomplished Senior Electrical Design Engineer to join our fully remote team. This role is perfect for experienced engineers who are passionate about solar power and thrive in an independent, flexible work environment. You will be responsible for the electrical design and engineering of utility-scale and commercial solar PV systems, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and compliance with all relevant standards. Your expertise will be crucial in translating project requirements into detailed, constructible electrical designs. We are looking for a creative problem-solver with a deep understanding of solar PV technology, grid interconnection, and electrical safety principles. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to significant renewable energy projects from the comfort of your home office, supporting our operations across South Africa and beyond. You will collaborate with a talented, distributed team of engineers and project managers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the electrical design for utility-scale and commercial solar PV projects, from concept to final construction drawings.
• Develop single-line diagrams, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control system designs.
• Perform electrical calculations, including load flow, short circuit, grounding, and arc flash studies.
• Specify electrical equipment such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, cables, and protection devices.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant electrical codes, standards (e.g., IEC, NRS), and client requirements.
• Collaborate with EPC contractors, site teams, and other engineering disciplines throughout the project lifecycle.
• Conduct design reviews and provide technical support during the construction and commissioning phases
• Optimize system designs for performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay current with advancements in solar PV technology, energy storage, and electrical engineering practices.
• Mentor and guide junior electrical engineers and designers.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in electrical design, with a strong specialization in solar PV systems (utility-scale and commercial).
• Proficiency in electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, ETAP, PSS/E, or similar.
• In-depth knowledge of solar PV components, system architecture, grid interconnection requirements, and protection schemes.
• Strong understanding of electrical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Experience with energy storage systems (BESS) is a significant advantage.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet project deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for virtual teamwork.
• Familiarity with the South African energy market and regulations is beneficial.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary.
• Fully remote work arrangement offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Annual bonus based on individual and company performance.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and learning.
• Work on impactful renewable energy projects that contribute to a sustainable future.
• Collaborative and innovative virtual work environment.