Senior Geothermal Energy Systems Engineer

Placements24; Midrand; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Comprehensive medical aid

Pension fund

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 in Midrand, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Geothermal Energy Systems Engineer to lead design, development and optimization of geothermal power projects.

You will oversee feasibility studies through commissioning, manage drilling operations, reservoir assessments, and plant performance, collaborating with geologists and project managers to ensure safe, efficient energy conversion.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in a relevant engineering field with Geothermal specialization.
• 10+ years in geothermal energy project development, engineering, and operations.
• Expertise in reservoir engineering, well design, and drilling management.
• Familiarity with SA regulatory requirements and PE registration desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering of geothermal power plants and systems.
• Conduct geological and reservoir assessments to identify resources.
• Oversee drilling operations for production and injection wells.
• Develop heat extraction, fluid transport, and power cycles designs.
• Monitor plant performance and implement optimization strategies.
• Collaborate with geologists, drilling engineers and project managers.

Skills

Thermodynamics

Fluid mechanics

Geology

Project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical/ Chemical/ Petroleum Engineering (Geothermal)

Tools

TOUGH2

EGSnumeric

CAD tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in sustainable energy solutions, is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Geothermal Energy Systems Engineer to join their innovative team in Midrand, Gauteng. This role is critical for the design, development, and optimization of geothermal power generation projects. You will be responsible for leading technical aspects from feasibility studies through to plant commissioning and operation, ensuring the efficiency and viability of geothermal energy extraction and conversion. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in geothermal resource assessment, drilling technology, power plant design, and project management within the energy sector. A strong understanding of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and geology is essential. This is a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge geothermal technology and contribute significantly to South Africa's clean energy transition. The position is primarily based at our state-of-the-art facility in Midrand, Gauteng, with potential site visits.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and engineering of geothermal power plants and associated systems.
• Conduct detailed geological and reservoir assessments to identify and evaluate geothermal resources.
• Oversee the planning and execution of drilling operations for production and injection wells.
• Develop process designs for heat extraction, fluid transport, and power generation cycles (e.g., binary, flash).
• Manage the selection and integration of major equipment, including turbines, pumps, and heat exchangers.
• Perform technical and economic feasibility studies, including risk assessments.
• Collaborate with geologists, drilling engineers, and project managers throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure all designs and operations comply with safety standards, environmental regulations, and industry best practices.
• Monitor plant performance, diagnose operational issues, and recommend optimization strategies.
• Contribute to research and development initiatives for enhancing geothermal energy technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in Geothermal Energy.
• Minimum of 10 years of direct experience in geothermal energy project development, engineering, and operations.
• Proven expertise in reservoir engineering, well design, and drilling management.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamic cycles and power plant design for geothermal applications.
• Experience with geological surveying and resource assessment techniques.
• Proficiency in relevant simulation software (e.g., TOUGH2, EGSnumeric) and CAD tools.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project leadership skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities for stakeholder engagement.
• Familiarity with international geothermal standards and South African regulatory requirements.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration or equivalent is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package
• Performance bonuses
• Comprehensive medical aid
• Pension fund
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development

You will be part of a leading team driving innovation in a critical sector for South Africa. The role is based in our modern Midrand, Gauteng office, providing a stimulating and collaborative work environment.

We value a diverse workforce and are an equal opportunity employer.

Join us and take a leading role in developing sustainable geothermal energy resources.