Senior Project Design Engineer

SET Recruitment Consultants; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy organization is seeking a Senior Project Design Engineer to lead the design and integration of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). You will ensure the delivery of robust energy systems, focusing on controls and energy management. The ideal candidate will have 5–10 years of experience in relevant fields, and a BEng/BSc degree in Engineering is required. Proficiency in design tools like PVsyst and AutoCAD is essential. This role offers a competitive market-related salary and an opportunity to make a significant impact in the energy sector.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years’ experience in Solar PV, hybrid, or BESS design and integration.
• ECSA registration (PrEng/PrTechEng) or working toward registration advantageous.
• Proven background in control, automation, or EMS system design.
• Experience in C&I and/or small IPP projects, ideally within EPC or developer contexts.

Responsibilities

• Lead detailed design of PV and BESS systems with compliancy.
• Perform system sizing and energy modelling for hybrid systems.
• Define communication and instrumentation architectures for EMS.
• Support technical designs and feasibility assessments.
• Provide technical oversight during construction and commissioning.

Skills

Solar PV design

BESS integration

Control and automation

Energy Management Systems

Education

BEng/BSc in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechatronic Engineering

Tools

PVsyst

ETAP

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Senior Project Design Engineer

Market-related Salary

Western Cape or Pretoria

Role Purpose

A renewable energy organisation is seeking a Senior Project Design Engineer to lead the design, integration, and optimisation of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) for commercial, industrial, and small‑scale IPP projects. The role focuses on delivering technically robust, commercially viable, and high‑performing energy systems with emphasis on instrumentation, controls, and energy management systems (EMS).

Key Responsibilities (Summary)

• System Design & Engineering: Lead detailed design of PV and BESS systems, including schematics, single‑line diagrams, control and instrumentation layouts, and compliance with standards and utility requirements.
• BESS Integration: Perform system sizing, energy modelling, operational simulations, component specification, and control logic development for hybrid and grid‑interactive systems.
• Instrumentation & EMS Control: Define communication and instrumentation architectures, configure EMS logic, oversee SCADA integration, and validate metering and control data.
• Bid & Technical Support: Prepare technical designs, feasibility assessments, and system descriptions; support bid clarification, technology evaluation, and contracting.
• Project Execution Support: Provide technical oversight during construction, FAT, and commissioning; review drawings and manage design revisions to ensure design intent is preserved.

Qualifications & Experience

• BEng/BSc in Electrical, Electronic, or Mechatronic Engineering
• 5–10 years’ experience in Solar PV, hybrid, or BESS design and integration
• ECSA registration (PrEng/PrTechEng) or working toward registration advantageous
• Proven background in control, automation, or EMS system design
• Experience in C&I and/or small IPP projects, ideally within EPC or developer contexts
• Proficiency in PVsyst, ETAP/DIgSILENT, AutoCAD Electrical, and other relevant design tools
• Strong understanding of utility interconnection and grid code compliance