Senior Project Engineer ( C&I Solar PV)

Pty; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading renewable energy firm is seeking a Senior Project Engineer to oversee technical delivery of commercial-scale solar PV projects. The candidate will conduct site assessments, develop detailed designs, and ensure compliance with standards. This role requires strong design expertise, experience in project engineering, and excellent client engagement skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of end-to-end C&I solar PV project engineering.
• Proven track record in pre-construction design.
• ECSA registration (Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech Eng) is advantageous but not mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed site assessments including cable routing and shading analysis.
• Develop comprehensive design packs using AutoCAD.
• Perform energy yield simulations to maximise performance.

Skills

Design & Simulation: PVsyst

Design & Simulation: Helioscope

CAD: AutoCAD

Advanced Excel

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or renewable energy engineering

Tools

PVsyst

Helioscope

AutoCAD

Job description

Introduction

As a Senior Project Engineer, you will own the technical delivery of commercial‑scale (200kW–2MW) solar PV projects from initial concept through to commissioning. Based in Johannesburg, you’ll combine advanced design expertise with hands‑on project oversight and client engagement to ensure every installation meets performance, quality, and compliance standards

Duties & Responsibilities

• Site Surveys & Feasibility: Conduct detailed site assessments (roof, ground mount, carport) including roof space, cable routing, shading analysis, and client consumption profiling; evaluate technical feasibility and translate findings into actionable design inputs.

• System Design & Documentation: Develop comprehensive design packs including PV layouts, single-line diagrams, and detailed specifications using AutoCAD; prepare supporting documentation such as BOQs, datasheets, schematics, cable schedules, and technical reports.

• Simulation & Optimisation: Perform energy yield simulations in PVsyst/Helioscope, optimising array orientation, tilt, string configuration, and inverter loading to maximise performance while ensuring compliance with SANS, NRS, SSEG, and municipal standards.

• Project Coordination & Costing: Collaborate with commercial and procurement teams to validate pricing, logistics, and labour rates; review CAPEX/OPEX models and support accurate proposal submissions.

• Construction & Installation: Conduct regular site visits during installation, verify design adherence, provide technical guidance to installation teams, assist in problem-solving on-site, and support commissioning activities including performance tests and SCADA/data logging verification.

• Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure all engineering deliverables comply with electrical codes, NRS, SANS, grid connection requirements, and safety standards; implement QA/QC processes, lessons learned, and best practices to drive continuous improvement.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary technical interface for clients, utilities, and inspectors; address technical queries, present progress updates, and coordinate with internal departments to ensure clear communication and seamless project delivery.

• Innovation & Continuous Development: Stay updated on emerging solar and BESS technologies, maintain and improve design templates and processes, and incorporate innovative solutions to enhance project efficiency, consistency, and quality

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Engineering. (BEng / Btech)

• 5+ years of end-to-end C&I solar PV project engineering.

• Proven track record in pre-construction design.

• ECSA registration (Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech Eng) is advantageous but not mandatory.

• Technical Skills

• • Design & Simulation: PVsyst, Helioscope

• • CAD: AutoCAD

• • Analysis & Office: Advanced Excel (financial and technical modelling), MS Word/PowerPoint

• • Standards Knowledge: SANS 10142-1, NRS 097, municipal grid-tie requirements

The ideal candidate would have a passion for the Renewable Energy sector and personality traits would include a high level of diligence, determination, resilience, and agility.

Interested?