Senior Researcher / Engineer : Energy Systems (Energy modelling)

Mecs Africa; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy consulting firm in Pretoria seeks a skilled individual with a master's degree in engineering or a related field and 5+ years of experience in the energy sector. The ideal candidate will possess strong project management skills and experience in energy modelling, with the ability to translate technical results into actionable policy insights. This role involves formulating research questions and leading data collection projects within the energy domain.

Qualifications

• 5+ years working experience in the energy sector.
• 3 years in energy modelling.
• Strong network with public and private sectors.

Skills

Software Proficiency in PLEXOS

Strong project management skills

Policy & Strategy Acumen

Research Leadership

Education

Masters degree in engineering, mathematics, or science

Job description

Core competencies (non-negotiable)

• Specialized Software Proficiency : Intermediate to advanced user level of competency in PLEXOS, Balmorel, OSEMOSYS, TIMES, or others (ability to build capacity expansion and unit commitment models from scratch, not just run existing ones).
• Strong project management skills required
• Policy & Strategy Acumen : Experience translating technical results into policy insights (e.g., contributing to the IRP / gas masterplan / municipal / enterprise level electricity masterplans).
• Research Leadership : Proven ability to formulate research questions, manage data collection projects, and lead technical task teams

Education and experience required:

• Masters degree in electrical / mechanical / industrial engineering, mathematics, science or equivalent with at least five years working experience in the energy sector, of which three years should be in energy modelling
• Strong network in the public and private sectors as links to sustainable energy supply, with a track record of working with clients and obtaining contract R&D in the field.
• Familiarity with modelling approaches for energy planning and modelling and project management experience.