Senior Researcher/Engineer: Energy Systems (Energy modelling)

MECS; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy research firm in Pretoria seeks an experienced professional to manage energy modelling projects and provide research direction. The ideal candidate will hold a Master’s degree and possess strong project management skills, with at least five years’ experience in the energy sector. Responsibilities include generating reports, participating in panels, and training on energy planning topics, ensuring adherence to budget and schedule. This role offers the opportunity to engage with various stakeholders in research and development in power systems.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, mathematics, or science with 5+ years of experience.
• 3+ years in energy modelling sector.
• Strong public and private sector network.
• Experience in contract R&D in sustainable energy.

Responsibilities

• Manage projects and conduct investigations on energy modelling.
• Generate technical reports and presentations on energy modelling.
• Provide training on energy planning related topics.
• Manage contract research development adhering to schedule and budget.

Skills

Intermediate to advanced competency in PLEXOS

Intermediate to advanced competency in Balmorel

Project management skills

Translating technical results into policy insights

Research leadership

Education

Master’s degree in relevant field

Job description

• Manage projects, research and conduct investigations on energy modelling and related topics.
• Provide research direction on energy planning and energy modelling.
• Participate in local panels or working groups on power systems topics.
• Generate technical reports, articles, conference papers and presentations aimed at energy modelling locally and internationally.
• Provide training on energy planning related topics.
• Formulate research proposals to attract contract research income from public and private clients.
• Develop relationships with potential, collaborators and stakeholders for R&D in power systems topics.
• Compile technical reports for clients in the energy sector.
• Manage contract research and development and ensure adherence to schedule and budget.

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

• Master’s 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.