Solar Engineer

Watershed Consulting; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in South Africa is looking for a skilled Solar Engineer to design and implement solar PV systems for various projects. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, ECSA registration, and 3-5 years of experience in the solar industry. Responsibilities include conducting site assessments, client interactions, and overseeing installation processes while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in the solar industry.
• Proven metering experience, including installation and setup.
• Experience with coding or programming for system automation.

Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and implement solar PV systems.
• Conduct site assessments and feasibility studies.
• Lead and support the SSEG application process.

Skills

Electrical knowledge

Problem-solving capabilities

Communication skills

Experience with coding

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

ECSA Registration

Tools

PVsyst

Helioscope

AutoCAD

Job description

Introduction

\u2014 We\u2019re seeking a skilled and passionate Solar Engineer to join an innovative team and help drive clean energy projects forward. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to sustainable energy. You\u2019ll work across various scales of solar projects and contribute to cutting-edge services including Thermal Drone surveying and Small-Scale Embedded Generation (SSEG) applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and implement solar PV systems across residential, commercial, and utility projects.


• Client interactions


• Regulator interactions (NERSA)


• Conduct site assessments, including technical feasibility studies.


• Develop and review system schematics, layouts, and wiring diagrams.


• Perform metering setup and integration, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.


• Lead and support the SSEG application process with municipalities and Eskom.


• Use thermal drone data to identify and diagnose system inefficiencies.


• Oversee installation and commissioning of PV systems, ensuring quality assurance and safety compliance.


• Write or interpret code related to monitoring systems (e.g., system automation, data integration, SCADA platforms).


• Work closely with project managers, electricians, and software / controls teams.


• Stay up to date with local and international solar regulations and industry best practices

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.


• ECSA Registration Mandatory (Candidates to be qualified within 1 year)


• Minimum 3-5 years’ experience in the solar industry, preferably across multiple project types (residential, commercial, utility).


• Proven metering experience, including installation, setup, and integration.


• Strong electrical knowledge – able to interpret and design electrical schematics.


• Experience with coding or programming (e.g., Python, JavaScript, or similar) for system automation or integration is highly advantageous.


• Proficient with solar design tools such as PVsyst, Helioscope, AutoCAD, etc.


• Familiar with NRS097-2-1, SANS standards, and other relevant compliance documentation.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Solutions-driven mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.


• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple technical priorities.


• Strong communication skills – able to interface with clients, contractors, and regulators.


• Passion for renewable energy and sustainable technologies.


• Willingness to travel when necessary for site visits or commissioning