Utility Project Engineer

SolarAfrica Energy Pty Ltd; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

SolarAfrica Energy Pty Ltd in South Africa seeks a seasoned Utility Project Engineer to lead technical matters from development through construction. You will coordinate design consultants, interface with Eskom, and manage technical risk while ensuring project deliverables meet grid connection requirements.

The role requires 8+ years in utility-scale renewables, strong HV/MV knowledge, and ECSA registration.

Qualifications

• BEng/BSc Eng in Electrical Engineering and ECSA registration.
• 8+ years of relevant utility-scale renewables experience.
• Experience with Eskom grid connection and self-build processes.
• Strong HV/MV substation and primary plant knowledge.
• Excellent communication with Eskom and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with risk escalation.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage all technical matters during development phase focusing on grid works and Eskom engagement.
• Lead and coordinate design consultants and interface with stakeholders.
• Support construction/energisation activities and transition to execution.
• Provide technical input into scope definition and procurement.
• Review and manage Eskom submissions and approvals.

Skills

HV/MV substations

Overhead line routing

Communication skills

Technical translation

Independent work

Risk escalation

Education

Electrical Engineering degree

ECSA PR Tech Eng or PR Eng

Tools

ERP systems

MS Dynamics

Job description

The Utility Project Engineer will provide engineering leadership and technical coordination to the Project Development team by managing development-phase technical matters, assisting with the appointment of Design Consultants, Owners Engineer, EPC, and other Contractors/Consultants, overseeing Design Consultants and Owners Engineer, and interfacing with Eskom and other stakeholders, with continuity into construction.

Position of the job in the organisation:

The Utility Project Engineer will report directly to the Head of Engineering.

Principal responsibilities:

• Own and manage all technical matters during the development phase, with primary focus on grid-related works and Eskom engagement.
• Lead and coordinate Design Consultants, ensuring alignment, quality of deliverables, and effective interface management.
• Represent the company in technical engagements with Eskom, Design Consultants, Owner’s Engineers, and other technical stakeholders, including independent attendance where required.
• Support Project Developers with technical planning, coordination, reporting, and early identification of technical risks and constraints.
• Provide technical input into scope definition, procurement, evaluation, and adjudication of Design Consultants, Owner’s Engineers, and future EPC contractors.
• Review and manage technical submissions to Eskom, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with Eskom requirements and approval pathways.
• Any other job duties associated with this role.

Construction Phase Responsibility

• Transition into the construction phase as a permanent project resource, maintaining technical continuity from development through execution.
• Support construction, commissioning, and energisation activities from a technical assurance perspective.
• Act as a technical link between Engineering, EPC contractors, Owner’s Engineer, and internal stakeholders during project execution.

Experience:

• 8+ years’ experience in a relevant industry.
• Strong technical and project experience in grid-connected, utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Experience in utility-scale solar PV projects (development and/or construction).
• Experience with Eskom grid connection and self-build processes (application → capacity allocation → CEL → BQ).
• Familiar with Eskom submissions, review processes, timelines, and coordination to achieve BQ approval.

Specific Attributes:

• Strong knowledge of HV/MV substations and primary plant (transformers, switchgear, busbars, earthing, civil interfaces).
• Good understanding of overhead line (OHL) infrastructure (routing, servitudes, foundations, structures, clearances, constructability).
• Strong communication skills; able to engage confidently with Eskom, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with structured escalation of risks and issues.
• BEng / BSc Eng in Electrical Engineering.
• ECSA PR Tech Eng or PR Eng required.

Desirable Attributes:

• Working knowledge of secondary plant systems (protection & control, SCADA, telecoms, metering).
• ERP / MS Dynamics experience (nice to have).

What Does Success Look Like?

By 3 Months

• I will be supporting utility-scale projects effectively by understanding project scope, timelines, and technical requirements.
• I will be producing accurate project documentation, reports, and tracking updates in line with team standards.
• I will be coordinating assigned tasks with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders.

By 6 Months

• I will be independently managing defined components of utility projects, including timelines, documentation, and contractor coordination.
• I will be consistently delivering work on time with strong technical accuracy and attention to detail.
• I will be identifying potential project risks or delays and contributing to mitigation strategies.

By 12 Months

• I will be taking ownership of key aspects of utility project delivery from planning through to execution support.
• I will be driving improvements in project processes, reporting, and coordination efficiency.
• I will be providing reliable technical and project support to ensure successful project outcomes and team delivery.

Core Values:

• We are passionate and proud of what we do.
• We communicate candidly, especially when it is difficult.
• We take the initiative, share our mistakes, and grow together.
• We are dependable and take accountability.
• No one person is bigger than the solution - no egos.

We are currently only considering candidates based in South Africa with valid working rights. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider applications from outside the country at this time.