Senior Renewable Engineer - Electrical
Smart4 Energy - An nGAGE Talent Business · Johannesburg, Gauteng
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Start free — we apply for you →Our client is an established engineering business supporting Africa's energy transition through renewable energy and electrical infrastructure solutions. The business works across areas including solar, wind, battery energy storage, thermal and hydraulic engineering, electrical transmission and distribution. This is an opportunity for an experienced renewable energy electrical engineer to take a senior technical and project leadership position, working with clients, developers, utilities, OEMs, contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Senior Renewable Engineer will provide technical leadership and engineering expertise in the development and delivery of renewable energy and electrical infrastructure projects. The position combines electrical engineering, renewable energy project development, project management, technical design, client engagement and business development . The successful candidate will be involved across the complete project lifecycle, from feasibility and conceptual development through detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning and operational handover. Key Responsibilities Technical Leadership & Engineering
• Provide technical leadership and oversight on renewable energy and electrical infrastructure projects. • Lead feasibility studies, conceptual designs, detailed engineering and technical due diligence. • Review and approve renewable energy system designs, calculations, specifications and engineering deliverables. • Ensure compliance with applicable legislation, standards, regulations, grid codes and engineering best practice. • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to engineers, technologists and graduate engineers. • Drive innovation and adoption of emerging renewable energy technologies. Renewable Energy Project Development
• Lead the development and execution of Solar PV, Wind, BESS and hybrid renewable energy projects. • Conduct energy yield assessments, system performance modelling and technology evaluations. • Evaluate technical, commercial, financial and project risks. • Support projects from concept and feasibility through financial close, construction, commissioning and operation. • Develop technically and commercially viable renewable energy solutions for clients. Project Management & Delivery
• Manage multiple projects within approved scope, budget, quality and schedule requirements. • Develop project execution plans, schedules, budgets and resource allocations. • Monitor project performance and identify and mitigate project risks. • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams, contractors, suppliers and stakeholders. • Report project status, risks and opportunities to management and clients. Electrical Design & Grid Integration
• Lead the design and integration of MV, HV and EHV electrical systems associated with renewable energy facilities. • Perform grid integration, power system analysis, protection coordination and network assessments. • Develop and review single-line diagrams, protection philosophies, equipment specifications and electrical layouts. • Support optimal integration of renewable generation assets into utility and private electrical networks. • Utilise industry-standard engineering software for electrical modelling and renewable energy assessments. Construction, Commissioning & Operational Support
• Provide engineering support throughout procurement, construction, installation, testing and commissioning. • Conduct site inspections, FATs, SATs and commissioning activities. • Resolve technical challenges during construction and commissioning. • Ensure operational readiness and long-term reliability of renewable energy systems. Commercial & Cost Management
• Prepare and review capital cost estimates, operating cost assessments and financial models. • Evaluate contractor and supplier proposals from technical and commercial perspectives. • Support procurement activities, contract negotiations and contract administration. • Identify opportunities for cost optimisation and value engineering. Client & Stakeholder Management
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, developers, utilities, financiers, OEMs and strategic partners. • Facilitate technical workshops, progress meetings and stakeholder presentations. • Act as a trusted technical advisor on renewable energy and energy transition projects. • Ensure client expectations are understood and consistently exceeded. Business Development & Market Growth
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities within renewable energy and the broader energy transition sector. • Contribute to strategic planning and market development initiatives. • Lead or support proposals, expressions of interest, bids and tender submissions. • Develop long-term client relationships and support revenue growth. • Monitor industry trends, regulatory developments and emerging technologies to identify future opportunities. Quality, Risk & HSE
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems and project governance requirements. • Implement technical quality assurance and quality control processes. • Conduct project risk assessments and manage technical, commercial, environmental and safety risks. • Promote a strong health, safety, environmental and sustainability culture throughout project execution. Leadership & People Development
- Mentor, coach and develop junior engineers and project team members.
- Promote collaboration across multidisciplinary and geographically diverse project teams.
- Foster technical excellence, knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
- Support succession planning and capability development within the renewable energy practice.
Desired Experience & Qualification
Qualifications
• BSc/BEng/BTech in Electrical Engineering. • Professionally registered with ECSA , or currently progressing towards professional registration. Experience
- Minimum 5-10 years' proven experience in electrical engineering and renewable energy consulting.
- Demonstrated track record in the successful development and delivery of utility-scale and commercial renewable energy projects.
- Strong experience in the design, engineering, development and execution of Solar PV, Wind, BESS, Hybrid Energy Systems and associated electrical infrastructure .
- Experience managing projects through the full project lifecycle, including feasibility studies, technical due diligence, conceptual and detailed design, procurement, construction, commissioning, commercial operation and operational support.
- Strong experience with MV, HV and EHV electrical systems , including substations, transmission and distribution networks, protection systems, grid interconnections and electrical balance of plant.
- Demonstrated experience leading:
- Renewable energy feasibility studies
- Energy yield assessments
- Grid integration studies
- Power system studies
- Electrical network modelling
- Technology evaluations
- Technical and commercial due diligence assessments
Technical Software Advanced proficiency in relevant engineering and project software, including:
• PVSyst • DIgSILENT PowerFactory • AutoCAD • MS Project • Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel Project Experience Candidates should demonstrate experience across several of the following:
• Utility-scale Solar PV projects, particularly projects above 10 MW • Wind energy projects • Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) • Hybrid renewable energy systems • Grid connection and wheeling projects • Embedded generation projects • Mining and industrial power supply systems • Transmission and distribution infrastructure Core Competencies
- Strong electrical engineering and technical problem-solving capability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong project management capability.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong analytical and cost-analysis skills.
- Experience with plant design and integration.
- Ability to interpret and understand