Job title: Senior Project Engineer (Solar PV)
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Renewable Energy
Sub-Industry: BESS / Batteries Solar PV C&I
Functional Expertise: Engineering
Location: Johannesburg
Job published: 17-07-2025
Job ID: 33269
Contact name: Möcke Müller

Job Description

As a Senior Project Engineer, you will own the technical delivery of commercial‑scale (200 kW–2 MW) solar PV projects from initial concept through to commissioning. Based in Johannesburg, you’ll combine advanced design expertise with hands‑on project oversight and client engagement to ensure every installation meets performance, quality, and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

  • Site Feasibility & Data Collection: Conduct detailed site surveys (roof, ground‑mount, carport), including structural and electrical infrastructure assessments; gather on‑site irradiation data, shading analysis, and client consumption profiles, translating findings into actionable design inputs.

  • System Design & Optimisation: Develop full PV system layouts and single‑line diagrams using AutoCAD (modules, inverters, mounting and BOS components); perform energy‑yield simulations and sensitivity analyses in PVsyst and Helioscope to optimise array orientation, tilt, string configuration, and inverter loading.

  • Engineering Documentation: Prepare comprehensive design packages—equipment datasheets, wiring schematics, protection calculations, cable schedules, mounting details—and compile technical reports covering design rationale, performance projections, and compliance checks against SANS/NRS standards.

  • Costing & Technical Proposal Support: Collaborate with the commercial team to verify equipment pricing, logistics, and installation labor rates; review and validate cost‑estimate spreadsheets to ensure accuracy in CAPEX/OPEX breakdowns for proposal submissions.

  • Construction & Commissioning Oversight: Perform periodic site inspections during installation to ensure adherence to design documentation and quality standards; support commissioning activities by witnessing inverter startups, conducting performance tests, and verifying SCADA/data‑logging setups.

  • Client & Stakeholder Liaison: Serve as the primary technical interface for clients, utilities, and municipal inspectors—address technical queries and present progress updates; facilitate interdepartmental coordination (procurement, project management, O&M) to ensure seamless handover and clear communication of client requirements.

  • Compliance & Quality Assurance: Ensure all engineering deliverables comply with local electrical codes, grid‑connection regulations, and health & safety requirements; implement lessons learned and best practices across projects to drive continuous improvement in design and delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Engineering.

  • 5+ years of end‑to‑end C&I solar PV project engineering (200 kW–2 MW).

  • Proven track record in both pre‑construction design.

  • ECSA registration (Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech Eng) is advantageous but not mandatory.

Technical Skills

  • Design & Simulation: PVsyst, Helioscope (or equivalent)

  • CAD: AutoCAD or similar for electrical and layout drawings

  • Analysis & Office: Advanced Excel (financial and technical modeling), MS Word/PowerPoint

  • Standards Knowledge: SANS 10142‑1, NRS 097, municipal grid‑tie requirements

Apply now to join the team and drive Johannesburg’s commercial solar projects to successful, high‑performance completion!