Project Engineer - Solar PV & Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Role Purpose
The Project Engineer will be responsible for the end-to-end engineering delivery of utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, ensuring technical excellence throughout the project lifecycle. The role requires a strong Electrical Engineering background with proven experience in renewable energy projects, medium voltage (MV) systems, and energy storage technologies.
The successful candidate will lead engineering activities from detailed design through construction, commissioning, and project handover, ensuring all deliverables are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with applicable standards and client requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering Design & Technical Delivery
- Lead the preparation, review, and approval of detailed electrical designs for Solar PV and BESS projects.
- Develop and review Single Line Diagrams (SLDs), electrical layouts, cable schedules, protection schemes, and equipment specifications.
- Ensure accurate sizing and selection of PV modules, inverters, transformers, switchgear, protection equipment, and BESS components.
- Oversee medium voltage (MV) network design and integration requirements.
- Support grid connection studies and ensure compliance with utility and regulatory requirements.
- Identify opportunities for design optimisation to improve project performance, constructability, and cost efficiency.
- Ensure all engineering deliverables meet applicable industry standards, regulations, and client specifications.
Project Execution & Construction Support
- Provide technical leadership during project execution and construction phases.
- Work closely with site teams to resolve engineering and technical issues during installation.
- Review contractor technical submissions, method statements, and installation procedures.
- Conduct site inspections and monitor engineering quality throughout construction activities.
- Ensure installations comply with approved designs, specifications, and safety requirements.
- Support project schedules by ensuring timely completion of engineering deliverables.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Support the design, integration, testing, and commissioning of battery energy storage systems.
- Coordinate with equipment suppliers and technology partners regarding BESS requirements and technical interfaces.
- Ensure battery systems are integrated effectively with PV generation and grid infrastructure.
- Participate in performance verification and operational testing activities.
Medium Voltage (MV) Systems
- Manage MV electrical infrastructure design and implementation.
- Support the specification and integration of transformers, switchgear, protection systems, and associated MV equipment.
- Ensure compliance with grid connection requirements and utility standards.
- Participate in MV testing, energisation, and commissioning activities.
Commissioning & Handover
- Develop and review commissioning procedures and testing plans.
- Support functional testing, performance testing, and system verification activities.
- Coordinate punch-list resolution and project close-out requirements.
- Ensure all technical documentation is completed and handed over to clients.
- Support final project acceptance and operational readiness activities.
Stakeholder & Team Coordination
- Collaborate closely with Project Managers, Procurement, Commercial, Construction, and Operations teams.
- Interface with clients, consultants, EPC contractors, equipment suppliers, and utility stakeholders.
- Participate in technical meetings and provide engineering input throughout project development and execution.
- Ensure clear communication of technical risks, challenges, and mitigation strategies.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Identify engineering risks and implement mitigation measures.
- Ensure compliance with applicable health, safety, environmental, and quality standards.
- Monitor adherence to engineering procedures and project governance requirements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across engineering and project delivery functions.
Experience Requirements
- 5-6 years of experience in Electrical Engineering within the renewable energy sector.
- Strong experience in Solar PV project design and delivery.
- Demonstrated experience across the full project lifecycle, from design through commissioning and handover.
- Proven experience with Medium Voltage (MV) electrical systems and grid integration.
- Hands-on experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- Experience supporting construction teams and resolving technical issues on site.
- Familiarity with utility-scale renewable energy projects is highly advantageous.
- Experience working within EPC, IPP, developer, or engineering consulting environments is preferred.
Educational Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (Non-Negotiable).
- Professional registration or progression toward registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa is advantageous.
- Additional certifications or training in renewable energy, solar PV, BESS technologies, or MV systems would be beneficial.
Technical Skills
- Solar PV electrical design.
- Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) integration and commissioning.
- Medium Voltage (MV) infrastructure design and implementation.
- Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) and electrical schematics.
- Equipment specification and selection.
- Protection and control systems.
- Grid integration and utility compliance.
- Electrical testing and commissioning.
- Technical documentation and engineering reporting.
- Familiarity with industry standards, codes, and renewable energy regulations.
Key Competencies
- Strong technical and analytical problem-solving skills.
- Excellent project coordination and organisational abilities.
- High attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proactive and delivery-focused approach.
- Ability to work effectively between office-based engineering and site execution environments.
- Strong leadership and decision-making capability.
- Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Project Engineer
South Africa
Permanent
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