Project Engineer (Solar PV)

Pty • Full-time • Cape Town • 2w ago

Introduction

As a Project Engineer, you will support the technical delivery of commercial and industrial solar PV and battery energy storage projects. Based in Johannesburg, you’ll be involved in every project phase – from feasibility to commissioning – ensuring quality, compliance, and efficiency across all deliverables.

Duties & Responsibilities

Site Feasibility & Data Collection:
Conduct site surveys (roof, ground-mount, carport), assess structural and electrical infrastructure, gather on-site solar irradiation and shading data, and record client energy consumption profiles. Collaborate with senior engineers to translate these findings into actionable design inputs.
System Design & Optimisation:
Assist in developing PV system layouts and single-line diagrams using AutoCAD. Perform energy yield simulations and scenario analyses in PVsyst and Helioscope. Support the optimisation of array orientation, tilt, string configuration, and inverter loading under senior supervision.
Engineering Documentation:
Prepare project design documents, including equipment datasheets, wiring schematics, protection device calculations, cable schedules, and mounting details. Help compile technical reports to explain design rationale and projected performance, ensuring compliance with relevant standards (SANS/NRS), and submit for senior review.
Costing & Technical Proposal Support:
Work with the commercial team to provide technical input for cost estimates. Verify equipment pricing, logistics assumptions, and installation labour rates. Review and update CAPEX/OPEX cost breakdowns for proposals, escalating complex issues to senior engineers or project managers for final validation.
Construction & Commissioning Support:
Conduct periodic site visits to monitor installation quality and adherence to design specifications. Support commissioning activities, such as inverter start-ups, performance testing, and validation of SCADA/data-logging systems, alongside senior staff.
Client & Stakeholder Liaison:
Serve as a technical contact for clients, utilities, and municipal inspectors in coordination with the senior engineer or project manager. Address routine technical queries, provide project updates, and support clear communication of requirements. Facilitate handovers and coordinate internally with procurement, project management, and O&M teams.
Compliance & Quality Assurance:
Ensure all work complies with local electrical codes, grid connection regulations, and health and safety requirements. Perform quality checks on engineering deliverables and on-site works. Apply established best practices and lessons learned, with all outputs reviewed by senior staff for final approval.

Desired Experience & Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Engineering.
3 to 5 years of end‑to‑end C&I solar PV project engineering (200 kW – 5 MW).
Proven track record in both pre‑construction design.
ECSA registration (Pr. Eng or Pr. Tech Eng) is advantageous but not mandatory.
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