Project Engineer
Location: Joburg
Salary: Market related
We're looking for an Engineer with 5+ years' renewable energy experience, including hands-on utility-scale solar PV construction. You'll oversee EPC designs, coordinate technical delivery across PV and BESS projects, manage grid connection interfaces and drive testing and commissioning through to completion.
Is this you?
You’ve been involved in building utility-scale solar projects and understand what happens between an approved design and a plant that’s ready to operate. You can challenge an EPC contractor on technical matters, pick up design discrepancies before they become costly site problems and keep multiple engineering disciplines moving in the same direction. You’re comfortable taking ownership, making sound technical judgements and dealing with the pressure that comes with construction deadlines.What you’ll be doing (and why you’ll enjoy it)
You’ll take responsibility for engineering coordination during the construction of utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) projects, working closely with the Project Director, Owner’s Engineer (OE) and EPC contractor. Your focus will be on reviewing EPC designs against the Employer’s Requirements, managing detailed design reviews, tracking design changes, defects, non-conformities and variation orders, and maintaining the Master Design List. You’ll oversee technical progress across civil, mechanical, electrical and SCADA disciplines, resolve site queries with the Owner’s Engineer and coordinate testing, performance readiness and commissioning. Grid connection is a significant part of the role. You’ll engage with Eskom, NTCSA and other relevant authorities, coordinate outages and contractor interfaces, manage grid progress meetings and ensure technical obligations under the Connection Agreements are being addressed. Importantly, you’ll identify technical risks early and explain their potential impact on project cost, programme and delivery to the Project Director.Where you’ll be doing it
You’ll join a renewable energy project developer delivering utility-scale solar PV and battery storage projects in South Africa. Based in Johannesburg, this is a construction-focused engineering role involving site visits, technical coordination with contractors and interaction with grid stakeholders. You’ll report directly to the Project Director and work across the engineering, construction and commissioning stages of projects.What you’ll need
The following are essential: An engineering degree. Minimum 5 years’ experience in renewable energy, including direct experience on utility-scale solar PV construction projects. Practical understanding of EPC engineering delivery, detailed design reviews, construction interfaces and technical compliance. Ability to coordinate multidisciplinary engineering activities, including electrical, civil, mechanical and SCADA systems. Strong technical problem-solving skills, with the confidence to challenge designs, investigate defects and resolve site-related issues. Experience working with technical drawings, engineering documentation, project schedules and progress reporting. Proficiency in MS Project, Excel, Word and PowerPoint. Strong written and spoken English communication skills, including technical reporting. A valid driver’s licence and willingness to travel to project sites. Advantageous: Experience on utility-scale BESS projects. Exposure to grid connection requirements, Eskom/NTCSA interfaces and commissioning activities. Working knowledge of PVsyst or Helioscope. Please note: This position requires actual utility-scale PV construction exposure. Experience limited to rooftop or C&I solar installations, general construction project management or design work without utility-scale construction involvement will not meet the core requirement.What you’ll get
The opportunity to take technical ownership across major renewable energy construction projects, from detailed engineering and site execution through to grid connection and commissioning. You’ll work directly with senior project leadership, have a say in how technical challenges are resolved and gain exposure to the engineering and commercial decisions that determine whether projects are delivered successfully. This is a role for an engineer who wants to remain close to the technical detail while taking on broader responsibility for project delivery.How to apply
For a confidential discussion please contact Katharina Thieme-Schiess on LinkedIn, (021) 035 1433 or send your CV to k.thieme-schiess@thetalentexperts.co.za – we appreciate that your CV might not be fully up to date. No problem, just send us what you have. We do respond to everyone! Just give us a few days to work through your application.Applicant Consent
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