JOB DESCRIPTION – PROJECT ENGINEER (SOLAR)

Overview

A prominent IPP player in the renewable energy sector is seeking a skilled Solar Project Engineer.

This site-based role offers the opportunity to oversee and manage multidisciplinary engineering aspects of utility-scale solar PV projects on behalf of the IPP, across both transaction and execution phases.

You will play a central role in driving the project toward financial close, COD, and facility acceptance — within time, budget, and technical compliance parameters.

The role is based in the Free State or near Secunda (2 project engineers required)

What You’ll Do

• Manage and coordinate all engineering inputs for solar PV projects, overseeing various discipline leads across electrical, civil, structural, and mechanical interfaces.
• Drive and contribute to the technical and commercial evaluation and negotiation of EPC, and O&M contracts.
• Lead LTA engagement and manage their technical due diligence process throughout project lifecycle.
• Liaise with Eskom (or relevant utility) regarding grid connection, self-build works, and manage associated approval workflows with EPC partners.
• Compile performance-based technical specifications and Employer’s Requirements aligned with solar PV project delivery.
• Coordinate the preparation of RFP/RFQ documentation (drawings, specifications, returnables) for EPC and O&M scopes.
• Lead technical reviews and provide commentary on  designs and reports submitted by EPC contractors.
• Ensure solar plant designs and installations are aligned with contractual, regulatory, and safety requirements.
• Oversee Grid Code Compliance design and process flow to ensure system integration and utility acceptance.
• Manage technical queries and interfaces between BoP, and EPC contractors.
• Conduct regular site inspections (bi-weekly minimum) to assess EPC performance and ensure quality compliance.
• Participate in progress meetings and coordinate internal monthly reporting to stakeholders.
• Provide technical support to construction, QA/QC, commissioning, and project management teams.
• Assist with milestone verification for contractor payment certifications.
• Ensure strict technical compliance across all solar projects with project documents such as PPA, SBA, BQ, DCUOSA, etc.

What We’re Looking For

• BSc or National Diploma in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.
• Pr Eng or Pr Tech (or equivalent chartered engineer certification).
• Minimum 6 years’ experience in large-scale infrastructure or energy projects.
• At least 4 years in renewable energy (specifically solar PV) development or execution.
• Minimum 5 years engineering design experience and 2 years site-based or construction supervision exposure.
• Strong proficiency in one core discipline (civil, electrical, or mechanical) with working knowledge of others.
• Proven ability in engineering/project management, contract interface, and utility engagement.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Basic understanding of Eskom’s grid systems, including transmission and distribution structures.
• Advantageous: familiarity with FIDIC/NEC contracts and H&S regulatory compliance.

What We Offer

• Join a high-performance, technically astute owners team involved in key solar PV projects across South Africa.
• Exposure to full lifecycle project engineering — from development and financial close to construction and COD.
• Work within a collaborative IPP environment that values accountability, ownership, and excellence.

Should you not hear back from us within 14 days, your application was unsuccessful.