Performance Engineer

The Role

Pele Green Energy is seeking a talented, highly motivated and self-driven Senior Performance Engineer, reporting directly to the Head of Operations. The Performance Engineer will be responsible for on-going optimisation of a fleet of renewable energy assets within the Pele Green Energy portfolio, consisting of both Wind and Solar PV Utility scale plants. This consists of leading key inputs to all O&M activities, providing operational and technical advice and guidance to site teams to ensure consistent and reliable performance of operating plants, and support to the Project Development and Engineering Teams on technical design scope for new Power Plants.

Job Responsibilities

Some of your key tasks will include , but not be limited to:

Technical & Operational (majority)

• Maximising plant performance of assets through data analytics and engineering.
• Conduct root analysis of equipment problem and provide recommendations to prevent future outages and/or failures.
• Assessing technical risks and proposing mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure in project CAPEX, OPEX and revenues.
• Identifying, implementing and validating performance improvements.
• Management of reliability engineering functions to ensure defect elimination.
• Review of monthly Technical and Operation reports to co-owned assets, analysis of performance and collaboration with Third Party operational teams for detailed assessments to Pele executive group.
• Playing a key role in preparing technical inputs and performance metrics to support site-specific monthly operational reports to the Asset Management team.
• Managing Technical Due Diligence assignments for support inputs to Sponsor(s) as well as Lender(s)- LTA’s and IE’s.
• Provide O&M routine tests of plant equipment, including recommendations for repair or servicing and subsequent testing requirements.
• Review results of O&M routine tests of plant equipment, including recommendations for repair or servicing and subsequent testing requirements
• Perform End of Warranty analysis, reviews and reporting and alternative routine maintenance and repair strategies.
• Provide direction to operations and maintenance Team to ensure equipment remains reliable, including both technical and financial decisions.
• Assist and advise SCADA engineering with the implementation of Performance Management/Monitoring software, development of software tools and occasionally crafting of customized software tools for Engineering, Analytics and Dashboard reporting,
• Utilize predictive and preventative maintenance (PM/PDM) techniques to monitor and evaluate process variables and to identify status and trending of operational deficiencies,
• Work with OEM’s and Subcontractors to pinpoint failures and ensure efficient and effective resolutions,
• Develop strategic plans for major equipment overhauls and/or replacement to optimize operational lifespan of the plant, including engineering & design proposals, economic justifications, and recommended parts, materials and/or BOQ’s.

Project and Business Development

• Provide technical support to projects in development, construction or operation (layout, sizing, Energy Yield Assessment, technical/cost analysis, electrical design, etc….) for internal and external clients.
• Analyse technical information received for a specific project (including RFP/ RFQ and tenders) and evaluate its impact in the electrical design of the project.
• Provide technical advisory to internal Investment & Funding team for potential acquisitions.
• Draft, edit , and review performance-related aspects of scopes of work, technical exhibits, specifications, report templates etc for new RFP’s.
• Review and support negotiation of performance-related aspects of power purchase agreements, EPC contracts, interconnection agreements, equipment warranties, etc.

General & Other

• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm,
• Ensure that safety is key focus and paramount importance in all projects and shall be delivered in full compliance with local legislation and company policy and adherence / compliance to applicable standards, rules, and regulations (local and international),
• Work creatively and analytically in a problem-solving environment demonstrating teamwork, innovation, and excellence.
• Participate and/or drive feasibility studies, vendor selections and proposals for evaluation by appropriate key stakeholders.
• Stakeholder management: liaison with engineering, operational & support function personnel to derive and execute fit for purpose maintenance solutions according to sound risk management practices,
• Development of technical team capability, technology roadmap, software tools, and engineering management processes to ensure a competent knowledge base for continued success within area of responsibility,
• Strong understanding and application of business drivers, financial reporting standards.
• Regular reporting / updates to management advising of project progress to plan, KPI's. Advise of areas requiring escalation, decision for resolution & non- conformance.

• Bachelor degree in Engineering (Bsc/BEng), preferably Electrical, or equivalent,
• 10 to 12 years of post-graduate experience in Electrical Power Systems industry, Utility scale environment, or equivalent,
• 4+ years minimum experience working with Renewable Energy Power Plant technologies (PV and/or wind),
• 2 to 3 years of experience in Plant O&M activities with emphasis on Technical Performance Management,
• ECSA registration as a candidate is required as a minimum, however preference is given to candidates already professionally registered with ECSA,
• Proficiency with MS Project, Excel, Visio, PowerPoint and SharePoint with experience presenting to stakeholders and / or Senior Leadership, and proven technical writing skills,
• Interpersonal skills to influence and spur change, facilitate and enhance performance within a cross - functional environment.
• Demonstrate decisiveness in resolving business problems, making decisions and identifying priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Valid Drivers’ License