Senior Renewable Energy Design and Studies Engineer

Posted 12 Days Ago
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Sandton, City of Johannesburg, Gauteng
In-Office
Mid level
Industrial • Manufacturing • Renewable Energy
The Role
The Senior Renewable Energy Design and Studies Engineer leads utility-scale renewable energy projects by driving innovative designs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and guiding multidisciplinary teams in technical studies and stakeholder engagements.
Summary Generated by Built In

The Senior Renewable Energy Studies & Design Engineer plays a pivotal role in shaping the technical direction and strategic execution of utility-scale renewable energy projects, including solar PV, wind, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This role is responsible for leading high-impact engineering initiatives that drive innovation, ensure regulatory alignment, and support the company’s long-term energy transition goals. The incumbent will serve as a technical authority, guiding multidisciplinary teams, influencing project strategy, and engaging with key stakeholders such as developers, utilities, regulators, and investors.


RequirementsStrategic Technical Leadership
  • Lead the development of advanced engineering strategies and technical frameworks for renewable energy projects, ensuring alignment with evolving grid codes, international standards, and future energy system requirements.
  • Drive innovation in system design and integration, contributing to the company’s competitive advantage in hybrid and grid-connected energy solutions.
  • Provide strategic input into project feasibility, investment decisions, and portfolio planning through high-level technical assessments and risk analysis.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as a senior technical liaison between internal teams (development, operations, finance) and external stakeholders, including utilities, regulators, and EPC partners.
  • Represent the engineering function in strategic forums, lender meetings, and investment committees, translating complex technical concepts into actionable insights for decision-makers.
  • Support strategic partnerships and joint ventures by advising on technical feasibility, compliance, and performance optimization.
Technical Studies & Analysis
  • Perform and review electrical studies including load flow, short-circuit, transient stability, protection coordination, and harmonic analysis.
  • Conduct energy yield assessments using tools such as PVsyst, WindPro, WAsP, or equivalent.
  • Develop grid connection studies (steady-state, dynamic, and fault studies) in software such as DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSSE, or ETAP.
  • Support hybrid system modelling integrating solar, wind, and battery storage technologies.
System & Plant Design
  • Lead conceptual, preliminary, and detailed design of renewable energy systems (LV, MV, and HV levels).
  • Prepare single-line diagrams (SLDs), equipment specifications, and layout drawings.
  • Evaluate and specify Wind systems, inverters, transformers, switchgear, cables, and protection systems.
  • Optimize plant performance, reliability, and cost through design iterations and simulations. 
Governance, Standards & Quality Assurance
  • Ensure all engineering outputs meet or exceed regulatory, environmental, and safety standards, including IEC, IFC Performance Standards, Equator Principles, and local grid codes.
  • Lead the development and continuous improvement of internal engineering standards, design templates, and quality assurance protocols.
  • Oversee technical due diligence and ensure robust documentation for audits, certifications, and investor reporting.
Capability Development & Mentorship
  • Mentor and develop junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.
  • Support leadership in building internal capacity and expanding service offerings in emerging technologies and markets.
  • Contribute to talent development strategies by identifying skills gaps and supporting recruitment and training initiatives. 
Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, Renewable Energy, or Power Systems.
  • 3-5 years of experience in utility-scale renewable energy design, grid integration, and technical leadership.
  • Proven track record in delivering complex projects and influencing strategic outcomes.
  • Advanced proficiency in engineering software (DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSSE, ETAP, PVsyst, etc.) and strong understanding of grid codes and interconnection requirements.
  • Strong understanding of grid codes, protection systems, and interconnection requirements.
  • Familiar with SCADA systems, plant controllers, and grid-forming inverter concepts (advantageous).
  • Experience engaging with IPPs, utilities, regulators, and financial institutions.
Key Attributes
  • Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive technical innovation.
  • Committed to sustainability, quality, and continuous improvement.
Soft Skills:
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
  • Excellent communication and technical reporting abilities.
  • Collaborative, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
  • Accuracy and quality of technical studies and designs.
  • Timely delivery of engineering deliverables.
  • Compliance with grid and regulatory requirements.
  • Cost optimization and performance improvement of designs.
  • Technical support effectiveness to internal and external stakeholders.

Top Skills

Battery Energy Storage Systems
Digsilent Powerfactory
Etap
Psse
Pvsyst
Solar Pv
Wasp
Wind
Windpro
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The Company
Gauteng
38 Employees
Year Founded: 2009

What We Do

A sustainable development company. Our group owns and operates renewable energy infrastructure, alongside our economic and community development advisory services

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