Engineering Manager

The Engineering Manager’s job is mainly to lead and manage the design team in South Africa, taking the initial system concept designs and translating them into fully detailed construction-ready designs. Assist the project management team and provide corporate business assurance for all matters about photovoltaic (PV) system engineering and technology. The position requires strong decision-making skills, confidence, extensive market knowledge and a broad technical background covering various elements of technical solutions, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).

RESPONSIBILITIES

Team Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Lead the engineering and technology team within the Engineering Department, addressing business requirements for assets at various stages and for M&A opportunities.

• Develop, execute, and uphold team management processes to ensure everything is delivered to schedule and budget, guidelines, and standards regarded as best practices in solar PV engineering. Integrate lessons learned and acquired knowledge to contribute to the company's overall benefit. Assist in ensuring comprehension and adherence to these processes.

• Recruit, cultivate, retain, and guide a high-performing team of solar experts.

• Assist Customers and Business Development teams by comprehending their needs and providing customized solutions to enhance business success.

Technical Design Knowledge and Project Management

• Provide hands-on technical support to country and corporate teams in the design and design review of pre-construction projects, implementation of design for construction projects and review and approval of the AS-BUILT designs.

• Stay updated with current PV technologies and technological advancements, contributing to major equipment specification and selection. Assess technology risks and opportunities at both corporate and project levels. Expert in Grid Code Compliance and Grid operator requirements (LV/MV/HV systems).

• Perform Energy Yield Assessments for complex terrains and rooftops using simulation software such as PVSyst, following the rules and guidelines.

• Take on the role of a technical lead for key equipment review, which includes defining minimum requirements and specifications in tender packages, reviewing agreements and technical annexes, and participating in negotiations.

• Review project designs for suitability to site specifics and provide recommendations for optimization to ensure a safe and reliable expected operational life, both for pre-construction projects and during the design implementation for construction projects. Evaluate and validate compliance with company guidelines, local grid requirements international standards, and best engineering practices.

• Support the Project Management team on technical matters during construction, mechanical completion, PAC, and FAC. This involves specifying and/or executing QA/QC protocols, factory acceptance testing, site inspections, and End of Warranty inspections. Additionally, support the Project Manager in resolving identified issues and negotiate with contractors and suppliers on the outcome of inspections.

• Conduct site visits for new sites and to follow up project’s execution, generate PV layouts/ SLD’s on AutoCAD or other similar software aligned with the guidelines set by the company and International standards.

• Create and maintain tools designed to facilitate the evaluation of DEVEX (Development Expenditure), CAPEX (Capital Expenditure), and OPEX (Operational Expenditure) assumptions.

Perform Compliance and Quality Control

• Actively contribute to project pre-construction activities by defining contractor obligations, requirements, and technical specifications. Review agreements and technical annexes and actively participate in negotiations. Lead the development of EPC technical appendices.

• PV plant equipment technical design and review, technical studies interpretation and review, specifications including the PV modules, inverters, BESS, LV/MV/HV equipment (switchgear, transformers, cables, protection equipment), tracking PV systems and monitoring systems.

• Permanent contact with suppliers for technical discussion on project solutions, alternative solutions, and optimization of the electrical infrastructures.

• Experienced in simulating PV systems performance analysis and detailed operational assessment, Knowledge on P50 and P90 probability analysis and uncertainties calculation.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A degree in Electrical Engineering.

• 8+ years demonstrated experience in the solar industry, at least 03 years in a managerial position with a background in technical consulting, EPC or Asset Management.

• Experience of working in a multinational, multi-segment, environment with matrix reporting.

• Awareness of cultural differences and varying legal/regulatory environments.

• Excellent command of PVSYST –– SOLARGIS –– AUTOCAD, SKETCHUP, PVCase, HOMER Software to do modeling, design, analysis, optimization, monitoring, control, and automation for PV and BESS systems.

• Strong knowledge of electrical systems (LV/MV/HV, protection logic and termination) and structural design components and solar equipment manufacturers.

• Knowledge of local authority requirements and regulations with local grid operators in respective markets, National Electrical Code and International standards.