Director: Solar Engineering

A leading renewable energy developer and Independent Power Producer is seeking an experienced Director: Solar Engineering to lead the technical development, optimisation, and delivery of large‑scale solar PV projects across South Africa. This is a high‑impact leadership role for a seasoned solar engineering professional with deep utility‑scale expertise and a passion for building and guiding high‑performance engineering teams.

Role Overview

The Director: Solar Engineering will take ownership of the end‑to‑end technical lifecycle of solar PV projects, from early development and bid support through detailed design, construction, commissioning, and operational support.

Reporting to the Head of Engineering, this role works closely with senior leaders across wind, battery energy storage (BESS), development, procurement, construction, and asset management teams. The position offers strong influence across a rapidly expanding renewable energy portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and manage the Solar Engineering team within the broader Engineering function
• Build a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Define performance expectations, develop capability plans, and mentor engineers at all levels
• Improve workflows and engineering processes to enhance efficiency and delivery quality

Technical Oversight & Project Delivery

• Oversee all engineering aspects of utility‑scale solar PV projects
• Support project development, bidding, financial close, construction, and commissioning
• Lead internal engineering workstreams and manage external engineering consultants as required
• Develop and review long‑term energy yield forecasts using tools such as PVSyst
• Drive system optimisation, layout design, and technical risk mitigation

Commercial & Stakeholder Engagement

• Support procurement processes including RFPs, Employer's Requirements, and technical schedules
• Lead technical due diligence and negotiations with OEMs, EPCs, and BoP contractors
• Interface with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure aligned, buildable designs

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure compliance with Eskom standards, grid codes, SANS and IEC standards
• Lead internal and external design reviews and respond to site‑based technical queries
• Drive standardisation of technical documentation, design templates, and training material
• Capture lessons learned and embed continuous improvement into engineering practices

Operational & Asset Support

• Provide technical input to Operations & Maintenance and Asset Management teams
• Recommend technical enhancements or design changes across the asset lifecycle

Requirements & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical or Electro‑Mechanical Engineering (preferred)
• 10+ years' experience in utility‑scale solar PV system design and delivery
• Strong experience across EPC, split contracts, HV systems, and Balance of Plant
• Exposure to hybrid plants and/or Battery Energy Storage Systems is advantageous
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, PVSyst, PVCase, RatedPower, GIS tools, and modelling software
• Demonstrated experience building and leading high‑performing engineering teams
• Strong working knowledge of South African grid codes, Eskom, NERSA, SANS and IEC standards
• Professional registration (PrEng) or equivalent certifications advantageous

Key Attributes

• Strategic thinker with strong implementation focus
• Technically rigorous with excellent attention to detail
• Natural leader and mentor
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast‑paced project environment
• Passionate about renewable energy and long‑term infrastructure development