Project Engineer (Electrical Engineer)

Job Advert Summary

We are seeking a skilled and organized Electrical Engineer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering to join our team. The successful candidate will lead the design, commissioning, and operation of on-grid and off-grid microgrid systems, integrating battery energy storage systems (BESS), grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) plants, and diesel generators. This role requires advanced expertise in microgrid operations, including seamless switching and back synchronization, as well as medium voltage (MV) protection schemes and relay operations. The projects will often involve taking over client supply networks with emphasis on fail-safe design. The position demands innovative solutions for challenges & strong analytical skills for fault identification. The role involves managing multiple projects, providing technical support to other departments, mentoring junior engineers and ensuring safe, reliable plant operation.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or similar.
• Experience:
• • Proven experience in LV and MV reticulation and design.
    • Advanced understanding of microgrid systems (BESS, solar PV, diesel generators), including on-grid/off-grid operation and seamless switching/back synchronization.
    • Hands-on experience in commissioning, fault finding, and innovative problem-solving for novel microgrid designs.
    • Knowledge of MV protection schemes and protection relay operations.
• Technical Skills:
• • Expertise in designing microgrid systems and control philosophies for safe and reliable operation.
    • Proficiency in South African grid codes (e.g., NRS 097, SANS 10142) and renewable energy standards.
    • Strong analytical skills for identifying and resolving issues on monitoring platforms.
    • In-depth understanding of communication systems for microgrid monitoring and control.
• Other Skills:
• • Excellent communication skills for coordinating with stakeholders, including consultants, property owners, and manufacturers.
    • Strong time management and organizational skills to handle multiple projects and tight deadlines.
    • Ability to work independently and professionally under pressure, with a proactive and innovative approach to problem-solving.
• • Willingness to work long hours and extended periods away from home during commissioning.
    • Flexibility to respond to urgent fault-finding requests with minimal notice.
    • Ability to maintain a professional work-life balance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• System Design and Integration:
• • Design microgrid systems integrating BESS, solar PV, and diesel generators, ensuring robust on-grid and off-grid operation.
    • Develop and implement control philosophies for safe, reliable, and efficient microgrid operation, with a clear understanding of on-grid and off-grid dynamics.
    • Design low voltage (LV) and medium voltage (MV) reticulation systems, adhering to South African standards and grid codes for renewable power plants.
    • Analyse equipment capabilities and limitations to optimize system performance and ensure fail-safe operation when taking over client networks.
• Commissioning and Testing:
• • Lead commissioning activities for microgrid systems, often requiring long hours and extended periods working away from home.
    • Conduct fault finding and troubleshooting on-site, often on short notice, during the commissioning phase to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
    • Perform testing and commissioning outside regular working hours to meet operational requirements.
    • Implement innovative solutions to overcome challenges faced during the commissioning phase.
• Innovation and Problem-Solving:
• • Develop creative and practical solutions for new microgrid designs, to address unique challenges.
    • Utilize strong analytical skills to identify and resolve issues and faults on monitoring platforms, ensuring optimal system performance.
• Project Management and Coordination:
• • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high quality standards.
    • Coordinate with consultants, clients, contractors and equipment manufacturers to facilitate smooth project execution.
    • Assist other department by providing technical expertise.
• Training and Support:
• • Train assets management teams post-commissioning to ensure proficient microgrid operation & maintenance.
    • Provide ongoing technical support to O&M teams for issue resolution, while balancing responsibilities across other projects.
    • Mentor and train junior engineers, fostering their professional development.
• Compliance and Protection:
• • Ensure all designs and operations comply with South African grid codes and safety regulations for renewable energy systems.
    • Demonstrate knowledge in MV protection schemes and protection relay operations to ensure system safety and reliability.
    • Maintain in-depth knowledge of communication systems for microgrid monitoring and control.