Junior Renewables Engineer - Midrand at WSP in Africa

Job Description

WSP South Africa is looking for an entry level Renewables Engineer who will function as a technical consultant for utility scale (5MW+) Solar PV, Wind energy and Battery Energy Storage projects in the Southern Africa region and also able to support the international business as required.

Registration as a candidate engineer/technologist with ECSA with the view of obtaining a PrEng/PrTech registration within 2-4 years is required; however existing professional/candidacy registrations with ECSA is considered advantageous.

Up to 30% travel to clients, sites and manufacturers premises is envisaged. The role may require foreign travel, specifically travel within South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical advisory services for Solar PV, Wind Energy, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and Energy Yield Assessments for solar, wind, BESS, and hybrid systems.
• Prepare functional designs, specifications, and tender documents for Renewable Energy projects according to internationally accepted standards. This work is done for clients in Southern Africa and internationally under the supervision of a senior engineer.
• Prepare reports and drawings to meet stakeholder requirements under the supervision of a senior engineer.
• Manage small to medium multi-disciplinary engineering projects, including basic project management tasks.
• Attend meetings with project stakeholders and prepare meeting minutes.
• Conduct site audits and contribute to Project Scoping.
• Provide project engineering support during the execution phase of renewable energy projects, including responding to technical queries, conducting factory inspections and material testing, and monitoring construction progress on-site.
• Prepare proposals for consultancy services.

Health and Safety:

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behavior consistent with the company’s health, safety, environmental and quality vision and policies by influencing those around you
• Contributing to the identification of SHEQ risks and driving processes to achieve Zero Harm
• Embracing, displaying and promoting the company values and ensuring a safe working environment is maintained at all times

Qualifications

• BSc Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Civil) Degree (a Masters in Renewable Energy and/or Green Hydrogen is preferred).  
• 0-2 years’ experience on Solar PV technology with experience in Wind Technology, and BESS considered a plus. Mix of South African experience (REIPPP) and regional overseas experience is also preferred.
• Knowledge and field expertise regarding solar PV technologies including emerging technologies and the international solar PV market.
• Technical advisory experience towards investors, project developers and banks is beneficial
• Knowledge of various solar PV applications (utility scale, ground mounted, building mounted, fixed tilt, single axis and multi axis tracking).
• International solar PV project development and delivery experience (preferred but not required).
• Experience covering a range of renewable energy plant lifecycle delivery (including feasibility and development engineering, construction monitoring, witnessing testing and commissioning activities, and operational monitoring / inspections). (preferred but not required).
• Knowledge of solar PV plant designs, Energy Yield Assessment, layouts and connection interfaces. (preferred but not required).
• ECSA registration as a Candidate is required; however preference is given to candidates that are already Professional registered with ECSA.

Key Competencies and Generic skills:

• 0 - 2 years’ experience in Solar PV Projects
• Ability to work within a team of engineers
• Good communication skills
• Good technical report writing skills
• Ability to manage time, quality and effort in order to deliver a quality product within time and cost constraints
• Ability to coordinate and manage projects
• Ability to work under pressure
• Must be able to function independently
• Willingness to learn from subject matter experts