Project Engineer (Owner’s Engineer / Solar Engineering / Utility-Scale Solar PV & BESS) – Cape Town, South Africa

Reference Number: MR0022

Job Description:

Our client is seeking a Project Engineer to oversee engineering activities during the construction of large-scale renewable energy projects, with a particular focus on solar photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The successful candidate will provide technical oversight across all engineering disciplines, ensuring that designs and construction activities meet project specifications, industry standards and grid connection requirements. This role involves coordinating engineering consultants and EPC contractors, managing design reviews, monitoring technical progress and resolving site-related engineering issues. The Project Engineer will also oversee testing and commissioning readiness, identify technical risks and communicate their potential commercial impact to project leadership. The position requires a technically strong professional with utility-scale solar construction experience and the ability to manage multiple project interfaces.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee engineering activities across mechanical, electrical, civil and SCADA disciplines during construction.
• Review EPC designs and technical submissions to ensure compliance with project specifications, site requirements and industry standards.
• Coordinate the Owner’s Engineer (OE) and EPC contractor on design reviews, site activities, testing and commissioning.
• Track design progress, defects, non-conformances, technical queries and corrective actions.
• Evaluate technical variations, design changes and change requests, assessing their potential commercial and programme implications.
• Manage the Master Design List and monitor site design changes and red-line drawings.
• Liaise with Eskom, NTCSA, RETEC and relevant authorities regarding grid connection obligations, programme progress, outages and contractor interfaces.
• Monitor commissioning readiness, coordinate testing activities, chair monthly grid progress meetings and escalate technical risks to the Project Director.

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• Graduate degree in an engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in the renewable energy sector, including utility-scale solar PV construction.
• Strong technical knowledge and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience coordinating engineering consultants, EPC contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Ability to assess technical issues and communicate their commercial and programme implications.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills, with strong documentation and reporting capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Project, Word, PowerPoint and Excel; experience with PVSyst or Helios is advantageous.

Contractual information:

• Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
• Valid driver’s licence required.
• Ability to work independently in a demanding project environment.
• Professionalism, discretion and confidentiality are essential.

Please visit www.mining-recruitment-jobs.com for more exciting opportunities.

Mbali-Entle Radebe

Executive recruiter

CA Mining

CA Mining will respond to short-listed candidates only. If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful, however your CV will be kept on our database for any other suitable positions.

CA Global Headhunters is an international staffing company with a specific focus on recruitment in Africa. Our extensive, diverse candidate network built up over 10 years comprises the most skilled and experienced candidates. We recruit talent of the highest standards across African sectors, including Mining, Oil & Gas, Engineering, Banking, Finance, Legal, Insurance, Commodities, and Agriculture. As African markets continue to grow and develop, so too does our skill and expertise, ensuring that we deliver the best service to both clients and candidates.

Thanks to our access to global networks and resources, we understand our clients’ cultures, operations, business strategies, and industries. We are always on par with the latest technologies and trends which assist us in sourcing the best talent for clients. Whatever stage of the project lifecycle, we can put forward the right candidates with the right skills.