Lead Solar Engineer

General Description / Job Purpose:

The Lead Solar Energy Engineer manages the engineering aspects of our client's solar Projects during the development, transactions, execution and operation phases of projects.

Responsibilities:

• Managing of the engineering activities of the engineering department in relation to solar projects, aligned with the Head of Engineering and Commissioning.
• Management of electrical engineers, junior electrical engineers and performance engineers for all activities relating to solar projects.
• Management of any external electrical engineering consultants working on solar projects.
• Management of Solar Plant Control & Instrumentation and SCADA Engineering in alignment with the lead electrical engineer.
• Keep abreast of market developments, trends and prices of solar technologies including PV modules, inverters and trackers.
• Technical evaluation of private off-taker or government RFP documents and PPAs relating to solar projects and producing bid deliverables.
• The compilation of concept / FEED level solar farm designs (layouts, selection of key equipment, solar array building blocks etc.) at Development and Transaction phases of projects for the purposes of achieving favourable levelized cost of energy.
• The compilation of internal Forecast Energy Sales Reports (FESR) for solar projects and the management of external solar energy yield consultants to produce bankable FESRs and, where required, independent review reports (FESIRs).
• The compilation of CAPEX and OPEX cost estimates for financial model purposes for Solar Projects.
• The compilation of technical solar and electrical specifications and the compilation of RFP / RFQ documents (drawings, specifications, returnable documents) for solar and electrical EPC Contractors and Equipment Suppliers.
• Technical evaluation and negotiations with EPC / Solar / Electrical contractors, equipment suppliers and O&M Contractors.
• The review and acceptance of detailed AFC solar and electrical designs produced by external consultants / contractors
• Support to Project Engineers during execution phase of projects
• Technical support to Project Managers, Construction Managers, Site Supervisors and Commissioning Managers for site activities during execution phase of projects
• Ensuring that the designs and installations meet the our client's requirements and all the relevant safety regulations.
• Assistance to electrical site supervisors and construction managers for site electrical and solar activities
• The review and acceptance of EPC Contractor's detailed PV designs and specifications.
• Supervision and coordination of WTG performance warranty testing on behalf of our client, particularly power curve and acoustic emissions
• Supervision and coordination of solar performance testing on behalf of our client.
• Management of Solar Grid Code Compliance Requirements
• The overarching responsibility of all our client's engineering team members is to do everything in their power, working collaboratively with other members of the engineering team and with the Development, Transactions, ESG, PPCM and Asset Management departments, to win projects, achieve financial close for the projects and execute the projects to achieve COD within budget and within the required timelines

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

• BSc Mechanical, Electrical or Electromechanical Engineering or National Diploma (NDip) Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• Pr Eng or Pr Tech or equivalent chartered engineer qualification

Minimum Previous Experience:

• 10 years general experience in solar projects
• 5 years solar design experience
• 5 years forecast energy production modelling experience
• 3 years solar project Construction, Project Management or Owner's Engineer experience

Essential skills:

• PVSyst and any other relevant production modelling software
• Expert knowledge of solar technologies including PV modules, Inverters and Trackers
• AutoCAD
• Microsoft Office literate

Other preferred / advantageous skills:

• Knowledge of engineering and construction contracts
• Project Management
• H&S experience and training
• Understanding of electrical distribution and transmission engineering
• Understanding of civil engineering
• Understanding of battery technology
• DigSilent

Languages

• English (Read, write & speak)

About Petroplan

Petroplan is the trusted, specialist global Talent Solutions partner of choice for employers and professionals in the Energy sector. Since 1976, Petroplan has been here to help people like you make the most of the opportunities available and find the best fit for you as an individual.

Over 10,000 placements in more than 55 countries for over 550 clients across 65 disciplines.

In an industry where skilled and experienced professionals are increasingly sought after resource, we appreciate the true value of what you have to offer. What's more, we understand that different things are important to different people in today's world of work - it's about making exactly the right connections for you as an individual.

Our reputation for contractor and candidate care, understanding what makes you tick, and finding you the best match is second-to-none. We understand the industry inside-out and seek to understand YOU and your motivations in the same way. We take the time to evaluate your individual strengths, understand the most important things to you, and establish exactly what you're looking for from your next role.