Senior Renewables Engineer

Key Role

WSP South Africa is looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Renewables Engineer who will function as a senior technical consultant for utility scale (5MW+) Solar PV and Wind Energy projects in the Southern Africa and also able to support the international business as required.  

Registration as a candidate engineer with ECSA with the view of obtaining a PrEng registration within 1-2 years is required; however existing professional registrations with ECSA is considered advantageous. Up to 50% travel to clients, sites and manufacturers premises is envisaged. The role will require foreign travel, specifically travel within Africa

Key Responsibilities:

Technical (Approximately 70%):

• Managing and performing high quality technical advisory works; 
• Project management and interfacing between engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil and control & instrumentation); 
• Provide technical input from initial assessment through to technical and economic feasibility of the solar PV /Wind projects and integration with other electrical or generating plants as necessary; 
• Review overall project design and suggest technical and design improvements; 
• Preparation and management of technical specifications, bills of materials, tender stage management and evaluations, negotiation and selection of Balance of Plant, Operation & Maintenance or EPC and other supply contracts; 
• Technical reviews/negotiate key construction contracts for, and alongside, clients; 
• Due diligence of solar PV projects and support Sponsor(s) and Lender(s) throughout the Financial Close process including technical liaison with legal and financial advisors; 
• Risk management, including construction, operational, and financial risk as well as internal WSP risk management; 
• Assessing technical risks and proposing mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure in project CAPEX, OPEX and revenues; 
• Monitoring project construction and acceptance including site visits and commissioning supervision; and 
• Assist with and/or conduct any other necessary aspects of a project that fall within the discipline of the role. 
• Mentor and supervise junior engineers including reviewing, checking and approving work output of junior engineers 

Business Developer (Approximately 30%):

• Drive and participate in business development in defining and deploying the sales strategy, selecting target markets and clients, and in scoping and pricing of services, with particular focus on the South African and regional markets such as Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe; 
• Prepare and manage proposals for client’s projects such as Due Diligence, Technical Advisory services, Owner’s Engineering, Lenders Technical Advisor and other service offerings, and provide inputs for the WSP internal governance process; 
• Manage existing and new customer relationships through efficient client and account management; and 
• Attend internal and external meetings and represent WSP in a suitable fashion according to the company principles at all times. 
• Maintaining relationships with internal divisions, external contractors and clients

Health And Safety

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behaviour 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 And Experience Required:

• BSc Engineering (Elec or Mech) Degree or BTech Engineering (Elect or Mech)  
• 7+ years’ experience on Solar PV technology with experience in Wind Technology considered very advantageous. Mix of South African experience (REIPPP) and regional overseas experience is also preferred.  
• In-depth 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. 
• Proven experience in business development.  
• 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. 
• Experience covering a range of solar PV plant lifecycle delivery (including feasibility and development engineering, construction monitoring, witnessing testing and commissioning activities, and operational monitoring / inspections) 
• Knowledge of solar PV plant designs, Energy Yield Assessment, layouts and connection interfaces. 
• 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:

• Minimum 7+ years’ experience in the renewable energy field 
• 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

Additional Information

What's in it for you?

What if we can have work-life balance? What if we can be rewarded in ways that support our individual needs? What if we can be accepted for who we are? Here at WSP – we can!

WSP recognizes that work is only one part of our lives and making time for the other things in our life is important – be that our families, our friends or ourselves. So, if working from home, working part-time or having flexible start and finish time will help with this let us know as part of your application.

As well as rewarding you with competitive pay, WSP offers standard benefits including first class medical cover, generous days annual leave, and paid professional subscriptions.

Be you, be happy - we strive to have a friendly and inclusive culture which respects and maximizes the contribution individuals can bring to WSP. We recognize the benefits that people with varying backgrounds and experiences can bring. Here at WSP we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, religion or belief, marital status, pregnancy or maternity/paternity. We will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria