Director: Solar Engineering – Utility-scale

Smart4 Energy seeks a Director of Solar Engineering for utility-scale projects in South Africa. This leadership role involves overseeing the technical lifecycle of solar PV projects, managing the engineering team, and ensuring compliance with standards. The candidate should have 10+ years of experience in solar PV design and delivery, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in relevant engineering software. The position requires collaboration with various teams and stakeholders.
A leading renewable energy developer and Independent Power Producer is seeking an experienced Solar Engineering Director to lead the technical development, optimisation, and delivery of large‑scale solar PV projects across South Africa.


This is a high‑impact leadership role for a seasoned solar engineering professional with deep utility‑scale expertise and a passion for building and guiding high‑performance engineering teams.


Role Overview
The Director: Solar Engineering will take ownership of the end‑to‑end technical lifecycle of solar PV projects, from early development and bid support through detailed design, construction, commissioning, and operational support.
Reporting to the Head of Engineering, this role works closely with senior leaders across wind, battery energy storage (BESS), development, procurement, construction, and asset management teams. The position offers strong influence across a rapidly expanding renewable energy portfolio.


Key Responsibilities
Engineering Leadership & Team Development

Lead and manage the Solar Engineering team within the broader Engineering function
Build a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Define performance expectations, develop capability plans, and mentor engineers at all levels
Improve workflows and engineering processes to enhance efficiency and delivery quality

Technical Oversight & Project Delivery

Oversee all engineering aspects of utility‑scale solar PV projects
Support project development, bidding, financial close, construction, and commissioning
Lead internal engineering workstreams and manage external engineering consultants as required
Develop and review long‑term energy yield forecasts using tools such as PVSyst
Drive system optimisation, layout design, and technical risk mitigation

Commercial & Stakeholder Engagement

Support procurement processes including RFPs, Employer’s Requirements, and technical schedules
Lead technical due diligence and negotiations with OEMs, EPCs, and BoP contractors
Interface with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure aligned, buildable designs

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

Ensure compliance with Eskom standards, grid codes, SANS and IEC standards
Lead internal and external design reviews and respond to site‑based technical queries
Drive standardisation of technical documentation, design templates, and training material
Capture lessons learned and embed continuous improvement into engineering practices

Operational & Asset Support

Provide technical input to Operations & Maintenance and Asset Management teams
Recommend technical enhancements or design changes across the asset lifecycle

Requirements & Experience

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical or Electro‑Mechanical Engineering (preferred)
10+ years’ experience in utility‑scale solar PV system design and delivery
Strong experience across EPC, split contracts, HV systems, and Balance of Plant
Exposure to hybrid plants and/or Battery Energy Storage Systems is advantageous
Proficiency in AutoCAD, PVSyst, PVCase, RatedPower, GIS tools, and modelling software
Demonstrated experience building and leading high‑performing engineering teams
Strong working knowledge of South African grid codes, Eskom, NERSA, SANS and IEC standards
Professional registration (PrEng) or equivalent certifications advantageous

Key Attributes

Strategic thinker with strong implementation focus
Technically rigorous with excellent attention to detail
Natural leader and mentor
Adaptable and resilient in a fast‑paced project environment
Passionate about renewable energy and long‑term infrastructure development