Senior Study and Design Engineer

Job Description

Role and Responsibilities:

The Senior Study and Design Engineer will provide support for the full suite of engineering activities, in particular in the pre-construction context. The role encompasses delivery of technical analyses and designs, as well as support for the Study and Design Manager in coordination of work packages and review and quality control within the Study and Design team. Additionally, they will be expected to contribute to company strategy regarding project pipeline and development; assure that all health and safety and legal requirements are being met in our engineering activities, and provide training and mentoring to the team members. The detailed areas of work are outlined below.

Project development

Supporting the development team with various tasks relating to environmental approvals, project appeals, sizing, site selection etc
Conducting and reporting on-site visits
Conducting technical due diligence examinations on prospective project acquisitions and external technical reports
Review and quality control of deliverables from Study and Design Team
Oversight and mentorship for junior engineers
And other transversal tasks including writing of technical methods and procedures.

Energy yield assessment

The technical assessment and interpretation of wind and solar resources including prospecting for potential wind/solar sites and performing/reviewing energy yield analyses and reports;
Oversee the configurations, procurement and maintenance of data collection equipment/services
Other studies such as CFD, visual and noise impact and flicker studies for wind farms;

Design

Design and optimise layouts of access and internal roads, internal electrical network reticulation design and map and data set creations, also in accordance with and to fulfil the requirements of permit applications;
Preliminary CAD/ Global Mapper layouts of wind, PV and battery storage facilities
The optimization of layouts and designs to minimize LCOE or relevant metrics;
Feasibility and risk analyses of energy facilities.
Contract management / Procurement

External study management including, but not limited to, electrical, topographical surveys, geological/geotechnical, and acoustic studies;
Defining scopes, analysing quotes, and following up with deliverables from technical advisors
Managing relationships with suppliers and contractors
Bid preparations

LCOE optimisation

General support for other departments
Analysis and interrogation of information and pricing provided by contractors
Ensuring full compliance of technical submissions

Asset management

Economic analyses and production calculation for operational of facilities;
Support of Asset Management team in the monitoring of operational facilities;
Any other tasks related to facility assessment and viability as may be required by management from time to time.
Within specific projects the Senior Study Engineer could be expected to, from time to time, assume the role of Engineering Manager during bid phase of projects in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, across various technologies including wind, solar and storage with responsibilities to:

Define project design and specifications based on bid/customer requirements, project permits and technical limits; monitor compliance in all areas;
Manage the technical optimisation of all project elements, with a focus on reduction in cost of energy:
Assist Project team during procurement of main components with technical specifications, Employers’ requirements definition and technical review of offers;
Manage the tender design process and design optimization of balance of plant elements, in accordance with the requirements for the procurement of equipment and services and project bidding;
Engage with all technical stakeholders, including internal engineering resources, technical advisors, contractors, and utility/grid operators in defining the optimal technical solution;
Graduate degree in the Engineering field, or similar
At least five years renewable energy work experience,
Ability to work independently,
Strong technical acumen with excellent problem-solving abilities and good attention to detail,
Ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities, with a strong focus on results and outcomes;
Effective time management and ability to accurately judge the appropriate quality level of deliverables;
Ability to meet deadlines and manage stress effectively in high-pressure situations;
Good documentation and communication skills in both oral and written English;
Strong sense of discretion and confidentiality;
Willingness to travel and a degree of physical fitness;
Driver’s license.

Reporting Relationships:

The Senior Study Engineer will report to the Study and Design Manager.

Qualifications and Skills:

The required candidate will have the following skills and experience:

Graduate degree in the Engineering field, or similar
At least five years renewable energy work experience
Ability to work independently
Strong technical acumen with excellent problem-solving abilities and good attention to detail
Ability to manage multiple and shifting priorities, with a strong focus on results and outcomes
Effective time management and ability to accurately judge appropriate quality level of deliverables
Ability to meet deadlines and manage stress effectively in high-pressure situations
Good documentation and communication skills in both oral and written English
Strong sense of discretion and confidentiality
Willingness to travel and a degree of physical fitness
Driver’s license.