Utility Project Engineer

The Utility Project Engineer will provide engineering leadership and technical coordination to the Project Development team by managing development-phase technical matters, assisting with the appointment of Design Consultants, Owners Engineer, EPC, and other Contractors/Consultants, overseeing Design Consultants and Owners Engineer, and interfacing with Eskom and other stakeholders, with continuity into construction.

Position of the job in the organisation:

The Utility Project Engineer will report directly to the Head of Engineering.

Principal responsibilities:

• Own and manage all technical matters during the development phase, with primary focus on grid-related works and Eskom engagement.
• Lead and coordinate Design Consultants, ensuring alignment, quality of deliverables, and effective interface management.
• Represent the company in technical engagements with Eskom, Design Consultants, Owner’s Engineers, and other technical stakeholders, including independent attendance where required.
• Support Project Developers with technical planning, coordination, reporting, and early identification of technical risks and constraints.
• Provide technical input into scope definition, procurement, evaluation, and adjudication of Design Consultants, Owner’s Engineers, and future EPC contractors.
• Review and manage technical submissions to Eskom, ensuring quality, accuracy, and alignment with Eskom requirements and approval pathways.
• Any other job duties associated with this role.

Construction Phase Responsibility

• Transition into the construction phase as a permanent project resource, maintaining technical continuity from development through execution.
• Support construction, commissioning, and energisation activities from a technical assurance perspective.
• Act as a technical link between Engineering, EPC contractors, Owner’s Engineer, and internal stakeholders during project execution.

Experience:

• 8+ years’ experience in a relevant industry.
• Strong technical and project experience in grid-connected, utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Experience in utility-scale solar PV projects (development and/or construction).
• Experience with Eskom grid connection and self-build processes (application → capacity allocation → CEL → BQ).
• Familiar with Eskom submissions, review processes, timelines, and coordination to achieve BQ approval.

Specific Attributes:

• Strong knowledge of HV/MV substations and primary plant (transformers, switchgear, busbars, earthing, civil interfaces).
• Good understanding of overhead line (OHL) infrastructure (routing, servitudes, foundations, structures, clearances, constructability).
• Strong communication skills; able to engage confidently with Eskom, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently with structured escalation of risks and issues.
• BEng / BSc Eng in Electrical Engineering.
• ECSA PR Tech Eng or PR Eng required.

Desirable Attributes:

• Working knowledge of secondary plant systems (protection & control, SCADA, telecoms, metering).
• ERP / MS Dynamics experience (nice to have).

What Does Success Look Like?

By 3 Months

• I will be supporting utility-scale projects effectively by understanding project scope, timelines, and technical requirements.
• I will be producing accurate project documentation, reports, and tracking updates in line with team standards.
• I will be coordinating assigned tasks with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders.

 

By 6 Months

• I will be independently managing defined components of utility projects, including timelines, documentation, and contractor coordination.
• I will be consistently delivering work on time with strong technical accuracy and attention to detail.
• I will be identifying potential project risks or delays and contributing to mitigation strategies.

 

By 12 Months

• I will be taking ownership of key aspects of utility project delivery from planning through to execution support.
• I will be driving improvements in project processes, reporting, and coordination efficiency.
• I will be providing reliable technical and project support to ensure successful project outcomes and team delivery.

Core Values:

We hire, reward, and recognise our team against these values. It is imperative that you believe in these values and demonstrate them consistently.

• We are passionate and proud of what we do.
• We communicate candidly, especially when it is difficult.
• We take the initiative, share our mistakes, and grow together.
• We are dependable and take accountability.
• No one person is bigger than the solution - no egos.

We are currently only considering candidates based in South Africa with valid working rights. Unfortunately, we are unable to consider applications from outside the country at this time.