Senior Engineer - Solar

WSP South Africa is seeking an experienced and passionate Contracts Engineer / Senior Engineer – Renewable Energy to serve as a technical consultant for utility-scale Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and Wind Energy projects across Africa, while also supporting international renewable energy assignments as required.

The successful candidate will lead and support renewable energy advisory, technical due diligence, asset performance management, and techno-commercial evaluation activities for utility-scale Solar PV, BESS, and wind projects. The role encompasses conducting technical and commercial risk assessments, supporting investment and acquisition decisions, optimizing portfolio performance, managing stakeholder and contractual interfaces, and ensuring compliance with performance guarantees and project obligations. The candidate will be expected to provide independent technical advice throughout the project lifecycle, delivering operational and commercial value to clients, investors, lenders, and project developers. The position will require periodic international travel, with a particular focus on projects located across Africa.

Technical (Approximately 100%):

• Managing 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.

• Assessing technical risks and proposing mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure in project CAPEX, OPEX, and revenues.

• Assist with and/or conduct any other necessary aspects of a project that fall within the discipline of the role.

• Support technical advisory, due diligence, and techno-commercial consulting activities for utility-scale Solar PV, BESS, and Wind Energy projects.

• Conduct technical, operational, contractual, and commercial risk assessments throughout the project lifecycle.

• Perform technical due diligence and feasibility evaluations to support project acquisitions, financing, investments, and business development opportunities.

• Provide asset performance analysis, benchmarking, and optimization recommendations to maximize portfolio value and operational efficiency.

• Review and assess project designs, energy yield studies, EPC/O&M contracts, performance guarantees, and acceptance testing requirements.

• Support lenders, investors, developers, and asset owners by delivering independent technical advice and risk-based recommendations.

• Monitor portfolio performance and develop actionable strategies to improve plant reliability, availability, and financial returns.

• Lead root cause investigations and performance improvement initiatives across operating renewable energy assets.

• Review technical stakeholder interfaces, including clients, developers, EPC contractors, OEMs, lenders, and investors.

• Support contract negotiations, project execution reviews, and compliance with technical and contractual obligations.

• Prepare technical reports, due diligence assessments, presentations, and advisory deliverables for clients and project stakeholders.

• Contribute to business development activities, proposal preparation, market assessments, and the growth of WSP's renewable energy advisory services.

• Support multidisciplinary project teams and provide technical input across local and international renewable energy projects.

• Undertake travel within Africa and internationally, as required, to support project execution, site visits, technical reviews, and client engagements.

Health and Safety

• Role model standards for SHEQ performance and behavior 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:

• B.Eng or BTech Engineering (Preference EEE, ECE/Mech)

• 4-8 years experience in Renewable energy, solar PV and wind experience is considered very advantageous. A Mix of South African experience (REIPPP) and regional overseas experience is also preferred.

• In-depth knowledge and field expertise regarding solar PV/BESS/Wind turbine technologies including emerging technologies in the international renewable energy market.

• Renewable Energy contracts exposure (i.e EPC, PPA, O&M, and TSIA etc)

• Exposure to contractor management approach

• 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).

• Knowledge of various BESS and Wind applications

• 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.

1. ECSA registration or country equivalent.

Key Areas of Expertise

• Renewable Energy Advisory

• Technical Due Diligence

• Solar PV, BESS & Wind Energy

• Asset Performance Management

• Techno-Commercial Evaluation

• Portfolio Optimization

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation

• Contract & Stakeholder Management

• Performance Guarantees & Acceptance Testing

• Investment and Acquisition Support

• Reliability Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Business Development & Client Advisory

KEY COMPETENCIES AND GENERIC SKILLS:

• Minimum 4-8 years of postgraduate experience, preferably in the renewable industry.
• 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

BGV:

• Employment with WSP India is subject to the successful completion of a background verification (“BGV”) check conducted by a third-party agency appointed by WSP India.

• Candidates are advised to ensure that all information provided during the recruitment process — including documents uploaded — is accurate and complete, both to WSP India and its BGV partner”.