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.
