Development Engineer – Wind, Solar PV & BESS

Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Industry: Renewable Energy
Remuneration: Market Related

About the Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced Development Engineer to join a leading renewable energy developer with a growing portfolio of wind, solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a technically strong engineer to play a key role in the development, optimisation and commercial viability of renewable energy projects, from early-stage development through to construction readiness.

The successful candidate will combine strong wind energy assessment expertise with advanced analytical capabilities and an understanding of energy storage technologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct wind resource assessments, develop turbine layouts and prepare energy yield estimates across renewable energy projects.

• Lead BESS sizing, dispatch modelling and optimisation for standalone storage and hybrid wind/solar PV projects.

• Optimise battery storage configurations against multiple revenue streams, including energy arbitrage, ancillary services and corporate PPA requirements.

• Develop hourly, monthly and annual energy production profiles to support commercial pricing, financial modelling and offtake negotiations.

• Collaborate with technical advisers and lenders to ensure energy assessments and project assumptions meet bankability requirements.

• Support the development of hybrid renewable energy projects, including grid integration and curtailment mitigation strategies.

• Provide technical inputs into financial models, including system efficiency, degradation, operating costs and battery augmentation requirements.

• Coordinate site assessments, wind monitoring campaigns and relevant engineering activities.

• Provide GIS mapping and technical support for project development and permitting activities.

• Work closely with Business Development teams on tariff modelling, wheeling calculations and commercial energy solutions.

• Engage with technology suppliers, OEMs and technical consultants to evaluate equipment specifications and performance guarantees.

• Support technical due diligence, project feasibility assessments and strategic development initiatives.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (BEng or BSc Engineering).

• Proven experience in wind resource assessment and energy yield modelling – essential.

• Strong analytical capabilities, including proficiency in Excel and Python.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret complex technical data and develop practical engineering solutions.

• Strong planning, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Willingness to travel frequently to project sites and work flexible hours when required.

Highly Advantageous

• Experience in BESS modelling, sizing, dispatch optimisation and revenue modelling.

• Understanding of the South African electricity market, including WEPS, Megaflex tariffs and electricity wheeling frameworks.

• Exposure to hybrid renewable energy developments (Wind + BESS / Solar PV + BESS).

• Experience with GIS software and spatial data analysis.

• Understanding of renewable energy project economics, energy trading and corporate PPAs.

• Experience engaging with technical advisers, lenders, OEMs and project development teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are looking for a commercially minded and technically capable engineer who thrives in a dynamic project development environment. The ideal candidate is analytical, proactive, detail-oriented and capable of working independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams.

A genuine passion for renewable energy, strong problem-solving abilities and the willingness to take ownership of complex engineering challenges will be essential.

What's on Offer?

• Market-related remuneration package.

• Medical aid and retirement contributions.

• Group risk insurance cover.

• Short-term incentive opportunities.

• Professional development and career growth.

• Opportunity to contribute to major renewable energy developments.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the above requirements are invited to submit their updated CVs to:

Shantey@set.co.za

Email Subject: Development Engineer – Application

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.