Project Development Engineer

About the role

Candisolar is seeking a Project Development Engineer to join their growing team in Magaliessig, Sandton. This role focuses on planning, coordinating, and executing solar energy projects from initial concept through final commissioning and handover to the operations team. The engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver clean energy solutions on time and within budget. The position involves hands-on technical oversight, stakeholder coordination, and strategic decision-making across multiple project phases. The successful candidate will play a central role in advancing Candisolar's mission to expand accessible renewable energy infrastructure across the region and contribute to the development of new project pipelines.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the planning and execution of solar project development activities from initial concept through final commissioning
• Coordinate with engineering teams to define project scope, timelines, and resource allocation for each development phase
• Conduct site assessments and evaluate technical feasibility for proposed solar installations and energy generation systems
• Prepare detailed project plans including milestones, deliverables, dependencies, and comprehensive risk assessments for each stage
• Monitor project progress and report status updates to management and external clients on a regular basis
• Manage budgets and track expenditures to ensure all projects remain within their approved financial targets
• Liaise with contractors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies to secure necessary approvals, permits, and documentation
• Oversee the installation process and ensure compliance with safety, quality, and environmental standards throughout execution
• Troubleshoot technical issues that arise during project development and coordinate effective solutions with relevant teams
• Document project outcomes and compile lessons learned for inclusion in future project reference materials
• Collaborate with the sales team to understand client requirements and translate them into actionable technical plans
• Maintain accurate project records and update documentation systems to reflect current project status and changes
• Support the procurement process by evaluating vendor proposals and selecting appropriate suppliers for project needs
• Facilitate communication between internal departments to ensure alignment on project goals, timelines, and deliverables
• Evaluate emerging solar technologies and assess their potential application in future project developments
• Participate in project retrospectives and contribute to the continuous improvement of development methodologies

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, renewable energy, or a related technical discipline is required for this role
• Minimum of three years of hands-on experience in project development or project management within a technical environment
• Strong understanding of solar energy systems, photovoltaic technology, and related installation practices and procedures
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines, budgets, and quality standards consistently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement, reporting, and cross-team coordination
• Experience with project planning software, scheduling tools, and budget tracking applications in a professional setting
• Working knowledge of local regulations, permitting processes, and compliance requirements for energy and construction projects
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites as needed for assessments, inspections, and oversight purposes
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the capacity to make sound decisions under pressure and tight timelines

Nice to have

• Experience with energy storage systems and battery integration technologies for solar power projects
• Familiarity with grid connection requirements, utility coordination, and interconnection agreement processes
• Previous work in the renewable energy sector or cleantech industry is valued and preferred
• Professional certification in project management such as PMP or PRINCE2 is considered advantageous
• Knowledge of financial modeling, investment analysis, and project financing structures for energy developments

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Microsoft Project or similar scheduling and planning software applications for project tracking
• Knowledge of AutoCAD or similar technical drawing and design tools for engineering documentation
• Experience with financial modeling, cost estimation, and budget management techniques in project contexts
• Ability to analyze technical data and produce clear, structured reports for diverse internal and external audiences
• Understanding of electrical systems, power generation fundamentals, and grid operations and interconnection principles
• Familiarity with environmental impact assessment procedures and sustainability reporting frameworks and standards

Practical notes

• This is a full-time position based at the Candisolar office in Magaliessig, Sandton
• The role requires regular on-site presence at the office and occasional travel to project locations
• Candidates must be available to start within the agreed onboarding timeline and notice period
• The hiring process includes technical interviews, a project case study review, and reference checks