Position Overview
A renewable energy developer is seeking an experienced Design Engineering Lead to provide technical design leadership for a major utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project in Botswana.
The successful candidate will act as the technical design authority, leading engineering from concept design through detailed engineering, construction and commissioning. The role will also serve as a key technical interface with EPC contractors, the Owner's Engineer, Lenders' Technical Advisor and other project stakeholders.
This is a senior technical leadership position requiring extensive experience on large-scale Solar PV and BESS projects, together with strong multidisciplinary expertise across electrical, civil, structural, substation, high-voltage transmission, grid connection, SCADA and communications.
Key Responsibilities
Design Engineering Leadership
Act as the technical design authority for utility-scale Solar PV and BESS projects.
Lead multidisciplinary design reviews covering Solar PV, BESS, electrical, civil and structural engineering, substations, high-voltage transmission, grid connection, SCADA and communications.
Review, challenge and coordinate EPC design deliverables to ensure compliance with project requirements, applicable engineering standards, grid codes and lender requirements.
Lead the coordination and close-out of technical comments, design interfaces and technical queries.
Review Solar PV and BESS designs, performance assumptions and technical documentation.
Provide technical oversight of substation, transmission and grid-interconnection design.
Project Delivery & Technical Interfaces
Serve as the primary technical interface between the project company, EPC contractors and the Owner's Engineer.
Support construction-phase engineering, factory and site acceptance testing, commissioning and performance testing.
Support technical due diligence and Lenders' Technical Advisor requirements.
Provide technical assessments, risk evaluations and project updates to senior management, shareholders and the Board as required.
Qualifications & Experience
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.
Minimum of 12–15+ years' experience in utility-scale renewable energy engineering.
Proven design leadership experience on Solar PV projects exceeding 500 MW, including Solar PV and BESS projects.
Minimum aggregate portfolio design experience of 1 GW+.
Previous experience working in an Owner's Engineer and/or Lenders' Technical Advisor capacity.
Strong technical expertise across Solar PV, BESS, substations, grid connection and high-voltage transmission systems.
Demonstrated experience managing EPC and Owner's Engineer technical interfaces, including design reviews, technical queries and comment close-out.
Strong knowledge of applicable international engineering standards, grid codes and renewable energy requirements.
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with EPC contractors, consultants, utilities, regulators, lenders and senior management.
Fluency in English.
Willingness to travel to project sites as required.
Master's degree is advantageous.
Professional Registration
Engineering Registration Board (ERB) registration is required. Candidates who are not currently registered must be able to obtain the required registration upon appointment, subject to applicable requirements.
Skills & Competencies
Strong technical judgement and attention to detail.
Ability to constructively challenge technical positions and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project delivery requirements.
Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with EPC contractors, consultants, lenders, regulators and other senior stakeholders.
Collaborative, accountable and solutions-oriented leadership style.
Confidence representing the project's technical position at senior management and Board level.
Strong commitment to safety, quality, integrity and project excellence.
Important Note
Applicants must have 12–15+ years' utility-scale renewable energy engineering experience, including proven design leadership on Solar PV projects exceeding 500 MW and at least 1 GW of aggregate portfolio design experience. Direct Solar PV and BESS experience, strong substation/grid/high-voltage transmission expertise, and previous Owner's Engineer and/or Lenders' Technical Advisor experience are essential. Candidates must also hold, or be able to obtain, Botswana Engineering Registration Board registration.
