Owner’s Engineer – Large-Scale Solar PV & BESS

ABOUT THE COMPANY

PowerGen Renewable Energy is a micro-grid developer and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company for Commercial and Industrial (C&I) solar projects in Africa. PowerGen is creating an African energy system that utilizes clean, renewable energy and smarter grids to deliver power to all.
We uniquely combine our mission – to build Africa’s future energy system, while improving lives through smarter power – with technical, on-the-ground expertise and an innovative business model. We build, own and operate AC micro-grids and C&I solar projects to bring power to residential, commercial and industrial customers. With over 120 employees, a 7,500 sq. ft. workshop and headquarters in Nairobi, offices in Tanzania, Nigeria and Sierra Leone, PowerGen is building a company that is set to have an impact on the energy sector in Africa for years to come. ​​​​​​

JOB SUMMARY

QualificationsBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or related discipline.Experience acting as Owner’s Engineer, Independent Engineer, Lender’s Engineer, or Technical Advisor on large infrastructure projects.Strong knowledge of grid interconnection and power system integration.Professional engineering registration preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Feasibility & Technical Study ValidationReview and validate all technical studies supporting project bankability and design development, including:Site Selection & Resource StudiesSolar resource assessment and satellite data validationLong-term irradiation datasets and uncertainty analysisShading and horizon analysisSite screening and comparative site selectionTopographical & Land StudiesReview detailed topographical surveysValidate plant layout optimization and earthworks assumptionsEvaluate grading requirements and site constructabilityGeotechnical StudiesReview soil investigations, pile pull tests, and geotechnical reportsValidate foundation design assumptionsAssess risk of settlement, pile refusal, or soil instabilityHydrological & Drainage StudiesReview flood risk modellingEvaluate site drainage designValidate stormwater management strategiesGrid Interconnection & Power System StudiesReview and validate:Grid interconnection studiesLoad flow studiesShort circuit analysisTransient stability studiesHarmonic studiesProtection coordination studiesEnsure compliance with utility grid codes and interconnection requirements.Plant Design & Performance OptimizationReview and validate engineering designs prepared by EPC contractors and consultants. Key areas include:Solar PV Plant DesignPlant layout and DC architectureString sizing and DC/AC ratio optimizationTracker vs fixed tilt selectionCable routing and electrical balance of plantEnergy Yield ModellingValidate production modelling performed in tools such as:PVsystHelioscopeHOMERInternal performance modelsVerify:Loss assumptionsDegradation modelsCurtailment assumptionsAvailability modellingP50 / P90 production estimatesBESS Integration & Firm Power DeliveryReview design and operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems integrated with solar plants. Key responsibilities:Validate battery sizing assumptions for firm power deliveryReview charge/discharge strategiesEvaluate state-of-charge managementReview EMS and SCADA control logicEnsure system capability to deliver firm hourly baseload outputValidate the ability of the integrated PV + BESS system to meet:Dispatch obligations95% operational availabilityContractual power delivery guaranteesPerformance Guarantees & Contractual ValidationSupport the asset owner in validating EPC contractual guarantees, including:Plant capacity guaranteesPerformance ratio guaranteesEnergy yield guaranteesSystem availability guaranteesBESS performance guarantees (cycle life, round-trip efficiency)Ensure guarantees are realistic, measurable, and enforceable.Engineering Design ReviewReview detailed engineering designs prepared by EPC contractors, including:Electrical single line diagramsSubstation and grid interconnection designProtection and control schemesSCADA and EMS architecturePlant layout drawingsBESS container layout and safety systemsEnsure compliance with:IEC standardsIEEE standardsUtility grid codesLocal regulatory requirementsConstruction Quality OversightConduct site inspections to verify installation quality and compliance with approved designs.Monitor EPC contractor QA/QC procedures and verify installation of key systems including:PV arrays and trackersInverter stationsMedium voltage networksSubstationsBESS containers and PCS systems FAT, SAT & Commissioning OversightReview and approve commissioning and testing procedures.Witness testing and commissioning on siteWitness Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for critical equipment including:Solar invertersPower conversion systemsBattery modulesEnergy management systemsParticipate in Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), including:Grid energizationSCADA integrationPerformance verification testsBESS dispatch testing Operational Readiness & Performance VerificationEnsure the plant is capable of meeting operational targets including:95% guaranteed availabilityFirm hourly power delivery obligationsCompliance with grid dispatch requirementsValidate:CoD and O&M readinessMonitoring systemsPerformance Ratio and Performance Guarantees 

REQUIRED SKILLS

Engineering, Electrical installation, Electrical power generation, Safety systems

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree