Operation Engineer Job Johannesburg area,South Africa,Engineering

Please read through this role, let me know how you align:

Role Overview

The Operations Engineer will support the day-to-day performance of an operating fleet of utility-scale renewable energy assets from head office.

It is a data-driven position requiring a combination of engineering, analytical, and operational skills to optimise asset performance and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

Asset Monitoring and Performance Management
Monitor solar PV, wind, and BESS assets using SCADA systems
Track performance metrics including availability, performance ratio (PR), and energy yield
Identify underperformance and recommend corrective actions
Monitor adherence to contractual KPIs and SLAs
Data Analysis and Reporting
Analyse operational data to identify trends and performance issues
Produce regular performance reports (monthly, quarterly, ad hoc)
Assess downtime, faults, curtailment losses, and degradation
Translate data into clear, actionable insights
Fault Diagnosis and Root Cause Analysis
Investigate plant faults using SCADA and operational data
Perform root cause analysis and track corrective actions
Engage with OEMs and site teams to resolve technical issues
Contractor and Site Oversight
Oversee third-party O&M contractors
Review maintenance schedules, outages, and execution quality
Ensure alignment with contractual obligations and technical standards
Continuos Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve plant performance and availability
Support implementation of optimisation initiatives
Contribute to improved systems, tools, and reporting processes
Cross-functional Collaboration
Work with asset management, engineering, and commercial teams
Support performance analysis for acquisitions and new projects

Minimum Requirements (Non-Negotiable)

Degree or BTech in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronic Engineering
Experience operating utility-scale renewable energy plants (solar PV, wind, or BESS)
Strong SADC knowledge and experience
Proven ability to analyse performance data and produce reports

Preferred Experience

3-7+ years in renewable energy operations or asset management
Experience managing multiple assets or portfolios
Exposure to grid-connected generation environments
Familiarity with data analysis tools such as PowerBI, Tableau, Python, or SQL
Experience with OEM systems (e.g. SMA, Vestas, Siemens, Sungrow

Key Competencies

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
High attention to detail
Ability to interpret technical data and communicate insights
Ability to manage multiple work streams independently

Strong stakeholder engagement skills