About the Opportunity

BEM Consult is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Renewable Energy Project Engineer – Solar Project (x2).

Job Purpose

The Renewable Energy Project Engineer will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, and hydropower projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of photovoltaic and thermal solar systems while ensuring the performance of solar installations complies with safety standards and environmental regulations.

Overall Responsibilities

• Oversee the installation and maintenance of solar renewable energy infrastructure, coordinate teams, and ensure deadlines and budgets are met.
• Design solar heating systems for residential and commercial applications.
• Develop system layouts that optimize energy output and space utilization.
• Communicate technical concepts to non-technical clients and project stakeholders.
• Provide technical support to contractors, installers, and maintenance teams during project execution.
• Design and develop renewable energy production systems while considering technical, economic, and environmental constraints.
• Perform technical and economic analyses to assess the viability of renewable energy projects, including solar panel installations.
• Develop solutions to improve system energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
• Organize awareness and training programmes on renewable energy for companies, communities, and the general public.
• Create detailed technical drawings and specifications for solar installations.
• Select appropriate photovoltaic panel types and configurations based on site conditions and energy requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive engineering site audits to evaluate solar potential and project feasibility.
• Analyse geographical data, weather patterns, and seasonal variations affecting solar production.
• Assess site conditions, including roof structure, ground capacity, and shading analysis.
• Assess the environmental impact and sustainability of solar projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Promote sustainable energy practices and advocate for renewable energy adoption.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications, drawings, and manuals.
• Ensure solar system designs comply with electrical codes, building standards, and applicable regulations.
• Develop interconnection applications for grid-tied solar systems.
• Maintain knowledge of evolving regulations, incentives, and energy market conditions.
• Conduct training sessions on solar system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in project meetings and provide technical expertise to support decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Thermal and Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a Professional Bachelor's Degree in Renewable Energies, Electricity, or Electronics.
• A Master's Degree in Renewable Energy Engineering or Sustainable Energy Systems is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of four (4) years' experience in renewable energy engineering, with hands-on experience in solar, wind, or other renewable energy technologies.
• Proven project management skills for planning, organising, and supervising complex projects.
• Proven project work experience with ZESCO, the Ministry of Energy, REA, or NGOs involved in renewable energy (solar).
• Proven previous experience working on large-scale solar energy projects.
• Knowledge of energy modelling software such as HOMER, PVSyst, and RETScreen is essential for designing and analysing energy systems.
• In-depth knowledge of regulations and compliance requirements aligned to solar projects.
• Certifications in Renewable Energy or Engineering are highly valued.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Good communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Good networking skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Team player.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

• Oversee the installation and maintenance of solar renewable energy infrastructure, coordinate teams, and ensure deadlines and budgets are met.
• Design solar heating systems for residential and commercial applications.
• Develop system layouts that optimize energy output and space utilization.
• Communicate technical concepts to non-technical clients and project stakeholders.
• Provide technical support to contractors, installers, and maintenance teams during project execution.
• Design and develop renewable energy production systems while considering technical, economic, and environmental constraints.
• Perform technical and economic analyses to assess the viability of renewable energy projects, including solar panel installations.
• Develop solutions to improve system energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
• Organize awareness and training programmes on renewable energy for companies, communities, and the general public.
• Create detailed technical drawings and specifications for solar installations.
• Select appropriate photovoltaic panel types and configurations based on site conditions and energy requirements.
• Conduct comprehensive engineering site audits to evaluate solar potential and project feasibility.
• Analyse geographical data, weather patterns, and seasonal variations affecting solar production.
• Assess site conditions, including roof structure, ground capacity, and shading analysis.
• Assess the environmental impact and sustainability of solar projects throughout their lifecycle.
• Promote sustainable energy practices and advocate for renewable energy adoption.
• Prepare comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications, drawings, and manuals.
• Ensure solar system designs comply with electrical codes, building standards, and applicable regulations.
• Develop interconnection applications for grid-tied solar systems.
• Maintain knowledge of evolving regulations, incentives, and energy market conditions.
• Conduct training sessions on solar system operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Participate in project meetings and provide technical expertise to support decision-making.

• Good communication skills.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Good networking skills.
• Strong leadership skills.
• Team player.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Excellent presentation skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills.

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Thermal and Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a Professional Bachelor's Degree in Renewable Energies, Electricity, or Electronics.
• A Master's Degree in Renewable Energy Engineering or Sustainable Energy Systems is highly advantageous.
• Minimum of four (4) years' experience in renewable energy engineering, with hands-on experience in solar, wind, or other renewable energy technologies.
• Proven project management skills for planning, organising, and supervising complex projects.
• Proven project work experience with ZESCO, the Ministry of Energy, REA, or NGOs involved in renewable energy (solar).
• Proven previous experience working on large-scale solar energy projects.
• Knowledge of energy modelling software such as HOMER, PVSyst, and RETScreen is essential for designing and analysing energy systems.
• In-depth knowledge of regulations and compliance requirements aligned to solar projects.
• Certifications in Renewable Energy or Engineering are highly valued.