About the Opportunity

BEM Consult is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Assistant Project Engineer – Solar Project (x3).

Job Purpose

The Assistant Solar Project Engineer will assist in executing solar PV projects while maintaining budget and schedule. The successful candidate will manage and direct project management activities and act as the liaison between clients, stakeholders, engineers, contractors, third-party construction managers, and other consultants during the execution phase of projects.

The role is responsible for coordinating project execution and close-out activities. Depending on project requirements, the position may have varying levels of responsibility in project entitlement, design, and pre-construction. The successful candidate will be expected to deliver projects on schedule and within budget while maintaining value and protecting profitability.

Overall Responsibilities

• Optimise system layouts for maximum energy production and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct shading analysis and assess site suitability for solar installations.
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and tracking project milestones.
• Assist with the day-to-day coordination of administrative and operational solar project activities.
• Collect, record, and file all required project documentation.
• Monitor project schedules and costs.
• Develop Bills of Materials (BOM) for project sites.
• Conduct detailed site surveys and modify solar PV system designs to meet client requirements, local codes, and industry standards.
• Ensure all activities comply with the Scope of Work and consulting contract requirements.
• Use modelling software to predict system performance and energy output.
• Prepare and submit permit applications while ensuring compliance with local regulations and utility requirements.
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary approvals.
• Work closely with the Renewable Energy Project Engineer to develop and implement quality control procedures for solar installations.
• Conduct inspections to ensure system integrity and compliance with safety standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support to installation teams during project implementation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues as they arise.
• Create and maintain accurate project documentation, including schematics, drawings, and technical manuals.
• Manage project manpower and ensure smooth project execution.
• Monitor system performance and ensure installations are operating optimally before client handover.
• Promote and enforce safety protocols to ensure all installations meet required safety standards.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Energy Engineering.
• Professional certification in Project Management or Energy Policy will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in renewable energy engineering, with hands-on experience in solar and hydro projects.
• Proven project work experience with ZESCO, the Ministry of Energy, REA, or NGOs involved in renewable energy (solar).
• Proven experience in project coordination, stakeholder management, and strategic planning.
• Experience in hydro-power and renewable energy projects, particularly solar, is preferred.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy policies, regulations, and market trends.
• Passion for renewable energy will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving project performance through innovative ideas, productivity improvements, and strong technical and management skills.
• Professional certifications or licences in Renewable Energy or Engineering are highly valued.

Required Skills and Attributes

• Good communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good community relations skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Team player.

• Optimise system layouts for maximum energy production and cost-effectiveness.
• Conduct shading analysis and assess site suitability for solar installations.
• Assist in planning, scheduling, and tracking project milestones.
• Assist with the day-to-day coordination of administrative and operational solar project activities.
• Collect, record, and file all required project documentation.
• Monitor project schedules and costs.
• Develop Bills of Materials (BOM) for project sites.
• Conduct detailed site surveys and modify solar PV system designs to meet client requirements, local codes, and industry standards.
• Ensure all activities comply with the Scope of Work and consulting contract requirements.
• Use modelling software to predict system performance and energy output.
• Prepare and submit permit applications while ensuring compliance with local regulations and utility requirements.
• Coordinate with regulatory authorities to obtain the necessary approvals.
• Work closely with the Renewable Energy Project Engineer to develop and implement quality control procedures for solar installations.
• Conduct inspections to ensure system integrity and compliance with safety standards.
• Provide technical guidance and support to installation teams during project implementation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues as they arise.
• Create and maintain accurate project documentation, including schematics, drawings, and technical manuals.
• Manage project manpower and ensure smooth project execution.
• Monitor system performance and ensure installations are operating optimally before client handover.
• Promote and enforce safety protocols to ensure all installations meet required safety standards.

• Good communication skills.
• Good problem-solving skills.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good community relations skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Team player.

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Energy Engineering.
• Professional certification in Project Management or Energy Policy will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of three (3) years' experience in renewable energy engineering, with hands-on experience in solar and hydro projects.
• Proven project work experience with ZESCO, the Ministry of Energy, REA, or NGOs involved in renewable energy (solar).
• Proven experience in project coordination, stakeholder management, and strategic planning.
• Experience in hydro-power and renewable energy projects, particularly solar, is preferred.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy policies, regulations, and market trends.
• Passion for renewable energy will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated commitment to improving project performance through innovative ideas, productivity improvements, and strong technical and management skills.
• Professional certifications or licences in Renewable Energy or Engineering are highly valued.