Solar Design Engineer - Renewable Energy Sector

Job Title: Design Engineer

Department: Projects

Reports To: Head of Projects

Location: Abuja, Nigeria (with occasional travel to project sites)

Job Summary

As a Design Engineer, you will support the Projects team in developing detailed solar design specifications and functional requirements for mini-grids, as well as residential, commercial, and industrial solar energy systems.

Key Responsibilities

Energy Data Analysis & Design Translation

• Interpret customer data to identify energy needs and site performance characteristics.
• Propose preliminary design concepts based on data insights, including system capacity, component selection, and layout.

Solar System Analysis & Design:

• Conduct engineering site surveys to collect structural, electrical, and related data for solar power system designs.
• Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, and connection diagrams using CAD software.
• Simulate solar photovoltaic (PV) system performance and energy production to optimize efficiency.
• Develop and refine system designs, including SLDs, PMLs, conduit and wire schedules, routing plans, and 3D renderings.
• Design arrangements for solar panels (rooftops, ground mounts, etc.), electrical equipment, and cabling layouts with technical sizing calculations.

Evaluation & Compliance:

• Review plans and specifications for technological and environmental considerations.
• Ensure designs comply with grid connection standards, permitting, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications & Skills

Education:

• Bachelor's degree (B.Eng/B.Sc.) or HND in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Physics, Solar Energy, or a related field.

Training:

• Relevant training: Mini-Grid Design, SPVIS, NAPTIN, or equivalent.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years experience designing solar PV systems.
• Hands-on experience with solar design systems, PV technologies, and engineering tools.

Technical Expertise:

• Proficient in engineering software such as HOMER, PVSyst, Helioscope, SketchUp, AutoCAD, and Visio.
• Strong understanding of AC/DC systems, power supply, loads, inverters, and transformers.
• Familiarity with fieldwork and installation processes.

Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in computer applications (Google Suite, MS Word, Excel, etc.).
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal).
• Ability to work at heights, lift heavy objects, and travel extensively to remote locations.
• Detail-oriented, innovative, and capable of working autonomously.

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