Senior Design Engineer

  • Full-time

Company Description

PowerGen Renewable Energy (PowerGen) is an innovative and dynamic renewable energy company that is designing, building and operating the next generation of utility generation and distritbution projects (power grids), that provide clean, affordable power to underserved on-grid and off-grid communities in Africa. We are a fully integrated vertical utility with expertise across the full development cycle from advising governments and donors on policy frameworks and project feasibility, to sourcing power grid sites, with in-house EPC and project management capabilities as well as customer and asset management functions. 

Founded in 2011 and headquarted in Kenya, the business operates primarily in Kenya, Nigeria, DRC and Sierra Leone and has over 24,000 connections / households who benefit from 24/7 AC power generated from renewable sources. In addition, the business has developed and is building and operating captive power solutions for Commercial and Indistrial (C&I) customers who are looking for cheaper, cleaner and more reliable sources of electricity to power their businesses. PowerGen's vision is to connect millions of people to clean, reliable, addordable power for the first time whilst building the clean energy systems of the future in Africa. 

Job Description

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

What You'll Make Happen:

  •  
  • Provide subject matter expert (SME) support and expertise to the Project Managers, Project Engineers and procurement teams. 
  • Review client expectations and requirements before handing over to the design team and ensure it is communicated clearly to the design team.
  • Review and provide input to detailed designs submitted both internally and externally to ensure  it meets minimum required standards as well as efficient and cost-effective constructability.
  • Develop electrical power system designs for large and relatively larger projects and associated bill of quantities and technical specifications.
  • Develop solar concept designs (including layout, SLDs, and BoM) as and when required by the project development team.
  • Provide input into detailed design both internal and external to ensure efficient and cost-effective constructability.
  • Support preparation of technical specification and inputs during equipment and contractors tendering and equipment selection stage.
  • Support in preparation of  technical site survey requirements.
  • Develop generation and distribution system capacity and equipment operating models using selected simulation and analysis tools
  • Inspect and approve relevant and reusable technical documents and design templates and models.
  • Identify initiatives to improve designs and cut unnecessary costs
  • Support business development and nurture relationships with client
  • Support technical investigations and fault finding in PowerGen’s O&M areas to identify root causes to help restoration of the network quickly and prevent recurrence of the issue.
  • Train, upskill and recommend learning opportunities to other engineers to ensure team growth and sustainability.

 

Qualifications

What Excites You:

  • Tackling big, thorny problems with smart technology that will transform the African energy sector 
  • The opportunity to become a technical expert in an area that might be previously unfamiliar to you
  • A fast-paced environment where constant change is the norm and individual initiative is expected
  • Autonomy to implement your creative solutions – not just generating ideas, but committing the time, creativity, and skill to make them happen
  • Excellence – in your peers, in your work, and in our company’s commitment to our customers
  • Passion for organization, details, and precision in all you do.
  • Become a part of the fast-growing power generation business.

You Already Have:

  • Bachelors(BSc./BTech/BEng Engineering (Electrical,Mechanical or structural)
  • Related Masters degree is additional credit
  • 5+ years’ relevant experience
  • Certification and licenses
    • EPRA T3 or equivalent
    • EBK Graduate engineer or equivalent
    • EBK Professional or equivalent, preferred
  • Advanced technical skillset
  • Power Generation (Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage and Hybrid generation)
  • Power Distribution ( LV ,MV)
  • Power Installation
  • Testing & Commissioning
  • Site Management ( Technical Support for construction)
  • Troubleshooting Capability
  • Quality Control
  • Solar and BESS design software knowledge and experience e.g PVSyst,Helioscope, Homer 
  • Advanced analytical ability
  • Advanced communication skills - written and verbal
  • Advanced project management and stakeholder management

Additional Information

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

A competitive package including annual compensation, performance bonuses, health insurance and professional development. Plus you'll be working with a dynamic team of brilliant people passionate about electrifying Sub-Saharan Africa!

 

Equal Opportunity:

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in employment regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, tribe, gender or age.  

References: 

Also note that as all referees may be contacted, please ensure that contact details are up to date and that referees are aware that they may be contacted. Candidates must give full details of how they can be contacted as PowerGen will accept no responsibility if it is not able to contact a candidate for an interview.