Solar Design Engineer

About the role

Career Directions Limited is hiring a Solar Design Engineer in Nairobi to design and implement solar energy projects. You will create efficient, cost-effective solar systems that meet customer needs, technical specifications, regulatory requirements and industry best practice.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct site assessments and gather data on solar irradiance, shading, structural considerations and electrical requirements.
• Receive leads from sales and business development teams, gather client requirements and prepare commercial and technical proposals.
• Develop deployment plans, including monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Use CAD and simulation tools to draw panel arrays, inverters, mounting structures and wiring diagrams.
• Perform engineering calculations and simulations (yield, string sizing, losses, ROI).
• Design and specify battery energy storage systems (BESS) and hybrid inverter configurations where needed.
• Collaborate with sales, project management, procurement and installation teams, and support EPRA licensing, permitting and compliance.
• Provide technical support through design, planning, installation, commissioning and post-project evaluation, and attend customer meetings and site visits.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical or Renewable Energy Engineering (Masters an added advantage).
• At least 5 years' experience in solar PV system design, preferably on commercial, industrial or utility-scale projects.
• Valid EPRA T3 License (required).
• Willingness to travel to project sites and customer locations; a valid driving licence is an added advantage.
• Professional Engineer registration, or EIT/Graduate Engineer status with the Engineers Board of Kenya, is an added advantage.

Required skills

• CAD software (AutoCAD or equivalent) and PV design tools such as PVsyst, Helioscope, PVCase or PV*SOL.
• Knowledge of solar PV technology, BESS, electrical principles and performance factors.
• Familiarity with NEC, IEEE, IEC standards, Kenyan building codes, EPRA regulations and permitting.