About the job
We are seeking an experienced Solar Field Engineer to oversee and execute the installation, commissioning, testing, and maintenance of solar PV systems in compliance with Saudi regulations and industry best practices. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with utility-scale, commercial, or industrial solar projects in Saudi Arabia and be well-versed in SEC (Saudi Electricity Company) regulations, local codes, and grid integration requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Site Supervision & Installation:
- Oversee the installation and construction of solar PV projects, ensuring adherence to engineering designs and specifications.
- Conduct pre-installation site assessments to verify land conditions, shading, soil composition, and structural integrity.
- Supervise civil, electrical, and mechanical works related to solar panel mounting, inverters, transformers, and cabling.
- Ensure all DC and AC electrical connections comply with safety standards and project requirements.
- Monitor and coordinate with subcontractors, technicians, and site workers for efficient execution.
2. Testing & Commissioning:
- Conduct performance testing and validation of solar PV systems before commissioning.
- Ensure all electrical and mechanical components, including inverters, transformers, DC combiner boxes, and protection systems, are correctly installed and operational.
- Verify insulation resistance tests (IR), IV curve tracing, PR (Performance Ratio) tests, and other diagnostics.
- Prepare and submit commissioning reports in line with SEC standards for final approval.
3. Compliance & Quality Assurance:
- Ensure compliance with SEC (Saudi Electricity Company), SERA, and local municipality regulations for grid connection and safety.
- Conduct quality inspections of PV modules, wiring, connectors, and structural components.
- Ensure compliance with IEC, NEC, and OSHA safety standards for solar installations.
- Address non-conformities and implement corrective actions as per project QA/QC plans.
4. Troubleshooting & Maintenance:
- Diagnose and resolve electrical faults, inverter issues, grid failures, and performance deviations in solar plants.
- Perform periodic inspections and preventive maintenance of solar PV components.
- Implement SCADA and remote monitoring troubleshooting for real-time issue detection.
5. Project Coordination & Documentation:
- Work closely with design engineers, procurement teams, and project managers to ensure smooth execution.
- Maintain project records, site logs, and material tracking reports.
- Submit daily, weekly, and monthly reports detailing progress, risks, and mitigation measures.
- Assist in securing SEC approvals, interconnection agreements, and completion certificates.
Qualifications & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Renewable Energy, or a related field.
- SEC Certified Installer and/or Designer – (preferred)
- Minimum 5 years of experience in solar projects in Saudi Arabia (commercial, industrial, or utility-scale).
- Hands-on experience with solar PV installation, commissioning, testing, and troubleshooting.
- Strong understanding of SEC grid requirements, PV system integration, and power distribution.
- Knowledge of AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, or other solar design tools is a plus.
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, solar monitoring platforms, and IoT-based performance tracking.
- Valid Saudi driver’s license (preferred).
- Safety certifications such as OSHA 30, NEBOSH, or equivalent (preferred).
Key Skills:
- Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
- Proficiency in electrical and mechanical engineering principles.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills to manage field teams.
- Ability to work in harsh desert environments and remote locations.
- Strong knowledge of power electronics, switchgear, and protection systems.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
Working Conditions:
- Site-based role with frequent travel to different solar project locations across Saudi Arabia.
- Exposure to extreme weather conditions (heat, dust, etc.).
- On-call availability for emergency troubleshooting and maintenance.
About The Author
