REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, or a related technical field. A degree focusing on renewable energy or power systems is highly advantageous. Candidates with a Civil or Structural Engineering background plus significant solar project experience will also be considered, given the interdisciplinary nature of solar farm development.
• Experience: Approximately 2–5 years of experience in engineering roles related to solar PV or power projects. This could include work as a project engineer, design engineer, or site engineer on large-scale solar farms, wind farms, or electrical infrastructure projects. Experience should demonstrate familiarity with the full project lifecycle – from design and permitting through construction and commissioning – and a hands-on understanding of field implementation.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong knowledge of solar energy systems including PV module technology, inverter functionality, and basics of energy storage (if battery systems are part of projects). Solid understanding of electrical systems (DC and AC), including medium-voltage grid connection infrastructure (transformers, switchgear, substations) and grid integration requirements. Able to read and interpret engineering drawings (site plans, electrical schematics, wiring diagrams) and specifications. Understanding of the civil engineering aspects of solar farms (e.g. site grading, mounting structure foundations, access roads) and how they impact the project.
• Regulatory and Standards Awareness: Familiarity with Irish and international standards/codes relevant to solar farm construction and electrical installations. Knowledge of the permitting process for solar farms, including environmental impact considerations and grid code compliance for connecting to the transmission/distribution network. Awareness of health and safety regulations for construction and electrical works, ensuring designs incorporate “safety by design” principles.
• IT and Software Skills: Proficiency in engineering software tools. For example, experience with PV design/simulation software like PVsyst or Helioscope for energy yield modelling, and CAD tools such as AutoCAD (or GIS software) for layout planning is valuable. Competence in MS Office for reporting and data analysis is expected. Experience with project management or collaboration software (MS Project, Asana, etc.) is a plus for coordinating tasks and schedules.
• Certifications: Safe Pass (required for any site work in Ireland). Having or working towards a professional engineering title (e.g. Chartered Engineer with Engineers Ireland) can be a plus, but is not mandatory. Any additional certifications, such as HV/MV safety training (for working around high-voltage equipment) or specific manufacturer training on inverters/SCADA, will be viewed favourably.
• Soft Skills: Excellent communication skills are needed to liaise effectively between the office engineering team and site teams. Must be able to write clear technical reports and also translate “engineer-speak” into plain instructions for contractors. Strong organisational skills to keep track of many details and documents. Fluent in English, with the ability to produce professional technical documentation. A full driving licence and willingness to travel frequently to project sites (including remote rural locations) is required. Flexibility in work hours is sometimes necessary to meet project deadlines or coordinate with international suppliers in different time zones.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Project Engineer for utility-scale solar projects is the technical backbone of Mitros’s large solar farm execution team. In this role, you bridge the gap between the design office and the construction site. You’ll be involved from the early stages of project development – gathering site data and refining designs – through to overseeing technical aspects during construction and commissioning. The Project Engineer ensures that the solar farm is engineered for optimal performance and that what is built on the ground matches the intended design. This includes coordinating with design engineers, answering technical questions from contractors, and solving engineering issues that arise on site. It’s a hands-on role that requires both office-based analysis and on-site presence. By ensuring technical excellence and smooth design implementation, the Project Engineer helps Mitros deliver high-quality, high-output solar farms that stand the test of time.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Site Data Collection & Analysis: Perform comprehensive site assessments for utility-scale solar projects, gathering all necessary data to inform project design and execution. This includes land surveys (terrain profiles, soil conditions), solar resource measurements, identifying grid connection points, and noting site-specific constraints (e.g. shading from trees, environmental sensitivities). Analyse feasibility study data to help determine the viability and optimal layout of proposed solar farm sites, providing this information to the design and project management teams.
• Technical Documentation & Design Support: Work closely with the design engineering team to ensure technical designs (site layout drawings, single-line electrical diagrams, etc.) align with actual site conditions. Provide field data and insights so that array layouts, cable routes, substation locations and other design elements are accurately planned. Review design drawings and specifications from a constructability and accuracy perspective, and coordinate any required design adjustments based on on-site findings. Assist in preparing technical documents such as bill of materials, engineering calculations, and method statements for project execution plans.
• Permitting & Compliance Assistance: Support the Project Manager in obtaining permits and regulatory approvals by supplying necessary technical details and ensuring engineering plans meet regulatory requirements. Liaise with external stakeholders on technical aspects – for example, coordinate with utility companies (ESB Networks) to provide data for grid connection agreements, or with local authorities to address planning conditions and environmental regulations. Ensure all technical submissions (grid connection applications, safety case documents, etc.) are completed accurately and on time.
• On-Site Technical Oversight: During construction, act as the technical eyes on the ground to ensure the project is built according to design specifications and quality standards. Conduct routine site visits to monitor progress and perform quality checks on installation work (e.g. verify piling locations and tilt angles, check trench depths for cabling, confirm correct panels/inverters are installed per design). If any discrepancies or unexpected site issues arise (like unforeseen ground conditions or a clash between design and reality), identify and communicate these promptly, and work with the Project Manager and design team to implement solutions or design modifications.
• Contractor Coordination & Support: Work alongside contractors and subcontractors (civil works crews, electrical installers, etc.) to answer technical queries (RFIs – Requests for Information) and clarify design intent. Provide on-site guidance to ensure complex tasks (like HV cable terminations, inverter station commissioning, or SCADA system setup) are executed correctly. Essentially, bridge the gap between the engineering office and field work – if a contractor encounters a problem or confusion, the Project Engineer can interpret the design documents, suggest practical resolutions, and loop in the design engineers for approval if needed.
• Testing & Commissioning: Assist in the commissioning phase of utility-scale projects. Help prepare testing protocols and coordinate energisation schedules with the utility company. Ensure all components undergo proper testing (such as insulation resistance tests, performance ratio testing, relay protection tests, etc.). Collect and verify test results against expected performance parameters. Work with senior engineers or equipment suppliers to troubleshoot any issues discovered during commissioning . Ensure that the project’s electrical and mechanical completion checklists are fully addressed before final handover.
• Documentation & Record-Keeping: Maintain up-to-date technical documentation and records throughout the project. Manage logs such as RFI (request for information) trackers, design change logs, and commissioning reports. Ensure that “as-built” drawings and documentation are prepared to reflect any changes made during construction, so the final records match what was actually built. Organise all relevant technical documents – permits, test certificates, equipment datasheets, O&M manuals – into the project turnover package, supporting a smooth handover to the operations/maintenance team or client.
• Initial Performance Monitoring & Optimisation: If involved during early operations, help monitor the initial performance of the solar farm once operational. Analyse the energy production data and compare it to expected values. Identify any technical issues affecting performance (e.g. underperforming strings, inverter settings) and coordinate their resolution. Provide feedback to the design and operations teams on any improvements or adjustments that could enhance energy production efficiency.