Specialist/Sr. Specialist, PV Engineering

About This Position

The person in this role will lead and be accountable for the PV design, performance, and production estimates, as well as managing Independent Engineers final deliverables for PV Solar projects.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead and maintain ownership over the technical design and documentation (system sizing, equipment selection, electrical modeling, and balance of system) to ensure performance over the life of the system meets the required contractual offtake agreements and financial model expectations
• Lead and manage the IE, IE's scope, and the diligence process during project financing
• Lead cross functional design and PV optimization efforts accountable for targeting the lowest LCOE
• Adept in development of tools and/or software for analysis and calculation to create fast, accurate, and comprehensive performance results and estimates or power plant sizing or performance parameters.
• Responsible for development and ownership of technical specifications and exhibits (EPC technical exhibits, testing protocols, vendor specifications, etc.)
• Lead the technical aspects of energy estimation on PPA negotiations, accountable for meeting the offtake requirements with a cost-optimized and constructable solution
• Aid in EPC RFP and commercial supply agreements to ensure technical requirements are accurately defined and reflected while ensuring lower LCOE
• Lead equipment and technology selection, analyzing new technology with suppliers, EPCs, and IEs to understand bankability, performance, and design impacts
• Work cross functionally between development, land, and engineering teams
• Interface, communicate, and establish relationships with vendors and suppliers in direct support of the Procurement team
• Ensure timely and cost-effective resolutions for regulatory, permitting, and technical issues associated with the execution and delivery of PV facilities, collaborating with other internal teams.
• Ensure the highest level of environmental health and safety standards in all engineering with aspects of the facility

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum of 3 years of technical experience with ownership of PV performance and production estimates on utility scale PV systems, through these 4 phases: Development, Design, Contracting EPC/Modules/’Balance of plant’ components, and Construction
• Experience managing scope and deliverables of an Independent Engineer (IE) through one successful financing or more.
• Experience in leading technical diligence and advising the procurement team in the purchase of PV modules from a Tier 1 supplier for one procurement deal, 100MW or greater, OR in aggregate, supported more than 200 MW across multiple deals.
• Experience in leading technical diligence and advising the procurement team in the purchase of single-axis trackers from a Tier 1 supplier for one procurement deal each 100MW or greater, OR in aggregate, supported more than 200 MW across multiple deals.
• Experience in advanced techniques of performance and facility design optimization




Qualitative Experience

• Commercially minded engineer focused on LCOE/LCOS
• Possesses the ability to quantify risk and opportunities around unknowns in design and technology
• Understands PV and ESS development processes
• Thrives in a cross functional environment, able to guide discussion and identify dependencies between design, production, cost, land use, and LCOE

Skills & Knowledge

• Project engineering, effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks via solid project management skills
• Technical background in utility scale power conversion, transformers, inverters and battery technology. PV Engineering is a plus.
• Working knowledge and practical understanding of the relevant codes and standards for PV modules, DC collection and PV inverters (NEC, IBC, IFC, NFPA, UL, IEC, ISO/TSP requirements for grid following/ forming PV plants e.g. ERCOT/CAISO) and how they are applied to the various life cycles of permitting, design, construction, and operation 
• Deep understanding of the photovoltaic technology, trackers, and inverters; advantages and trade-offs of the different technologies, system design, optimization levers, cost drivers, contracting pitfalls, construction challenges, life-cycle use and challenges
• Experience in working with PVSyst and Plant Predict or a similar tool
• Must have knowledge and understanding of scripting languages to automate engineering calculations e.g. VBA, Matlab, Python




Academic Background

• BS in Electrical Engineering with minimum required experience
• Masters in Electrical Engineering is preferred PHD in Electrical Engineering will be a plus
• Relevant experience will be considered as an alternative to the above on a case by case basis.




*A note on qualifications: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. 




Physical and Sensory Requirements

• Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone. 
• Position requires some travel for company-wide meetups: ~5 weeks total through a calendar year.




Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email [email protected]. 

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $110,000 - $125,000 USD base salary with 25% annual target bonus 
• Exceptional Healthcare: Access comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% premium coverage for both you and your dependents.
• Financial Security: Benefit from a 3% non-elective employer contribution to your 401k, ensuring your financial future is on the right track. 
• Time Off: Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) + two company-wide vacation weeks (Fourth of July & End of year). We believe in the importance of rest and relaxation. 
• Family-Friendly Policies: Experience up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with an additional 6 weeks for birth parents. We support you through the exciting journey of parenthood. 
• Mental Health and Well-being: Access mental health and behavioral coaching services through Ginger, providing you with the support you need to thrive both personally and professionally. 
• Family Planning Support: Navigate family planning with ease through our partnership with Carrot, ensuring a seamless experience for new parents. 
• Perks: Enjoy a variety of perks, including a $150 USD monthly food stipend on Grubhub and a pet insurance allowance. We care about the little things that make a big difference. 
• Tech-Ready: Gear up with our new hire tech package, including a laptop, monitor, docking station, webcam, headphones, and more. Set up your home office with provided furniture, including a desk and chair.