PV Design Engineer

Description

• Development of PV models and application of modeling techniques
• Convey results and findings by means of discussions, graphic-based presentations, and project documentation.
• Frequently works outdoors on uneven surfaces.
• Assist with PV tracker topology, technology analysis and recommendations
• Perform site visits as needed to verify that construction is in agreement with engineering design drawings, including preparatory meetings, and QA/QC.
• Define site constraints and buildable areas for solar PV array
• Reviews of commercial agreements including Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Interconnection Agreements, Service Contracts, Facility Studies
• Estimation of plant losses and calculation of assessment uncertainties.
• Provides technical support to personnel/cross functional teams supporting the assigned project by performing moderate level engineering tasks, calculations, data analysis, and studies as needed to develop preliminary detailed scopes of work on large and small projects.
• Assure proper documentation of technical data generated for the assigned projects and/or tasks are consistent with engineering best practices and policies.
• Review of RFP engineering exhibits as they relate to PV & BESS production and design
• Perform finance-grade solar energy resource assessment (SERA)
• Understand manufacturer’s installation guidelines by creating site plans and single line drawings.
• When in the field, will work in areas with large industrial equipment subject to high noise levels.
• When in the field, may work in varying weather conditions: hot, cold, and wet conditions.
• Assist with design and optimization of solar PV systems to meet project requirements, minimize cost and propose value.
• Initiates and maintains contacts with key engineers in other companies, suppliers and industry associations to maintain their technical expertise.
• Meteorological data evaluation
• Provides engineering support for proposals, estimating, procurement and construction.
• Attend mandatory training sessions on new products, installation methodology, and safety.
• Works independently with direction from Project Design Manager.
• Review and approve equipment vendor drawings on major equipment from manufacturers.
• Assess the solar resources and expected energy output of proposed solar projects to optimize the solar field size and output.
• Support estimating/preconstruction and business development
• Work alongside the Business Development, Estimating, and Engineering teams to create preliminary site layouts and single line drawings (DC and AC) for project proposals.
• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines, Project Managers, Directors and Operations personnel to successfully deliver design projects.
• Create and update database of design records for future reference.
• Review, validation, and analysis of meteorological data for solar resource assessments.
• May occasionally work in areas with hazardous chemicals.
• Conducts project detailed design and QA/QC reviews for completeness and accuracy of internal and external design documents that align with our customer requirements and CSI’s best practice standards.

Requirements

• Demonstrate familiarity with various equipment (modules, racking, inverters, disconnects, combiners, etc.) used for proper design and installation of solar projects.
• Prioritize, multitask, and follow through on assigned tasks and projects with minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.
• Moderate level of understanding of discipline specific technical designs, engineering principles, business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program requirements
• Works in a climate-controlled environment at least 50% of the time.
• Competency with solar meteorological data, experience with solar energy simulation modeling, independent engineering and nuances of design, solar technology, and analysis of operational project data and performance.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and follow through on assigned tasks and projects with minimal supervision.
• This position will require both office and field time with the ability to work remotely.
• Inverter topology and recommendation
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
• PV module analysis and recommendation
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to apply engineering theories and principles to review and evaluate design drawings to determine if the design meets the contractual requirements, construction best practices and budget.
• Possess a minimum of 4 to 8 years of related work experience (Can be a combination of trade & relevant work experience).
• Has a firm understanding of the principles of Project Management
• May be required to stoop, bend, and crouch.
• Experience in utility-scale solar/PV projects, highly preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite of products, AutoCAD 2D, BlueBeam, PVSyst, and other web-based software applications.
• Proactive attitude, showing initiative and the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Ability to work in a fast-moving environment while maintaining a positive attitude in stressful situations and adapt to changing job requirements
• Preferred graduate of four-year college or university with Bachelor of Science in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering program. Strongly preferred the degree is from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum.
• Positive attitude, showing customer focus and the initiative and ability to work independently
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experienced in the practice of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations

Benefits

• Competitive Salaries - We pride ourselves on offering above-average industry salaries based on talent and experience.
• Annual Paid Time Off starting at 15 days plus 9 paid Holidays.
• Commensurate with experience, paid weekly. Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. CSI reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the selected candidate's qualifications.
• Company medical and dental insurance for you and your family. CSI pays 100% for Employee and 75% of dependent coverage premium for the selected plan(s)
• Generous 401(k) Plan with 100% match up to 6%. Immediate vesting and Annual profit-sharing potential.
• Company-paid life, and accidental death & dismemberment.
• Salary $113,500-$137,500/ year
• Amazing Company Culture - We have a culture of trust, teamwork, performance, and commitment that drives our success.
• Various voluntary plans are available, including short- and long-term disability, supplemental vision, accident, hospital and critical illness, and additional voluntary life insurance plans for employees and dependents.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance