Senior Engineer ( PV Engineering)
United States / Canada
Development – Engineering /
Full-time, remote /
Remote
Company Overview
Intersect Power is a team of friends driven to preserve our planet for future generations through low-carbon energy and infrastructure solutions. Founded in 2016, the privately held clean energy company develops and owns some of the world’s largest clean energy resources serving customers in retail and wholesale energy markets across North America. The company is redefining the scope of the clean energy industry by enabling new pathways between clean electricity and the broader economy to enable the deep decarbonization of our economy. We are on an aggressive growth trajectory and are staffing key positions.
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 (system sizing, equipment selection, electrical modeling, and balance of system) to ensure performance over the life of the system meets the required contractual off-take 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
- Lead the development of tools and/or software for analysis and calculation to create fast, accurate, and comprehensive performance results and estimates
- Responsible for the development and maintenance of technical specifications, design criteria, standards, and exhibits (EPC technical exhibits, testing protocols, vendor specifications, etc.) to ensure all documentation is comprehensive and maintains a high-quality product
- Lead the technical aspects of energy estimation on PPA negotiations, accountable for meeting the off -take requirements with a cost-optimized and constructible 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 teamsInterface, 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 facility
- Ensure the highest level of environmental health and safety standards in all engineering with aspects of the facility
Qualifications and Skills
- Required Experience:
- Minimum of 6 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, and Construction
- Experience managing scope and deliverables of an Independent Engineer (IE) through 3 successful financings
- Experience in leading technical diligence and advising the procurement team in the purchase of PV modules from a Tier 1 supplier for 3 procurement deals, each 100MW or greater, OR in aggregate, supported more than 300 MW across multiple deals with at least one deal of 100 MW or greater
- Experience in leading technical diligence and advising the procurement team in the purchase of single-axis trackers from a Tier 1 supplier for 3 procurement deals each 100MW or greater, OR in aggregate, supported more than 300 MW across multiple deals with at least one deal of 100 MW or greater
- 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
- Assisting Procurement and Operations teams as PV SME
- Interfacing and managing external technical resources for owners engineering
- 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
- The ideal candidate also has exposure or 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
- Background in power plant controls architecture and SCADA is a plus
Academic Background
- BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent degree with the minimum required experience
- Masters or PHD will be a plus
- Relevant experience will be considered as an alternative to the above
- Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including a computer, keyboard, and telephone.
- The position requires some travel for company-wide meetups: ~5 weeks total through a calendar year.
*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
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 hr@intersectpower.com.
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: $120,000 - $140,000 USD base salary with 20% 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.
At Intersect Power we believe in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our team members. Join us and experience a workplace that truly values you, inside and outside the office!
Note: We welcome applicants who do not have current enforceable non-compete restrictions that would hinder their employment with us. If you are currently under a non-compete agreement with a previous employer, we kindly request that you carefully review the terms of that agreement and ensure that your potential employment with us does not violate those terms.
Unsolicited resumes or referrals from third-party recruiting firms or agencies are not accepted by Intersect Power.
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