ROLE OVERVIEW
The Solar Project Development Engineer Manager will engage in solar PV and energy storage design engineering, supporting the development and construction of community- and utility-scale solar and storage systems ranging in scale from 1MWac to 10MWac. Day-to-day tasks include designing and drafting, energy performance modeling, equipment review and selection, utility and AHJ coordination, and coordination with third-party engineering consultants. The Solar Project Development Engineer Manager will take a lead technical role in a particular market or markets, completing day-to-day tasks relatively independently, with only occasional supervision and support. This position will additionally manage a small team of engineers working in or near their key markets to meet the goals and priorities of those markets.
This position demands excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences. The position will include frequent external interaction and requires a high degree of professionalism.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual looking to expand their career in the growing renewables industry.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and manage a small team of Development Engineers
- Conduct peer reviews of deliverables for development engineering team members
- Advise and train engineering team members
- Design community and utility-scale solar PV and storage projects including civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical aspects utilizing AutoCAD Civil 3D, PVCase, and other design tools.
- Generate and review single-line and 3-line electrical diagrams for solar, solar + storage, and standalone storage applications.
- Generate performance analysis models utilizing PVsyst.
- Complete electrical calculations for development stage designs
- Conduct environmental and constructibility diligence reviews for prospective project sites.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams of engineers and equipment manufacturers to advance designs.
- Review and approve equipment vendors and products for inclusion in projects.
- Solicit and review equipment bids in support of equipment selection
- Create and maintain project documentation related to project design, development, and performance.
- Coordinate with internal project development and project management teams on design requirements and project scheduling.
- Review and interpret technical reports and studies prepared by consultants to determine impacts to projects.
- Review and interpret utility and AHJ requirements for interconnection, zoning, and permitting.
- Conduct site visits to prospective project locations for feasibility assessments, as needed.
- Facilitate feedback and lessons learned to improve company and engineering team processes.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Four-year engineering degree from an ABET-accredited university; electrical, mechanical, or energy focus acceptable.
- A minimum of 5+ years of experience with community and utility-scale solar PV
- Knowledge of photovoltaic system design, National Electric Code, International Fire Code, and other relevant building codes
- Knowledge of utility processes and requirements for interconnection to distribution and transmission systems
- Knowledge of 3-phase AC electrical system design
- Knowledge of utility distribution equipment and design
- Operational knowledge of AutoCAD, PVsyst, and related PV design software
- Ability to evaluate site diligence documents such as geotechnical reports, Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I & II), endangered species reports, ALTA and topographic surveys, and wetland delineations for design impacts.
- Familiarity with civil site design practices for solar including stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and site grading
- Strong working knowledge of spreadsheets and word-processing programs
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with an aptitude for building trust and rapport
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and tasks
- Passion to learn new things through self-study and structured settings
PREFERRED COMPETENCIES
- 1-2+ years of people management experience, demonstrating high levels of emotional intelligence
- E.I.T. certification or PE license a plus
- NABCEP PV Installation Professional or PV Design Specialist a plus
- Operational knowledge of energy storage controls and/or modeling software