Development Engineer III

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Development Engineer III 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 20MWac. 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 Development Engineer III will take a technical lead role in a particular market or markets, completing day-to-day tasks relatively independently, with only occasional supervision and support.

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 launch their career in the growing renewables industry.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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 peer reviews of deliverables for engineering team members
• Advise & guide less experienced engineering team members
• Conduct environmental and constructability 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 (4) year engineering degree from an ABET-accredited university; electrical, mechanical, or energy focus acceptable.
• A minimum of 4+ 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
• 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

• E.I.T. certification or PE license a plus
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional, PV Design Specialist, or PV Associate a plus
• Knowledge of civil site design practices including stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, and site grading
• Operational knowledge of energy storage controls and/or modeling software
• Exposure to basic site diligence documents such as geotechnical reports, Environmental Site
• Assessments (Phase I & II), endangered species reports, ALTA and topographic surveys, and wetland delineations