PV System Design Engineer - Renewable Search Group

Description

• In this position, you will coordinate directly with clients and internal staff to create design documents and construction plans for large utility-scale PV systems.
• This position requires thorough knowledge of PV design and engineering techniques, as well as CAD and graphics skills.
• Requires a broad knowledge of the application of engineering to PV plant constructability as applied to construction methods and materials, and the economics involved.
• This person is responsible to plan and conduct independent work requiring judgment in the evaluation, equipment selection, application and adaptation of engineering techniques, procedures and criteria.
• Develop new approaches to problems, and prepare or modify drawings, specifications, calculations, and monitor work for compliance to applicable codes, accepted engineering practices.
• Ensure consistency in design reviews, verification & qualification efforts. Participate in peer reviews.
• Be responsible for designing photovoltaic power systems that comply with NFPA 70, relevant local codes, approved design practices and industry best practices.
• Support sales team by preparing array layouts, site plans, and assisting with preliminary system sizing and determining project scope for use in preparing proposals.
• Make technology recommendations based on project site location and geographic conditions
• Perform site surveys using basic surveying tools, electrical safety equipment.
• Prepare site analysis reports regarding the feasibility of proposed projects and potential issues
  that may arise during construction.
• Create photovoltaic system conceptual and construction documentation including but not limited to, site layouts, equipment layouts,  elevations and details.
• Utilize AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office tools in the development of project deliverables.
• Be familiar with DC/AC inverter technology, solar modules, module racking technology, PV System construction methods and materials.
• Support operations, construction, and sales activities as required.
• Develop and maintain standards for designing and construction of photovoltaic systems.
• Ability to write technical specifications, develop device and system level specification for external approvals.
• Support growth of a solar engineering team by providing guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level electrical engineers.
• Provide technical direction during startup, testing, PV system commissioning and performance monitoring.

Desired Skills & Experience

  Job Duties:

• Conduct site visits to plan the locations of equipment and interconnection to the site's existing electrical system
• PV drawings, specifications, calculations, charts and graphs.
• Establish/maintain relationships with engineering services providers.
• Project controls, cost estimates, quantity takeoffs
• Establishment of performance targets and process for performance monitoring & validation.
• Create multidisciplinary engineering designs which produce the associated details and construction documents necessary to direct the construction contractors
• Performs assignments independently with instruction as to the general results expected and with guidance from Department Manager and or engineering specialist on unusual or complex problems.
• Assigns and coordinates work to Drafters, Designers, and Engineers.
• Provides technical direction and on-the-job training to Drafters, Designers, and less experienced Engineers.
• Assume the lead engineer's role on assigned projects.
• May serve as Project Engineer and as a designated Client design contact.
• Ensure proper interdisciplinary coordination and effective communication on projects.
• Assemble bid, approval, and construction issue drawing packages.
• Requires extensive and independent contact with Clients, vendor's representatives and project field personnel.  Attend and participate in Client and Alion meetings.
• Provide technical support during Operations and Maintenance

Skills/Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree in an engineering or renewable energy, and over five years of experience with advance knowledge in PV Systems, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 3 years experience in Utility scale PV systems design
• Knowledge of IEEE, NEC, NESC, and other governing standards for design of solar PV systems
• Experience with PV System Energy Modeling tools, specifically PVSyst , PVWATTand PV USA
•  Extensive knowledge of output, performance and reliability factors of various commercially available PV modules and inverters
• Experience with design and construction of PV Power plant systems, 5 years minimum
• Professional Engineering license or ability to obtain one within 2 years
• High level of AutoCAD capabilities.
• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Suite and strong verbal & written communication skills

Work Environmental & Physical Demands:

The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing duties of this job, would occasionally be required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop or kneel, talk and hear, and use fingers and hands to feel objects, tools or controls.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, depth perceptions, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Overtime may be necessary as workload's dictate.  This may include weekdays, weekends and/or holidays.
• Job will generally be performed in an office environment, but may require travel to visit a project site or client's office,   Conditions will vary at each location, but the conditions listed above will generally apply.