Senior Engineer I - PV Systems Specialist

RWE Clean Energy, LLC
To start as soon as possible, full time, permanent

Functional area: Engineering
Remuneration: Exempt

As Senior Engineer I on the Technology Assessment & Methods team, you will be responsible for RWECE PV project activities from development to COD. Key activities include, but are not limited to, PVsyst software and report validation, module/inverter/tracker assessments, exhibit development and support, capacity testing, tool development, etc. You will support the design reviews of PV projects to keep them to the highest quality standards. In this role, you will have an opportunity to work directly on the growth targets to scale RWECE with a best-in-class engineering team.

We are seeking a highly skilled and collaborative PV resource assessment engineer capable of working in the dynamic environment of a growing organization. The ideal fit will demonstrate exceptional skills in identifying and proactively solving PV engineering problems.

Role Responsibilities:

• Serve as SME for resource assessment methodologies and software with tasks such as reviewing PVsyst reports, PVsyst software updates, assessing new
• Create and maintain PVsyst input metrics that align with the technology assumptions and project specifics for a utility-scale solar PV project
• QA/QC PVsyst models for existing solar PV projects and ensure they are optimized for key project metrics such as production, NPV, LCOE, etc.
• Review PVsyst models for 30/60/90/IFC/As-Built models as needed and ensure inputs align with RWECE standards
• Build and maintain tools for energy assessment post-processing activities, such as degradation, sub-hourly clipping, etc.
• Evaluate new energy assessment software to keep up with market changes
• Support subject matter questions regarding energy assessment for internal and external stakeholders, including tax equity, development, construction, etc.
• Support building and maintenance of internal PV performance and capacity optimization tools, standards, and processes in support of in-house 30% engineering design strategy across the RWECE pipeline
• Design, optimize, and perform peer reviews of PV design and energy yield assessment
• Work with operations engineering and performance analytics teams to provide support to underperformance and data analysis tasks
• Lead cross-functional optimization efforts around  PV design, equipment selection, and technology review to maximize competitiveness and reduce project’s  LCOE
• Research of latest market trends and PV technology for utility-scale application
• Provide guidelines to review design, construction, and commissioning documents, technical exhibits, and engineering specifications
• Manage and coordinate scope of work with Third Party Consultancy firm and other external stakeholders
• Perform PV Equipment Technical Due Diligence and support Procurement process,s leading technical discussion with OEM
• Attend project site visits, vendor visits, and conferences

Job Requirements and Experience:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in energy assessment, design, or execution of utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects
• A Bachelor’s degree in electrical, civil, mechanical, or related engineering is required, and a Masters/PhD or PE license is preferred
• Alternatively, candidates with a Master's degree in a relevant field and at least 6 years of proven experience in energy assessment, design, or execution of utility-scale PV projects will also be considered
• Proficiency in solar resource assessments, performance engineering concepts, and performance commissioning tests
• Proficiency with industry standard performance engineering software such as PVSyst, SAM, Plant Predict, and PV Design
• Proficiency in layout optimization tools such as Plant Predict/PVCase/Civil 3D
• Deep technical knowledge of modules, inverters, and racking is required. Experience with batteries is a plus.
• Knowledge of NEC, industry codes, and standards
• Prefer to have PV construction experience
• Experience with program language is not required but preferred (ideally Python)
• Demonstrated desire to learn about the Company and the renewables space
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams
• Strong leadership and communication skills and ability to meet deadlines
• Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks and deliverables
• Ability to multi-task while working independently and as part of a team
• Motivated self-starter, goal-oriented, and strong problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from a diverse set of backgrounds
• Responds well to direction, is easy to challenge and develop, and is coachable
• Is detail-oriented, has strong business acumen, and a sound understanding of business concepts

Work Environment:

• This position is office-based, with some travel and visits to other RWECE offices and field locations. The employee must be able to sit, walk, or stand for long durations of time

Pay range: The annual base salary range for this position in Illinois is $131,000 - $165,000. The listed salary range represents our good faith estimate for this position and represents the range for new hire salaries across all U.S locations. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. RWE considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s education & work experience, training & certifications, and key skills as well as market and business considerations at the time of the offer.

Benefits offered: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. Eligible employees also participate in short-term incentives, in addition to salary.

Apply with just a few clicks: ad code 89785.  Any questions? Contact HR: rwece_recruiting@rwe.com

We look forward to meeting you. Of course, you can find us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Xing, too.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

Through its subsidiary RWE Clean Energy, RWE is the third largest renewable energy company in the United States, with a presence in most U.S. states from coast to coast. RWE’s team of about 2,000 employees in the U.S. stands ready to help meet the nation’s growing energy needs. With its homegrown and fastest-to-market product, RWE supports the goal of American Energy dominance and independence. To that end, RWE Clean Energy is committed to increasing its already strong asset base of over 10 gigawatts of operating wind, solar and battery projects, focusing on providing high-quality jobs. RWE invests in local and rural communities while strengthening domestic manufacturing supporting the renaissance of American industry. This is complemented by RWE’s energy trading business. RWE is also a major offtaker of American liquified natural gas (LNG).  

As an energy company with a successful history spanning more than 125 years, RWE has an extensive knowledge of the energy markets and an excellent expertise in all major power generation and storage technologies, from nuclear, coal and gas to hydro, batteries, wind and solar.