Senior Solar (PV) Electrical Engineer
Position Summary:
The Senior Solar (PV) Engineer will act as the Lead engineer and be responsible for all technical & engineering deliverables for Gemma Power Systems’ solar/PV site designs including site evaluation, proposal development support, detail engineering, production modeling, and commissioning. The Senior PV Electrical Engineer will work on utility-scale solar projects, which may include energy storage. The engineer will also coordinate with AHJs, utilities, Engineer of Record (EORs) subcontractors, major equipment vendors, and customers.
This position requires a comprehensive understanding of PV (photovoltaic) modeling for production & performance, equipment sizing, PV design & layout, estimation, specification, procurement & bid evaluation support, construction, interconnection, and operation of a distributed generation solar PV power plant.
Position Description:
Gemma is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior PV Electrical Engineer to oversee the Engineer of Record's (EOR) project multi-disciplinary team, who will complete the Electrical & Controls Engineering design packages, perform calculations, and develop engineering solutions. As the Senior PV Electrical Engineer, you will oversee all aspects of our PV electrical systems, from design to completion. You will typically work on power generation, distribution, utility-scale power plant systems design for new & retrofit installations, and other industrial projects. Your project knowledge range should include an understanding of complex EPC contracts and technical oversight of electrical contractors. The Senior PV Engineer is responsible for providing technical & engineering leadership during the design phase related to customer experience, site layout, energy modeling, contract review, electrical design, and equipment specification, which results in a smooth transition to construction operations. You also must be able to act independently during small or early-stage pursuits. The Senior PV Electrical Engineer will also manage electrical & control systems for power plants, design power distribution systems, inverters, trackers, and PV panel layouts, develop wiring schematics & construction specifications and write & review equipment specifications.
Job Duties:
- Participate in the planning & coordinating of conceptual & detailed phases of electrical engineering projects.
- Manage the electrical engineering process by monitoring the electrical design and ensuring that GPS's engineering subcontract is timely & correct. Ensure the design meets the requirements of the Engineering, Procurement, & Construction (EPC) contract.
- Develop, define, and dimension technically & economically feasible applications by performing preliminary engineering/design and coordinating with external vendors & subcontractors to develop designs & technical proposals and determine cost & schedule.
- Drive the technical due diligence from the project development, implementation, and commissioning phase. This will involve identifying known risks (i.e., technical, construction, price, schedule, environmental, warranties, performance guarantees, etc.) and indicating impacts and how they will be addressed & mitigated.
- Support proposal development by providing input regarding PV/solar power plant proposals' electrical requirements, including detailed technical evaluation, and developing detailed supporting documentation of supplier quotes & cost optimization derivations.
- Lead the EOR preparation effort of control systems (SCADA and/or PLC).
- Oversee the SCADA system design & configuration, graphic interfaces, and customer requirements.
- Review basic & detailed technical drawings, documents, and specifications issued by the engineering subcontractor as necessary for the project, ensuring that the designs & installations meet the client's requirements and all the relevant safety regulations.
- Provide direction, coaching, and mentoring to entry-level engineers & field electrical associates while driving accountability.
- Determine the root cause and resolve electrical equipment issues as quickly as possible by utilizing the best troubleshooting practices.
- Review the test results of solar PV and grounding systems.
- Conduct detailed technical evaluations and quality assurance checks on solar PV projects.
- Perform site-specific production analysis of PV arrays using models such as PVsyst.
- Create & maintain design tools, design standards, specifications, and best practices for PV system design.
- Lead & coordinate all technical aspects of utility coordination and interconnection.
- Coordinate the engineering of large-scale commercial or utility-scale PV systems above 500MWdc, including mounting systems, electrical configurations, requisite wire, and conduit sizing according to NEC, and generation of equipment specifications, BOMs, and detailed system production modeling.
- Provide commissioning support for Utility-Scale PV plants.
Desired Qualifications/Experience:
- BS in Electrical Engineering, or an advanced degree in engineering or construction management.
- PE Electrical Engineering (or EIT).
- At least seven (7) years of experience with design/installation of medium voltage and low voltage power distribution within power plants or industrial facilities.
- At least five (5) years of experience with the design/installation of high-voltage transmission equipment.
- At least five (5) years of related experience in Instrumentation and Electrical Controls.
- 5+ years’ experience designing utility-scale solar PV systems.
- Other experience working on solar or renewable projects is beneficial.
- Proficient with and understanding PVSyst solar performance modeling software.
- Strong understanding of 3-phase power systems, distribution service equipment, and balance of system components for solar PV distributed generation assets
- Ability to size and specify a GSU transformer, HV equipment, MV switchgear, step-up transformers, switchboards, panelboards, inverters, trackers, DAS, etc.
- Working knowledge of system and equipment grounding requirements (high resistance, building, and isolated grounding).
- Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NEC, ANSI, NEMA, NFPA, IEEE, & OSHA).
- Understanding of generation and power factor correction.
- Experience with ETAP or SKM for performing short-circuit, coordination, and flash hazard studies.
- Strong AutoCAD skills for plant layouts and cable designs.
Desired Skills:
- Rational decision-making and problem-solving ability.
- Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
- Team player with good interpersonal and customer relation skills.
- Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and written.
- Well organized and able to participate in projects and meet deadlines.
- 15% domestic travel required.
About Gemma Power Systems:
Gemma Power Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Argan Inc. (NYSE: AGX), is a leading Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) company providing innovative solutions for the power, renewable and industrial industry. Our wide-ranging and comprehensive experience comprises more than 15 GW installed capacity including state-of-the-art combined cycle and simple cycle gas turbine plants, biomass projects, solar facilities, wind farms, biofuel plants, industrial and environmental facilities spanning the continental United States.
Additional information about Gemma Power Systems can be found at www.gemmapower.com.
Gemma Power Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected classification as established under federal, state, or local law.