Director Engineering Solar Engineering
Description
We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels heard and respected, and extending our culture of care so that every individual can reach their full potential. We want you to have a sense of belonging and feel valued for your contributions and the perspectives you bring.
Summary:
The Director, Engineering – Solar Engineering directs and manages the solar engineering team that provides conceptual and detailed designs of solar power plants and support development, engineering and construction of PV, PV plus Storage solar projects.
Requirements:
- Directs solar engineering, system performance modeling, and related CAD design activities on construction projects, including allocating resources to priority projects and supporting project tracking tools and methods to track and plan department resources.
- Directs solar engineering activities on development and Request for Proposal (RFP) support projects.
- Supports technical evaluation and due diligence reviews for new solar opportunities.
- Provides review and technical advice for design issues.
- Supports technical specification documentation for solar specific equipment (inverters, modules, and trackers).
- Performs interdisciplinary review of project drawings and specifications.
- Assists Legal department with negotiations for contract agreements with customers and suppliers.
- Assists in support of PV plant commissioning and testing documentation.
- Develops and provides on-site test plans and documentation related to plant performance.
- Provides technical guidance and support to field/construction and operations teams and to senior management for prompt resolution of critical issues. Assists in solar engineering activities supporting warranty and O/M activities.
- Supports company’s global continuous improvement efforts as it relates to PV plant performance and new PV technologies.
- Maintains strong relationships with project teams, as well as internal and external clients.
- Uses and evaluates the effectiveness of project management and planning tools to forecast department loading, prioritize client and departmental tasks, allocate and plan for additional resources, and identify updates to existing or acquisition of new tools to increase efficiency and reduce the cost of the services provided.
- Assists VP of Engineering in developing budget, staffing, resource, and growth plans for the engineering group.
- Operates Company aligned vehicle for site visits and business trips.
- Attends work regularly and punctually, as scheduled or expected.
- Complies with Employee Handbook, Code of Conduct, and Company Policies & Procedures.
Additional Responsibilities:
- Establishes, reviews, and updates department standards and procedures and resolves items not covered in existing department standards and procedures.
- Supports solar performance analysis tool creation and maintenance.
- Performs risk and economic analysis and presents to executive board.
- Collaborates on internal department and global solar standardization and cost reduction
- initiatives.
- Develops and coordinates department training and training materials.
- Hosts weekly department meetings.
- Supports improvement of communication between departments.
Safety:
- Presents, supports, and leads-by-example with a safety and quality-oriented attitude.
- Leads by example to show that safety is the most important function, ensuring that all employees follow safe practices while working.
- Accountable to continually reinforce safe behaviors and correct “at risk” behaviors.
- Adheres to and ensures all site team members understands standard operating procedures.
- Leads and supports the site team in technical, quality and safety, utilizing system in place.
Leadership:
- Fosters and demonstrates a workplace inclusive of creating opportunity, serving others, building trust, innovation, and exceeding expectations.
- Manages one or more direct reports.
- Participates in hiring and selection process to fill positions on the team.
- Communicates regularly with direct reports on goals, accomplishments, and information on policies.
- Demonstrates leadership and expertise in eyes of client group.
- Employee Development:
- Provides tasks and assignments that challenge and stretch employees’ responsibilities.
- Conducts regular discussions with employee(s) on personal development. Comfortable with empowering others.
- Conducts timely, effective performance reviews in accordance with RES guidelines.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent (12 years' experience) required.
- Master’s degree in engineering or related field required.
- 10 or more years of solar industry or related industry experience required.
- 2 or more years of supervisory/management experience preferred.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally 5 to 15% required.
- Must possess a valid Driver’s license.
- Advanced level of knowledge in:
- Communication:
- Internally with Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, CAD Designers, Solar Engineers, Finance Analysts, Project Managers, executive management, Contract Team, Pre-construction & Estimating Teams, Development Team, HSQE Department, Construction Team, Human Resources/Payroll/etc.
- Externally with Client, Independent Review Engineer, Jurisdictional Agency, and Vendors
- Personnel Management
- Client Management
- Organization
- Understanding operational needs of the owners, utilities, grid and interconnection entities
- Solar power plant design
- Solar power plant performance analysis
- Design Software - PVSYST
- Understands the commercial performance of power plants
- Understanding concepts of collection system design
- General Electrical and Mechanical Design
- General Design for Constructability
- Familiarity with Industry Standards
- Microsoft Excel (Advanced)
- Communication:
- Intermediate level of knowledge in:
- Project Scheduling Tools
- Detailed Design Software:
- NREL SAM
- Fundamental knowledge of CAD software such as AutoCAD
- Fundamental knowledge of Google Sketchup
- MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, etc.)
- Knowledge in the use of PVCase layout software a plus
- Functional competencies include drive, casting the right shadow, collaboration, communication and continuous improvement.
Anticipated base salary range: $183,000 - $215,000
The final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. This position is bonus eligible.
RES offers benefits that are effective first day of employment. These benefits include the following:
- Medical, Dental and Vision
- Health Savings Account with employer contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- 4x pay Basic Life and Voluntary Life
- Short and Long Term Disability
- Accident, Hospital, and Critical Illness
- 401 (k) plan with 6% company match
- 4 weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) and 10 Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement and Green Car Reimbursement
- Volunteer and Charity Matching
- Paid Parental Leave and Paid Sabbatical Leave
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Employee Discounts and Wellness programs
- Wellness Reimbursement
Physical requirements and environment:
The work environment and physical demands characteristics are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Rarely: Climbing, crouching, kneeling, pulling/pushing/lifting between 5-15lbs., and stooping are required.
Occasionally: Carrying 5-15lbs., handling, pinching, and walking are required.
Frequently: Gripping and standing are required.
Constantly: Reading, grasping, hearing, reaching, vision, repetitive motion, and sitting is required.
Rarely exposed to extreme cold, heat, and humidity, and wet climates, in the working environment.
Occasionally exposed to noise and hazards in the work environment.
We maintain a drug-free workplace. Candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment background investigation and drug test as a condition of employment.
RES is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.
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