Photovoltaic Specialist

~ Vestas is the only global energy company dedicated exclusively to wind energy - improving business case certainty and reducing the cost of energy for our customers. ~

Vestas works in close partnership with customers to offer the most effective solutions towards energy independence. Our core business is the development, manufacturing, sale and maintenance of wind power plants – with competencies that cover every aspect of the value chain from site studies to service and maintenance.

Position Overview

Do you see it as a unique opportunity to secure new innovative solutions and transform them in practice in the number one company within Modern Energy? Would you like to work in a large-scale and truly international organization? Does high intensity and many challenges motivate you? Are you a strong and broadly experienced engineer with an innovative mindset and broad business understanding?

In the Innovation & Concepts department, new ideas are developed, matured and transformed into real-life projects and demonstrators to ensure that Vestas remains the industry leader in sustainable energy. We base our working environment on a high degree of freedom to try new concepts and willingness to take high technical risk, because failures are one of the sources for groundbreaking innovations.

The team consists of highly skilled and diverse people with different technical competencies, educational backgrounds and personal traits - we are very open-minded and encourage a go do approach.

You will be part of a dedicated and growing team of experts that fully lives the mission "Deliver best-in-class energy solutions for the benefit of Vestas' customers and the planet" - by initially integrating Photovoltaic and Energy Storage Systems into our product offerings.

This will require knowledge of how variable renewable energy sources, like wind and solar in combination with storage, are integrated and interconnected and managed.

Responsibilities

• As a photovoltaic Engineer with specific focus on Photovoltaic you will work across the full spectrum from innovating new solutions to assist in designing full hybrid power plants, where your extensive PV knowledge comes fully in play.
• The work ranges from expanding Vestas' siting & sizing toolbox to include leading PV-plant design tools, establish processes, procedures and training to direct customer- and supplier engagements, field trips and participation in optimization of existing power plants.

The above is in addition to the following work tasks:

• Design of utility scale PV plants including tender preparation- evaluation, planning, detail engineering, basic design, construction and commissioning support, budgeting, implementation and monitoring for successful completion.
• Analyze the impact of co-location of other generation and energy storage assets on site, prepare different optimized scenarios of PV plant design, evacuation lines and interconnection with the utility that would maximize its value along the complete lifecycle.
• Assess solar irradiance and perform yield analysis.
• Assess/survey site conditions and anticipate issues that may arise during construction.
• Analyze from the technical side all the equipment in the market in order to achieve the best results on the plants acquired and built.
• Together with internal stake holders shall provide the technical inputs needed to prepare tender specifications and evaluations in tendering processes for the procurement of electrical BOS, structural BOS, modules, inverters and other services required from the plant to the point of connection.
• Coordinate cross-functionally to prepare technical specifications relating to PV-systems that may be used in EPC agreements and competitive bids.
• Collaborate closely with various departments including Development, Sales, Procurement, Finance, Service and Construction to conduct technical planning and due diligence evaluations.
• Support value-engineering approach when designing PV-systems in multiple project-specific use cases.
• Perform electrical calculations, generate drawings and make design decisions (including single line diagrams, site layouts, module selection, string sizing, selection of ground coverage ratio, inverter selection, AC-DC ratio, and cable sizing etc.).
• Provide detailed cost inputs to CAPEX and OPEX models.

Qualifications

• BS in engineering or science.
• 3+ years of experience with PV-Plant engineering and design.
• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design including CAD and GD&T.
• Good communication skills in English orally and written.
• Capable of delivering short term results without losing the long term vision.

Knowledge of the following is valued:

• Siting of wind power plants.
• PV Foundation Design and Detailing.
• Concrete Design and Detailing.
• Preparing contract drawings and specifications.
• International working experience would be advantageous.
• Basic software knowledge and programming skills valued.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of utility scale PV plant performance parameters such as performance ratio, and familiar with recognized performance testing procedures, availability calculations etc.
• Market knowledge of competitions, engineering firms, technical advisors, EPC contractors, equipment providers (inverters, PV modules, SCADA…etc.), local and international electrical regulations.
• Demonstrated structural, mechanical, and electrical design skills, ability to generate accurate, and detailed drawings.
• Ability to design/prepare AC/DC schematics for collection system.
• Experience in construction of ground mounted utility scale PV plant preferred.
• Experience with substation, grid connection and interconnection works desirable.
• Previous experience in a solar PV module testing environment desirable.
• Fluency in the use of PVSyst, PV*SOL and Homer.
• Proficient in using a computer and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.).
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, changing priorities as necessary.
• Ability to work under time pressure and adapt to changing requirements with a positive attitude
• Effective oral and written communication skills as required for the position.
• Ability to be self-motivated, proactive and an effective team player.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with all levels of employees, both management and staff alike, vendors, clients, and others.
• You have a high level of drive and are able to challenge the existing while maintaining flow
• You find it challenging and interesting to work with other people in a large organization and are capable of building up an intensive network across cultures and time zones.
• You are open minded and attracted by an international environment.

What we offer

• We offer you a job with responsibility for integration of Photovoltaic in a market which increases in its complexity.
• You will have many interested and supportive parties across a large true global organization.
• You will have excellent opportunities for cross disciplinary and personal development.
• The work environment is result orientated, at high professional level and a strong technical commitment.

Additional information

• Primary work location is Vestas HQ in Aarhus, Denmark.
• Position requires travel.
• For additional information on the position, please contact Chief Specialist Lars Christian Christensen (Aarhus at +45 2223 5039).