Optics Engineer

AREVA offers turnkey solutions for concentrated solar (CSP) technologies. AREVA's experience in thermal technology and fluid mechanics is well adapted to the concentrated solar power market. Today, the EPC services needed to establish a ready-to-operate CSP plant are fully integrated in AREVA's technology offer.

Our culture supports an environment where employees can continuously learn and gain professional growth through education, exciting projects and career mobility. Become part of a dynamic and growing industry that is building for the future!
 
Position Overview:

AREVA Solar is seeking an Optics Engineer for our Solar location in Mountain View, CA. Come work in an environment that is driven by integrity, innovation and visionary thinking.  Join AREVA today, revolutionize the energy industry and energize your future!

Within AREVA Solar, the Product Engineering group is responsible for the mechanical design of our Solar Steam Generators (SSG's).  To lower the cost of our solar technology, these designs are driven by cost-of-energy optimizations that require both cost and performance inputs.
 
Optical modelling and analysis plays a key part in driving these optimizations.  We use ray tracing software to track the path of the sun to our absorber and model all the optical interactions along the way.  Coupled with site data, these simulations allow us to predict energy output for our systems.  Optical models are also key inputs to our Instrumentation and Controls team, who manipulate the modelled heat input to control steam flow.

This job will include sporadic (5%) domestic travel; travel is typically to project/manufacturing sites or for training.  

Responsibilities: 

• Develop detailed ray tracing models of new design evolutions or project-specific geometry. 
• Analyze model outputs and synthesize into useful design feedback. 
• Prepare analysis reports as needed. 
• Perform detailed model validation studies where results are compared to field measurements. 
• Integrate unit specifics into generic models to account for local effects. 
• Explore disruptive optical designs that radically reduce cost of energy. 
• Evaluate new materials that emerge on the market and how they shift optimal optical design. 

Qualifications: 

• All candidates must meet the following minimum requirements in order to be considered for this opportunity.  Candidates who exceed minimum qualifications may be considered for a higher level position.
• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optics, Mathematics or related field.  5+ years designing mechanical components and systems.
• Highly proficient with MATLAB and data analysis.
• Able to develop analytical tools from scratch that are tailored to solving non-typical problems.
• General programming skills for scripting repetitive analysis.
• Able to work through problems of complex scope with autonomy.
• Able to distill large data sets down to key insights and conclusions.
• Able to clearly document results and present to a wide-ranging audience.
• The following requirements are desired and will be used to differentiate all candidates who apply for this position:
• Familiarity with ray tracing software, particularly LightTools.
• Familiarity with concentrating solar systems and related optical design principles.  

Compensation: We offer competitive salaries, an excellent benefits package, and flexible work options, as well as a uniquely diverse and unified team of professionals.  

AREVA  recognizes your achievements and excellent performance through various performance incentive, recognition and reward programs.  Our commitment is to you, the employee. 

To Apply:

Please click below on "Apply Now!" and then search for "Optics Engineer IV-DES00309".