PV Development Engineer

Sol Systems is a solar energy project development and financial services company with a national footprint and a diverse customer, investor, and partner base. We have financed or developed over $2 billion of solar energy assets to date. 

As a leading renewable energy developer, financier, trader and operator, Sol empowers entrepreneurs to have a meaningful impact on the world with a focus on catalyzing the development and operation of sustainable infrastructure.

Sol Systems is seeking a PV Development Engineer who will provide technical guidance during the origination and project development phases and support Project Finance during the closing process, for C&I and small utility scale photovoltaic power plants across the United States.

This individual will also be expected to manage external consultants in similar activities. Ideally, the candidate will have experience managing multiple concurrent projects and resources, and expertise with design and engineering within a solar focused development team. This multi-faceted role will involve project level technical diligence, project development engineering, construction support, new technology analysis, risk analysis and more.

• Location & Hours: This is a full-time role and will be based in our Washington, DC office.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Origination Support:

• Carry out technical due diligence in support of the origination team for a wide range of opportunities at various stages of development both before and after project award.
• Develop conceptual layouts and electrical designs for those opportunities.
• Perform energy modeling studies using tools such as PVsyst and Helioscope to ensure production targets are reasonable for both near term and long-term goals.
• Update and optimize system designs throughout the project development process to maintain maximum financial outcome.
• Conduct technology reviews for PV and energy storage equipment and associated manufacturers for acceptability for use in long term operating assets.
• Oversee execution and operational risk management to ensure the delivery of the PV system meets prudent industry standards and commercial targets are aligned with the goals of the investment.
• Provide technical leadership in conjunction with the Project Finance team to support stakeholders’ interests including investors, site host’s, origination team members, off-takers, and EPC partners.
• Conduct site visits and inspections prior to or in support of project completion.
• Maintain an organized and clearly documented set of project specific technical deliverables, to support the Delivery team.

Project Development:

• Working with the project development team to provide engineering deliverables for key development items, which may include preparing preliminary layouts, technology selection, site studies, feasibility studies, preparing interconnection applications and project cost estimation.
• Source and manage external consultants and partners, including developing Scope of Work documents, managing RFP process, and controlling scope and schedule to obtain similar deliverables.

Qualifications

Required Skills:

• The ideal candidate is a self-starter, resourceful and capable of managing multiple projects in various phases of development, installation, or operation.
• They are also extremely organized, process oriented, communicate in verbal and written format well, and are generally comfortable across various project applications, technologies, and segments.

A successful candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:

• Team oriented
• A sense of humor
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering
• Curious and motivated to acquire a deep understanding of renewable energy fundamentals.
• 2-6 years of experience in PV system design and engineering
• Ability to view engineering and technical matters through a commercial lens
• Able to travel approximately 10% of the time, as required by project location and type
• Versatile across rooftop, canopy systems, ground mount projects and experienced in both distributed generation and utility type projects.
• Resourceful and knowledgeable in technical due diligence and can exercise appropriate levels of risk assessment based on varying financial vehicles and project types.
• Comfortable and accustomed to engaging varying project stakeholders including Investors, EPC partners, Developers, and O&M partners.
• Strong understanding of energy modeling, solar resource assessments and capability to advise internal and external stakeholders to achieve agreeable and achievable targets.
• Experienced in working with 3rd party Independent Engineering firms
• Maintains a working knowledge of industry best practices, strong understanding of solar PV technology.
• Can develop written work products that are thoughtful, organized, and has content appropriate to the respective audience.
• Can clearly demonstrate strong technical expertise in written and verbal communication
• EPC cost estimating or CAD drafting experience will be viewed favorably but not essential

Commitment & Compensation

• Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
• In addition, the SCS team provides health insurance, retirement benefits, partial gym reimbursement, education benefits, parental leave, paid vacation, sick and federal holidays, and the opportunity to work in a unique and dynamic environment.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a resume, cover letter and salary requirements.
• Deadline: We hope to hire for these positions immediately and will review applicants on a rolling basis.

Sol Systems is an equal-opportunity employer, and does not discriminate based on gender, race, ethnicity, orientation, creed, or other traits. Sol Systems supports and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply.