Solar Performance Engineer

Description

Title: Solar Performance Engineer
Department: Engineering
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Director of Front-End Engineering
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time

Work Status: Hybrid

SOLAR PERFORMANCE ENGINEER

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Solar Performance Engineer will be responsible for delivering detailed PV plant performance simulation results on behalf of the Engineering group. This position reports to the Director of Front-End Engineering, or another management personnel that the President of the Company may designate. This position reports to the Irvine, CA office but will maintain a hybrid schedule of working out of their home office and the Irvine, CA office. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 30% of the time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
 

• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position
• Create high quality PV plant energy simulation results for utility scale PV plants (incl. BESS if applicable) 
• Provide sensitivity analysis of PV energy simulations for the financial evaluation of project opportunities
• Develop internal standards and processes for energy simulation, plant performance test, SCADA scope of works, etc.
• Perform PV plant performance review of operational data, incl. capacity testing to industry standards
• Development specifications and bills of quantities for PV plants and SCADA systems
• Develop technical contract exhibits for PV plant performance assessments, testing and commissioning
• Coordinate external resources such as Independent Engineers, Owner’s Engineers, SCADA Engineers, other specialized professionals as needed
• Review site characteristics, meteorological data, project documentation, public records for detailed energy simulations and guidance for technical specifications of equipment
• Provide recommendations for continuous improvements in project engineering and engineering processes
• Present the technical findings and opinions to internal and external stakeholders in meetings and written communication
• In collaboration with other team members, contribute to the completion of proposals to design and build photovoltaic projects
• Work in a team to develop and improve the system standards 
• Assist with technical training for team members and new employees
• Build a quality culture of continuous improvement that enhances company efficiency and engineering quality
• Drive a safety culture that embraces both a “Responsibility to act” and “Show by Example” approach
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 

• A degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or another related engineering science 
• Minimum of 3 years of professional engineering experience in the solar industry 
• Relevant work experience in detailed PV plant energy modelling and data processing of PV plant performance data 
• Willingness to travel, at least 30% of the time 
• Advanced knowledge with PVsyst.
• Experience with other photovoltaic performance modeling tools (such as SolarFarmer, PlantPredit, SAM), preferred.
• Experience with System Acceptance Tests (e.g. Capacity Test, Performance Ratio Test, Availability Test, etc.) for utility-scale projects commissioning, preferred.
• Strong in Microsoft Office Suite, advanced knowledge of MS Excel  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 
• Assertive, able to cope with pressure, a team player 
• Experience in coordinating Independent Engineers and Owners Engineers in regards of PV plant simulation and performance testing  
• Previous experience in energy simulation of utility scale battery energy storage systems, preferred 

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 30% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.