The Performance Engineer will be responsible for bridging the gap between projects in construction, and projects in long-term operation by analyzing production data, identifying commissioning problems such as failed sensors or incorrect SCADA calculations, running standard performance tests such as ASTM E2848, battery capacity testing and assisting the operations team in troubleshooting.
The EPC Performance Engineer supports a larger development and execution project team and serves as the subject matter expert for technical and engineering matters and data science/analytics requests related to the operation of photovoltaic plants and grid-scale battery storage systems. Excellent communication, task management and planning skills needed, in addition to technical breadth.
The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in the operation and analysis of photovoltaic and energy storage systems, including a thorough understanding of photovoltaic plant physics, Li-ion electrochemistry, interconnection standards, SCADA and networking systems. Experience with PV systems and battery systems ranging from 5 MW to 600 MW is preferable.
While performance analysis is the primary qualification, the role will require the review of information related to all practical elements of photovoltaic and battery system design. The successful applicant, while not an expert, will be comfortable with high-level review of all elements of practical system design.
The position is in Louisville, CO, and may include up to 30% travel to project locations and partner offices. Full time remote work is possible for a candidate of sufficient experience.
Key Responsibilities
Project Execution and Operation
- Test newly commissioned SCADA systems for completeness and accuracy
- Perform "big data" analysis to identify major sources of site underperformance
- Perform or review capacity and performance tests for projects in construction (PV, BESS & PV + BESS, E2848)
- Analyze error codes of inverters, controllers, BMS, trackers and HVAC units
- Troubleshoot systems in operation and review system performance data to identify performance problems
- Work closely with project engineers to manage project timelines
Project Development
- Review production estimates and meteorological data sources for accuracy by comparing to operational systems
Engineering Support
- Collaborate with operations team to troubleshoot existing projects and develop repair and remediation plans
- Design solutions for repairs and modifications to systems, and "close the gap" between various AES subcontractors and vendors where needed
Growth and Leadership
- Improve and develop processes for the execution of safe, quality and high-performance projects
- Mentor and educate team on changing trends in technology, best practices and safety
- Participate in AES growth planning process by contributing to process improvement task forces and other strategic planning activities
Skills and Qualifications
Primary Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field
- 3+ years professional experience in performance engineering and testing of complex generation systems, preferably PV + BESS
- Experience with "beyond Excel" data analysis systems such as scientific python, SAS, R, Julia, Domino Datalab or comparable solutions for analysis of complex datasets
- Proficiency with SCADA systems (Isotrol Bluence/EtaPRO/OSI PI), network design and advanced analysis tools
- Field experience on photovoltaic or battery storage projects, including troubleshooting, quality evaluation, and construction support
- Experience developing test plans or experimental plans
"Plus" Qualifications
- PE qualifications, or on track to become qualified
- Six Sigma Certification
- +3 years of experience with PV and Battery Energy Storage System design and interconnection
- Experience with microgrids or grid forming technologies
- Spanish language skills
- OSHA 10-hr or comparable job-site safety certification
- Ability to work on different time zones, particularly HI, for 25% of the time
- Experience with development of ML/AI algorithms for underperformance detection
- Experience with AI/Robotics for field inspections
AES Corporation
4300 Wilson Blvd
Arlington
Virginia United States
www.aes.com
