Electrical Engineer - Level 4

About the role

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Houston, TX, 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 Senior Electrical Engineer - Level 4 is responsible for leading electrical system design, interconnection planning, and grid compliance for multiple utility-scale solar and BESS projects. This role requires advanced expertise in high-voltage engineering, substation design, protection schemes, and power system stability. The Engineer will work with utilities, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders to optimize system performance and compliance. This position requires deep knowledge of grid codes, NERC/FERC compliance, and interconnection technical requirements. The Senior Engineer will also provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and improve engineering standards. This position reports to the Manager of Electrical Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee comprehensive electrical system designs, ensuring compliance with grid interconnection requirements.
• Optimize transformer configurations, grounding methods, and cable routing strategies.
• Conduct protective relay coordination studies, transient analysis, and dynamic system modeling.
• Design switchgear, relay protection schemes, and substation electrical layouts.
• Lead power system studies, including reactive power compensation, fault ride-through, and voltage control.
• Evaluate grid support functionalities of inverters and energy storage to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical assessments for SCADA/EMS integration, cybersecurity requirements, and data acquisition systems.
• Oversee QA/QC verification for electrical designs, ensuring alignment with safety and performance standards.
• Engage with procurement teams to select high-voltage equipment, ensuring technical compliance and cost optimization.
• Lead on-site troubleshooting, commissioning, and performance validation of electrical infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, IEEE 1547, NERC CIP, FERC, UL, and interconnection rules.
• Interface with utilities and grid operators to secure interconnection approvals and resolve compliance issues.
• Mentor junior engineers, providing guidance on electrical design best practices, modeling techniques, and project execution.
• Develop standardized engineering processes for electrical system design and interconnection planning.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in power system engineering, high-voltage design, and interconnection studies.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; Master's preferred.
• Advanced expertise in power system stability, protection design, and grid compliance.
• Software Skills: AutoCAD (Advanced); SKM, ETAP, EasyPower (Proficient).
• Certifications: PE License or NABCEP PV Professional (Preferred).

Work environment

This position is remote, located in Houston, TX, with working hours Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Travel up to 30% is expected. Physical demands include frequently remaining stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day; infrequently bending, standing, stooping and/or walking; infrequently carrying and/or lifting objects up to 10 pounds; frequently communicating with the ability to hear and talk; frequent use of sight to detect images on computer and office documents; occasionally ascending/descending stairs. The work environment is a regular professional office setting with low to moderate noise, or construction worksite with moderate to high noise. Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement as determined by business needs.