Lead Engineer, Power Systems

About the role

Advanced Energy provides independent engineering services for utility-scale renewable energy resources connected to the transmission and distribution grids. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about ensuring the safety and reliability of renewable energy systems interconnected with the grid. This position will work with an internal team of engineers to provide consulting services and commissioning for integration of Inverter Based Resources (IBRs) into the grid, specifically for transmission-connected IBRs. The ideal candidate will have an engineering background in the energy industry and knowledge about the electric power industry including transmission and distribution grids. The position requires strong technical knowledge and collaboration with external stakeholders including utility clients, renewables developers, and subcontractors.

Essential Functions

Engineering Support

• Conduct facility reviews and site assessments to locate opportunities for improvements in performance, quality and adherence to defined standards.
• Assess aspects of the quality of design, construction, and operation for energy technologies according to a defined standard. May have input on standards development.
• Perform quality control, recommend solutions, define and interpret the importance of the implementation of corrective measures.
• Troubleshoot specific complex problems at IBR facilities to improve performance, productivity and customer satisfaction.
• Perform engineering analysis and present concise results to customers.
• Provide hands-on assistance in deploying new technologies in the field.
• Help establish analysis tools and techniques.
• Prepare reports and documentation delineating process, analysis, test results, and corrective actions. May provide engineering stamp on reports.
• Create and conduct workshops and presentations.
• Design and develop products and services that take advantage of new knowledge generated by applied research and engineering studies.
• Acquire data from field/lab instruments and process into useful information.
• Work to establish a demand for further applied research and engineering studies.

Technical Expertise

• Develop and maintain technical and professional knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies. Keep up with new technologies being deployed relevant to work.
• Provide technical mentoring for junior staff.
• Recommend improved procedures such as workflow, data collection and analysis techniques, etc.
• Develop expertise through targeted development activities and new job experiences.
• Communicate with external clients.
• Exercise problem solving skills and take on new learning while working with customers and other industry professionals.

Project Management

• Participate on or manage project teams.
• Establish and adhere to project scope, timeline and budget.
• Coordinate and direct projects, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and directing the integration of technical activities.
• Direct and recommend product and process designs and changes.

External Contacts

• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Work to promote business opportunities with both new and repeat clients.
• Clarify and evaluate technical aspects of service requests from customers.
• Consult with clients and make recommendations for project specifications.
• Review and recommend proposals, contracts and cost estimates.
• Present and explain proposals, reports and findings to clients.
• Prepare and approve technical papers and presentations that highlight our capabilities to potential customers.

Management/Administration

• Assist in financial management, strategic direction and operation of the team.
• Communicate results of work to team and management.
• Develop and implement policies, standards and procedures for the engineering and technical work performed in the department.
• Make purchasing decisions regarding necessary materials or services.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant technical field and 8+ years of engineering experience in inverter based resources, generator interconnection, transmission or distribution systems, or related technical work experience is required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Strongly preferred to have PE and other certifications relevant to job duties such as CEM or NABCEP.
• Problem solving and data interpretation skills; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work in teams as well as independently; organization, time management and attention to detail; ability to plan and deliver projects; ability to develop and adhere to project budget; commitment to excellent customer service; technical writing and research skills.
• Advanced skill level of Microsoft Office Products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of planning, design, interconnection, construction, and commissioning of utility scale inverter-based resources (IBRs) facilities including solar, wind, and energy storage systems.
• Experience with electric grid modeling at the transmission and/or distribution level.
• Familiarity with industry standards such as National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), IEEE 1547-2018 and IEEE 2800-2022; North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Guidelines and Standards.
• Ability to maintain customer relationships with confidence and interact with multiple stakeholders.

Physical Demands/Work Conditions

• Must hold a valid driver’s license and is expected to travel to IBR facilities.
• Some positions or projects could require occasional travel for periods up to a week.
• Site visits will require working outdoors in the elements, which could include hot or cold temperatures.
• The individual must wear personal protective equipment and follow company and/or customer safety protocols.