Lead Engineer, Performance & Optimization
Urban Grid
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Houston • Texas • United States
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Job Level
About the role
- Lead PV and BESS performance modeling efforts utilizing PVsyst and other tools to support business development, development engineering, project finance, asset management, and M&A activities.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and defensibility of performance models and assumptions across all projects.
- Develop, review, and standardize methodologies for generating P50/P90 energy estimates and associated uncertainty analyses for both solar and storage assets.
- Support M&A and project acquisition activities by conducting technical diligence, reviewing third-party energy assessments, identifying risks, and validating performance assumptions.
- Partner with Finance, Business Development, and Engineering teams to evaluate and optimize project designs to maximize financial returns and minimize risk.
- Provide engineering input into system design decisions, including PV modules, inverters, trackers, and BESS configurations, dispatch assumptions, and degradation profiles.
- Evaluate and optimize hybrid plant configurations (solar + storage) to enhance overall project performance and value.
- Engage with EPCs and external partners on all matters related to plant performance and modeling to support project execution through construction and into operation.
- Review and validate performance modeling inputs.
- Analyze project data and simulation results to quantify uncertainty and ensure high-quality reporting that supports internal and external stakeholders.
- Coordinate with internal and external engineering and construction teams on commissioning, substantial completion, and capacity testing (including ASTM standards).
- Support construction and operations teams in evaluating plant performance during commissioning and ongoing O&M phases.
- Stay current on advancements in solar and BESS technologies, performance modeling tools, and industry standards, and contribute to the development of new methodologies and tools.
- Develop and enhance internal analytical tools (e.g., Excel VBA, Python) to improve modeling efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
- Provide technical support in resolving performance-related issues, discrepancies, or disputes with internal stakeholders and external counterparties.
- Prepare and present performance analyses, methodologies, and recommendations to a wide range of audiences, including senior leadership.
- Perform ad-hoc engineering analyses to support strategic initiatives, project evaluations, and continuous improvement efforts.
Requirements
- Minimum 8+ years of solar and/or energy storage industry experience in a performance-related role
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (preferred), Statistics, Physics, or other quantitative field
- Strong knowledge of utility-scale PV solar energy systems
- Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS), including performance modeling, system design considerations, and operational characteristics
- Advanced proficiency in PV performance modeling tools, including PVsyst
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Python, MATLAB, or related tools
- Deep understanding of inverter operation, power conversion principles, and power electronics
- Experience developing and reviewing energy yield assessments (P50/P90)
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment
- Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and influence cross-functional teams
- **Preferred**
- Advanced understanding of PV module technologies
- Strong understanding of solar tracker systems and OEM differences
- Experience with hybrid plant optimization (solar + storage)
- Experience supporting project financing, lender reviews, or independent engineer processes
- Experience with PV O&M and performance analysis
- Experience supporting M&A or project acquisition technical diligence
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Health savings account
- Flexible spending account
- Company-paid life insurance and short-term disability
- Voluntary life and long-term disability
- Paid parental leave
- Retirement plan with matching
- Competitive compensation package including bonus
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
performance modelingenergy estimatesuncertainty analysissystem designhybrid plant optimizationenergy yield assessmentspower conversion principlesbattery energy storage systemsPV module technologiessolar tracker systems
Soft Skills
analytical skillsorganizational skillsproject management skillsverbal communicationwritten communicationself-motivatedability to influence teamsability to manage prioritiesability to work independentlyability to communicate complex concepts
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineeringBachelor’s degree in StatisticsBachelor’s degree in Physics