PV Performance Engineer

Company Overview

Intersect Power is a team of friends driven to preserve our planet for future generations through low-carbon energy and infrastructure solutions. Intersect Power is a privately held clean energy company bringing innovative, scalable, American-made, low-carbon solutions to its customers in global energy markets. We develop, own, and operate some of the world’s largest grid-tied clean energy resources, as well as co-located facilities for large industrial loads, including data centers, e-fuels, and other energy-intensive products. We are laser-focused on the largest, most transformative clean energy projects that decarbonize the existing power grid and bring new loads to clean generation without the need for new transmission. Intersect is redefining the scope of the clean energy industry by enabling new pathways between clean electricity and the broader economy. We are on an aggressive growth trajectory and are looking to fill key roles with talented professionals who want to make an impact.

Location & Team Gatherings

Intersect has been a fully flexible workplace since its founding in 2016.  We’ve been very intentional about the way we do things. We are not work-from-home, hybrid, or in-office – we are any and all of those options! Deepening social connections and offering shared experiences is a cornerstone of the way we work. We connect as a team at our Team Week experiences four times a year and at our recently established Hub locations - SF Bay Area and  San Diego, CA; NYC Metro Area, NY; Denver, CO; Austin, TX; Calgary, AB; and Toronto, ON.

We are currently seeking candidates located within 60 miles of any of the listed hubs to foster more in-person connections while maintaining our flexible remote culture.

About This Position

The person in this role will lead and be accountable for the PV module technology, energy modeling, performance and production estimates, as well as managing engineering consultants, Independent Engineers final deliverables for PV Solar projects. This role is for a sole contributor and does not have direct reports at this time. It may change as the PV team grows with time.

• Lead and maintain ownership of the thin-film, CdTe PV module technology, including: Qualification testing (performance, degradation, hail, etc); Develop test programs to predict behavior of PV modules based on power plant operation, including accelerated life test protocols; Manage test programs with partner labs and periodically report out results that could guide the business

• Lead and maintain ownership over the technical design and documentation (system sizing, equipment selection, electrical modeling, and balance of system) to ensure performance over the life of the system meets the required contractual offtake agreements and financial model expectations
• Ownership of technology and product selection:

• Lead and manage the IE, IE's scope, and the diligence process during project financing
• Lead cross functional design and PV optimization efforts accountable for targeting the lowest LCOE
• Responsible for development and ownership of technical specifications and exhibits (EPC technical exhibits, energy capacity/ performance testing protocols, vendor specifications, etc.)
• Lead the technical aspects of energy estimation on PPA negotiations, accountable for meeting the offtake requirements with a cost-optimized and constructable solution
• Aid in EPC RFP and commercial supply agreements to ensure technical requirements are accurately defined and reflected while ensuring lower LCOE
• Work cross functionally between development, land, and engineering teams
• Interface, communicate, and establish relationships with vendors and suppliers in direct support of the Procurement team
• Ensure timely and cost-effective resolutions for regulatory, permitting, and technical issues associated with the execution and delivery of PV facilities, collaborating with other internal teams.
• Ensure the highest level of environmental health and safety standards in all engineering with aspects of the facility

• Power plant historian data mining to analyze PV module performance and  determine root cause of production shortfalls.
• Maintain as built models to study long term effects of PV module degradation, BOS failure rate, mismatch rates etc.   

• Support energy modeling for the BD team for clean fuel and green hydrogen projects
• Create simplified energy models for clean electron to green molecule production

• Material science based research/ development on PV module technology
• Minimum of 6 years of technical experience with ownership of PV performance and production estimates on utility scale PV systems, through these 4 phases: Development, Design, Contracting EPC/Modules/’Balance of plant’ components, and Construction
• Experience managing scope and deliverables of an Independent Engineer (IE) through one successful financing or more.
• Experience in leading technical diligence and advising the procurement team in the purchase of PV modules from a Tier 1 supplier for one procurement deal, 100MW or greater, OR in aggregate, supported more than 200 MW across multiple deals.
• Experience in leading technical diligence and advising the procurement team in the purchase of single-axis trackers from a Tier 1 supplier for one procurement deal each 100MW or greater, OR in aggregate, supported more than 200 MW across multiple deals.
• Experience in advanced techniques of performance and facility design optimization

• Commercially minded engineer focused on LCOE/LCOS
• Possesses the ability to quantify and communicate risk and opportunities around unknowns in design and technology
• Understands PV and ESS development processes
• Thrives in a cross functional environment, able to guide discussion and identify dependencies between design, production, cost, land use, and LCOE

• BS in Engineering with minimum required experience
• Masters in Engineering or relevant Material Science field is preferred 
• PHD in Engineering or relevant Material Science field will be a plus
• Relevant experience will be considered as an alternative to the above on a case by case basis.

• Solid material science background in thin-film, CdTe PV technology.
• Project engineering, effective time management and ability to prioritize tasks via solid project management skills
• Technical background in utility scale power conversion, transformers, inverters and battery technology.
• Working knowledge and practical understanding of the relevant codes and standards for PV modules, DC collection and PV inverters (NEC, IBC, IFC, NFPA, UL, IEC, ISO/TSP requirements for grid following/ forming PV plants e.g. ERCOT/CAISO) and how they are applied to the various life cycles of permitting, design, construction, and operation 
• Deep understanding of the photovoltaic technology, trackers, and inverters; advantages and trade-offs of the different technologies, system design, optimization levers, cost drivers, contracting pitfalls, construction challenges, life-cycle use and challenges
• Experience in working with PVSyst and Plant Predict or a similar tool
• Must have knowledge and understanding of scripting languages to automate engineering calculations e.g. VBA, Matlab, Python

• Mostly sedentary work; using standard office equipment including: a computer, keyboard, and telephone. 
• Position requires some travel for company-wide meetups: ~5 weeks total through a calendar year. 

• Salary: USD$140,000 - $150,000 or CAD$201,000 - $215,000 base salary with 25% annual target bonus
• Exceptional Healthcare:  Access comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans with 100% premium coverage for both you and your dependents. 
• Financial Security:  Benefit from a 3% non-elective employer contribution to your 401k or RRSP, ensuring your financial future is on the right track.
• Time Off:  Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) +  two company-wide vacation weeks (Fourth of July & End of year). We believe in the importance of rest and relaxation.
• Family-Friendly Policies:  Experience up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, with an additional 6 weeks for birth parents. We support you through the exciting journey of parenthood.
• Mental Health and Well-being:  Access mental health and behavioral coaching services through Ginger, providing you with the support you need to thrive both personally and professionally.
• Family Planning Support:  Navigate family planning with ease through our partnership with Carrot, ensuring a seamless experience for new parents.
• Perks:  Enjoy a variety of perks, including a $150 USD monthly food stipend on UberEats and a pet insurance allowance. We care about the little things that make a big difference.
• Tech-Ready:  Gear up with our new hire tech package, including a laptop, monitor, docking station, webcam, headphones, and more. Set up your home office with provided furniture, including a desk and chair.

Note:  We welcome applicants who do not have current enforceable non-compete restrictions that would hinder their employment with us. If you are currently under a non-compete agreement with a previous employer, we kindly request that you carefully review the terms of that agreement and ensure that your potential employment with us does not violate those terms. 

Unsolicited resumes or referrals from third-party recruiting firms or agencies are not accepted by Intersect Power.

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