Solar Design Engineer

RINA • Chicago • 1m ago

Job Summary

The Solar Design Engineer is responsible for performing engineering analysis and design of solar power-related projects, including a range of activities from pre-development scoping through post-commissioning QA/QC, supporting a multi-gigawatt pipeline of commercial and utility-scale PV projects. The projects include design of solar power systems from panel to the utility connection. Other responsibilities include power production analyses and potentially interfacing with clients, on-site visits and meetings, participating in proposal writing, as well as defining project scopes, deliverables, and budgets.

Reports To:

Sector Management

Direct Reports:

None

Job Responsibilities and Duties

Performs designs on solar and other renewable projects from conception to completion.
Assist with power production analyses.
Performs cost estimates of new work.
Review shop drawings and other vendor documentation for conformity with specifications.
Interface with clients, contractors, and vendors on technical issues.
Observe safety and security procedures; report potentially unsafe conditions and use equipment and materials properly
Perform greenfield site visits, generate due diligence and fatal flaw analysis reports
Perform preliminary resource assessments and energy modeling using PVSyst, Helioscope, SAM
Select optimal equipment and generate procurement BOMs
Generate robust preliminary design packages, including site improvements, layout, substation, one-line diagrams, loss calculations and cable schedules
Provide interconnection due diligence and perform required study calculations
Perform full detailed electrical designs and layouts, coordinate with civil/structural teams to prepare full construction design packages
Review and respond to contractor submittals, RFIs and IE reports
Review and respond to post-commissioning data, performance and warranty claims
Improve design data workflows using advanced CAD/Office functions and macros
Interface well with employees across disciplines at all levels
Other duties as assigned

Professional Requirements

Associates in Science or Bachelors degree from an ABET accredited institution in Electrical, Mechanical or Civil Engineering, or related curriculum specializing in solar design and AutoCAD design
NABCEP Board Certified PV Installation Professional desired
3+ years of experience in solar design
2+ years of experience with utility-tied photovoltaic systems (>2MW)
Strong knowledge and understanding of all solar electrical systems, including direct current solar system and connections, inverters, alternating current, and the downstream interconnection into utility systems
Experience with complete project life cycle including the feasibility phase, preliminary and detailed design, issue-for-bid, construction, start-up, and commissioning
Experience required in:
- Use of solar modeling software to provide accurate energy production estimates
- Specifying system components, preparing one-line electrical drawings, and site plans using AutoCAD software for utility interconnection, permitting, and construction drawings
- Generating pricing for complex utility-scale solar projects as part of technical proposal development
Comfortable in a dynamic environment and willing to assume cross functional roles in a growth division of an established company
Strong technical, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to develop and clearly communicate concepts
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including as a minimum Word, Excel, PowerPoint and TEAMS.
Minimum 5 years of experience as an Electrical Designer in a related industry with 3 years of PV design engineering experience; OR relevant technical certification with minimum 5 years of PV design experience
Knowledge in relevant codes, standards, and construction industry best practices
Prior experience utilizing:
Power system modeling software (SKM/EasyPower or similar)
PV-specific software tools (PVDesign, PVCase, Helioscope, or similar)
Experience in AutoCAD, and prior experience with PV-specific add-ons (PVCAD/PVCase) would be an advantage

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer (fine motor skills, visual acuity) and frequent use of telephone (talking, hearing).

Working Conditions

The worker is required to occasionally work in the field and may be exposed to outside weather conditions. Additional environmental conditions may vary by job site.

Additional Requirements

Valid driver’s license required
10-20 % travel (i.e. job sites) may be required based upon business need

ABOUT RINA

RINA is a worldwide engineering consultancy firm that provides an expansive range of services across the energy and mobility, marine, infrastructure, real estate, and industrial sectors. Our North American business focuses on working with clients in the infrastructure, transportation, technology and renewable energy sectors throughout the entire process of project delivery - from planning and controls, comprehensive management services and construction, through to operations and maintenance.

With over 45 years of experience in North America under the name Patrick Engineering, the decision to combine forces with RINA presents an exciting opportunity to attract talented people and to expand both our worldwide footprint and service offerings in new markets and application sectors.

Join our team and work on rewarding projects in a dynamic, multicultural and energizing environment that reaches beyond geographical and cultural boundaries. RINA provides opportunities for partnering with global clients, training to further advance your competencies and support your personal career development. Join us to make RINA more successful than ever before by bringing your contributions developing innovative solutions to complex problems, delivering our mission and achieving challenging goals. If you share our values and our vision, please apply. Our experience. Your growth.

RINA does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Patrick without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Patrick. Please, no phone calls or emails.

Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Policy Statement

It is the policy of RINA to provide equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy) national origin, age, disabilities, marital status, sexual orientation, genetics, military status, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans (veterans who served during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a badge has been authorized), and Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. We are strongly committed to this policy and believe in the concept and spirit of the law.