Job Description: Solar Operations Engineer
Reports to: Asset/Operations & Maintenance Manager
OCI Energy is a respected provider of solar power, plant developer, owner, and operator. We are seeking a Solar Operations Engineer to address technical requirements for a growing organization in a fast-paced environment. This position is located in San Antonio, Texas and provides a perfect opportunity for a professional looking for interesting work within a small cohesive team, the ability to expand their experience and contribute to the corporation's success.
JOB SUMMARY:
Under general supervision by the Asset/Operations & Maintenance Manager, the Solar Operations Engineer will provide technical support all aspects of on-site installation, repair, maintenance, and modifications of OCI Energy’s portfolio of solar PV facilities. Duties include engineering services relating to inspection, improvement, efficient operation, maintenance, environmental assessment and compliance, monitoring, commissioning, testing, inspecting, and management of the company’s solar power generation facilities including inverters, PV module arrays, transformers, switchgear, trackers, instrumentation, communications systems, and metering systems as well as performing related work and other duties and tasks as assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Provides engineering support to OCI Energy's power generating facilities and associated plant equipment and systems to ensure operation of the facilities are proper, safe, efficient and environmentally responsible, including Identifying discrepancies and develops corrective action plans
- Monitors site performance and perform data analysis to provide information on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to measure the performance, detect underperforming equipment, and potential failures.
- Monitors SCADA systems for alarms and coordinate communications with onsite operation team and/or external parties.
- Provides support to develop, maintain, and control protocol and policies.
- Maintains regulatory compliance for the assets and interface with ISOs, Utilities, TSPs DSPs or others, as applicable for each asset to coordinate and comply with the applicable rules.
- Provides engineering support through troubleshooting, preventive and corrective maintenance.
- Prepares daily, weekly, and monthly reports for internal and external stakeholders.
- Supports management and control of inventory.
- Provides support on procurement activities such as for parts supply, and coordinating with suppliers and customers as needed.
- Provides support on RFP/RFQ, contractor selection, contract drafting/revision, contractor work supervision, contract compliance and warranties.
- Performs analyses, prepares reports and makes recommendations to improve plant performance, equipment efficiency, and safety of plant operations
- Inspects and performs tests on power plant equipment to assess condition, identify problems and potential for malfunction, and to design and implement plant and equipment improvements
- May be assigned to supervise other employees to complete projects or other work assignments
- Monitors industry trends and acquires knowledge of new methods and equipment that pertain to solar power generation, operations, and maintenance
- Provide assistance and support to the plant to insure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations
- Supports development and writing of specifications for operating power plant maintenance and capital improvement projects; assists Purchasing in the issuance of request-for-proposals (RFPs) and bid documents; evaluates proposals and bids and provides analyses and recommendations to OCISP staff and management
- Compiles plant information and data and prepares forms and reports as necessary to meet state and Federal reporting requirements
- May be required to develop load and generation forecasts and perform related analyses
- Travels to project sites and vendor locations as assigned to support on all aspects of performance analysis, troubleshooting, repair and maintenance
- Communicates effectively with OCISP and third-party vendors and actively participate in meeting reviews to provide technical feedback of field operations
- Participates in continuous improvement initiatives and associated periodic meetings
- Monitors sites and responds to emergency call outs as may be required
- Ensures that all operations and maintenance activities performed at project sites complies with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) requirements and warranties
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, preferably with a specialization in power generation.
- Valid driver’s license and availability to obtain permit to drive official vehicles in the field
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of solar PV electric generating principles, mechanical and electrical engineering principles and practices desired
- Considerable skill performing technical research, analysis, and the solving of difficult engineering problems, including power plant analyses; skill in engineering design and interpretation of engineering plans and specifications; skill at assessing operating performance and safety of the plant and determining areas of improvement or greater efficiency
- Able to read, understand, and develop technical drawings, datasheets, and written work instructions
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Power Point, Project, Word and Outlook and proven ability to learn new software programs
- Experience in monitoring outside contractors, consultants and suppliers
- Ability to analyze data and compile information in reviewing operations and maintenance with other departments and outside contractors
- Ability to perform advanced, complex mathematical computations and analyses
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, customer employees, engineering and other consultants, vendors, and contractors; ability to present a positive attitude
- Familiarity with power generation equipment controls and SCADA systems
- Excellent interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills
- Must be able to able to travel on short notice and be available during non-traditional working hours
