Lead Engineer, Performance & Optimization

Role Overview

• 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

Tech Stack

• Python
• VBA

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