Performance Engineer

Primoris Services Corporation is a premier specialty contractor providing critical infrastructure services to the utility, energy, and renewables markets throughout the United States and Canada. The Performance Engineer II will be responsible for energy modeling and performance evaluation of PV plants, working closely with engineering firms, construction, and commissioning teams to ensure optimal performance and compliance with contract requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Develop PVsyst energy generation models for project proposals as well as awarded & constructed projects for monofacial, bifacial, thin-film or any other emerging solar PV module technologies
• Support the solar PV plant Performance Testing contract exhibit(s) development and technical negotiations with the Client
• Evaluate utility-scale PV systems modeled/measured performance using PVsyst to create linear regressions in accordance with ASTM E2848-13
• Calculate system availability from data collected by SCADA or on-site testing as needed
• Contribute to ongoing research efforts to improve modeling of PV systems throughout their lifetime
• Provide Commissioning and Performance Testing support to Operations and Site Construction team
• Apply expertise about potential PV system component failure, potential modeling issues, and site design to troubleshoot current PV systems operating below expected levels of Guaranteed Capacity & energy production
• Prepare test reports and give technical presentations on the testing results to Client, as required
• Provide review of field-testing data such as PV array infrared imaging and open-circuit voltage testing to identify performance issues or component failure
• Identify any fault patterns based on the electrical characteristics (I-V Curve, open-circuit voltage, hotspots, potential short circuit conditions) and validate defect evidence in potential warranty claims
• Participate in calls with customers answering questions on PV system performance and recommending possible next steps for performance investigation
• Design data visuals and written reports for audiences ranging from technical experts to management personnel
• Draft work orders under existing MSA’s for Third-party Subject Matter Experts (SME’s)/Consultants
• Assist Senior Performance Engineer with the scheduling of tasks both in Pre-construction & construction stages of projects
• Support ‘Request for Quote’ (RFQ) process working with MET vendors in support of Estimating Department
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, or Data Analytics Engineering or related engineering discipline from an ABET accredited institution
• 2-5 years of experience with modeling of modules, racking, inverters, and associated equipment for proper energy modeling of utility scale solar PV projects
• Ability to understand manufacturer's modeling parameters, application limitations and commissioning guidelines
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and follow through on assigned tasks and projects with minimal supervision
• Able to work in a fast-moving environment while maintaining a positive attitude in stressful situations
• Ability to interact with various outside parties professionally via email, text, telephone and/or in person
• Strong organizational skills necessary to document and track issues from inception to resolution
• Outstanding problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze situations and recommend solutions
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Proficient in PVsyst and Microsoft Office and demonstrated ability to model expected system output for utility-scale PV projects through PVsyst or similar software highly preferred
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Ability to read and understand technical plans and specifications