Lead Engineer, Performance & Optimization

Urban Grid Solar Projects, LLC•Houston, TX

12h•Onsite

About The Position

Urban Grid is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Engineer, Performance & Optimization to serve as a technical leader within the performance engineering function. The successful candidate will have 8+ years of relevant experience in utility-scale solar and/or energy storage performance engineering. The Lead Engineer, Performance & Optimization is responsible for overseeing the development and application of accurate solar PV and energy storage performance and energy models, ensuring consistency and quality of energy estimates, and driving optimization strategies across the project lifecycle—from early-stage development through operations. This role will provide technical leadership in performance and energy modeling, optimizing project output, while partnering closely with Development team, Construction, and Asset Management teams to maximize project value. This position operates as a senior individual contributor without direct reports, providing subject matter expertise, mentorship, and influence across cross-functional teams. The Lead Engineer will also support M&A, any financing support and project acquisition activities by providing technical diligence and performance-related insights.

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.