Lead Engineer, Power Systems

North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation • Raleigh, NC

3d • Remote

About The Position

North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation (Advanced Energy) is a nonprofit energy consulting firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. The organization works with utilities, governments, manufacturers, and public and private partners to support clean, affordable, reliable, efficient, and safe energy. This position provides independent engineering services for utility-scale renewable energy resources connected to transmission and distribution grids, with a particular focus on commissioning and integrating transmission-connected inverter-based resources (IBRs). The Lead Engineer works with internal engineers and external stakeholders, including utility clients, renewable energy developers, and subcontractors, to support the safety, reliability, and performance of grid-interconnected renewable energy systems.

The role combines engineering analysis, facility reviews, site assessments, troubleshooting, quality control, applied research, technical documentation, client consultation, and project management. It also includes mentoring junior staff, developing technical expertise and improved procedures, supporting client relationships and business opportunities, and assisting with the financial management, strategic direction, and operation of the team. The position is full-time and exempt, and may be hybrid from the Raleigh office or remote. Travel to IBR facilities is expected; site work may involve outdoor conditions and use of personal protective equipment. Work hours may vary or be irregular as reasonably required to meet organizational goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant technical field, and at least 8 years of engineering experience in inverter-based resources, generator interconnection, transmission or distribution systems, or related technical work; an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Problem-solving and data interpretation skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work both in teams and independently.
• Organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to plan and deliver projects and develop and adhere to project budgets.
• Commitment to excellent customer service.
• Technical writing and research skills.
• Advanced skill level with Microsoft Office products.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel to IBR facilities and work outdoors in hot or cold conditions during site visits.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment and follow company and customer safety protocols.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (PE) license is strongly preferred.
• Other certifications relevant to the job, such as CEM or NABCEP, are strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of planning, design, interconnection, construction, and commissioning of utility-scale IBR facilities, including solar, wind, and energy storage systems.
• Experience with electric grid modeling at the transmission and/or distribution level.
• Familiarity with industry standards and guidance, including the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), IEEE 1547-2018, IEEE 2800-2022, and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Guidelines and Standards.
• Ability to maintain customer relationships confidently and interact with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Conduct facility reviews and site assessments to identify opportunities to improve performance, quality, and compliance with defined standards.
• Assess the quality of design, construction, and operation of energy technologies against defined standards, and contribute to standards development when appropriate.
• Perform quality control, recommend solutions, and define and interpret corrective measures.
• Troubleshoot complex problems at IBR facilities to improve performance, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Perform engineering analysis and present concise results to customers.
• Provide hands-on assistance deploying new technologies in the field.
• Help establish analysis tools and techniques.
• Prepare reports and documentation describing processes, analysis, test results, and corrective actions; provide engineering stamps on reports when applicable.
• Create and conduct workshops and presentations.
• Design and develop products and services based on knowledge generated through applied research and engineering studies.
• Acquire data from field and laboratory instruments and process it into useful information.
• Help establish demand for further applied research and engineering studies.
• Maintain technical and professional knowledge through workshops, publications, professional networks, societies, and awareness of relevant new technologies.
• Provide technical mentoring to junior staff.
• Recommend improvements to procedures, workflows, data collection, and analysis techniques.
• Develop expertise through targeted development activities and new job experiences.
• Communicate with external clients and collaborate with customers and industry professionals to solve problems and learn.
• Participate in or manage project teams; establish and adhere to project scope, timelines, and budgets.
• Coordinate and direct projects, develop detailed plans, and integrate technical activities to accomplish project goals.
• Direct and recommend product and process designs and changes.
• Develop and maintain client relationships and promote business opportunities with new and repeat clients.
• Clarify and evaluate technical aspects of customer service requests.
• Consult with clients and recommend project specifications.
• Review and recommend proposals, contracts, and cost estimates.
• Present and explain proposals, reports, and findings to clients.
• Prepare and approve technical papers and presentations showcasing the organization’s capabilities to potential customers.
• Assist with financial management, strategic direction, and team operations.
• Communicate work results to the team and management.
• Develop and implement policies, standards, and procedures for engineering and technical work in the department.
• Make purchasing decisions regarding necessary materials or services.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and travel to IBR facilities; wear required personal protective equipment and follow company or customer safety protocols during site visits.

Benefits

• Flexible hybrid schedules.
• An array of leave options.
• Employee benefits are available; the posting directs candidates to the company website for the full list.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior