Operations Engineer

OCI Energy • San Antonio, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

OCI Energy is a developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects. The Operations Engineer provides technical support for the installation, repair, maintenance, and modification of the company’s solar PV facilities. The position is located in San Antonio, Texas, and works under the general supervision of the Asset Manager.

The role supports the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation of solar generation facilities and their equipment, including inverters, PV module arrays, transformers, switchgear, trackers, instrumentation, communications systems, and metering systems. Work encompasses performance monitoring and analysis, commissioning, testing, inspection, troubleshooting, maintenance, regulatory compliance, reporting, procurement and contractor coordination, and plant improvements. The engineer may supervise employees on projects, travel to project and vendor locations, and respond to emergency callouts as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Valid driver’s license and availability to obtain a permit to drive official vehicles in the field.
• Skill in technical research, analysis, and solving difficult engineering problems, including power plant analyses.
• Skill in engineering design and interpretation of engineering plans and specifications.
• Ability to assess plant operating performance and safety and identify opportunities for improvement or greater efficiency.
• Ability to read, understand, and develop technical drawings, datasheets, and written work instructions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Word, and Outlook, and ability to learn new software programs.
• Experience monitoring outside contractors, consultants, and suppliers.
• Ability to analyze data and compile information when 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, consultants, vendors, and contractors.
• Familiarity with power generation equipment controls and SCADA systems.
• Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to travel on short notice and be available during non-traditional working hours.

Nice To Haves

• Specialization in power generation.
• Knowledge of solar PV electric generating principles and mechanical and electrical engineering principles and practices.

Responsibilities

• Provide engineering support to generating facilities and associated equipment to ensure proper, safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible operation; identify discrepancies and develop corrective action plans.
• Monitor site performance and analyze data daily, weekly, and monthly to measure performance and detect underperforming equipment or potential failures.
• Monitor SCADA systems for alarms and coordinate communications with onsite operations teams and external parties.
• Support the development, maintenance, and control of protocols and policies.
• Maintain asset regulatory compliance and coordinate with ISOs, utilities, TSPs, DSPs, and other applicable parties.
• Support troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance.
• Prepare daily, weekly, and monthly reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support inventory management and control.
• Support procurement activities, including parts supply and coordination with suppliers and customers.
• Support RFP/RFQ processes, contractor selection, contract drafting and revision, contractor work supervision, contract compliance, and warranties.
• Analyze plant performance and equipment efficiency, prepare reports, and recommend improvements to performance and operational safety.
• Inspect and test power plant equipment to assess its condition, identify problems and potential malfunctions, and design and implement improvements.
• Supervise other employees when assigned to projects or other work assignments.
• Monitor industry trends and develop knowledge of methods and equipment related to solar power generation, operations, and maintenance.
• Assist plant personnel in complying with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Support the development and writing of specifications for maintenance and capital improvement projects; assist Purchasing with RFPs and bid documents; evaluate proposals and bids and provide analyses and recommendations.
• Compile plant information and data and prepare forms and reports for state and federal reporting requirements.
• Develop load and generation forecasts and perform related analyses when required.
• Travel to project sites and vendor locations as assigned to support performance analysis, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance.
• Communicate with OCI Energy and third-party vendors and participate in meeting reviews to provide technical feedback on field operations.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives and periodic meetings.
• Monitor sites and respond to emergency callouts as required.
• Ensure project-site operations and maintenance activities comply with OEM requirements and warranties.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time