Performance Engineer

Panthera Grid Partners, LLC•Houston, TX

9h•Hybrid

About The Position

Panthera Grid Partners is seeking an experienced Performance Engineer to maximize the operational and financial performance of its utility-scale solar and energy storage assets. The role serves as the technical lead for performance analytics, production forecasting, root cause analysis, and performance optimization across operating renewable energy facilities. The Performance Engineer will apply expertise in PVsyst modeling, P50 energy estimates, PV plant construction and operations, solar and battery storage performance assessment, SCADA analytics, and operational troubleshooting. The position works closely with Asset Management, Operations & Maintenance, Commercial Operations, Development, Engineering, and third-party service providers to identify performance risks and opportunities, improve fleet availability, and help achieve energy production targets. The role is a subject matter expert in photovoltaic and battery storage behavior, plant performance metrics, and operational analytics, and reports to the Reliability Engineering Manager. The position is hybrid in Houston, Texas, with four days in the office and Fridays remote. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; visa sponsorship or transfer visas are unavailable. This is a full-time position with a competitive compensation package, including a bonus.

Requirements

Minimum 3 years of renewable industry experience in a performance-related role.
Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (preferred), meteorology, statistics, physics, or another quantitative field.
Strong knowledge of PV solar energy systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Proficiency in data analysis using Excel, Python, MATLAB, Fabric, or related software.
Understanding of inverter operation, power conversion principles, and power electronics.
Advanced understanding of and experience with PVsyst software.
Professional verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to discuss technical and advanced engineering concepts with both expert and non-technical audiences.
Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently with minimal oversight and coordinate with other groups and individuals.
Excellent time-management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects, including in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Experience supporting NERC, ISO, or utility compliance requirements.
Familiarity with SCADA platforms such as AlsoEnergy, Power Factors, OEM monitoring systems, or similar tools.
Experience with performance guarantee testing and ASTM performance testing protocols.
Knowledge of energy markets and renewable asset commercial operations.
Experience with machine learning, predictive analytics, or advanced data science applications in renewable energy.
Experience managing third-party O&M or EPC contractors.

Responsibilities

Monitor and analyze fleet-wide solar plant performance, availability, and energy production against budgets, P50 forecasts, and contractual guarantees.
Develop, maintain, and improve performance-monitoring dashboards, KPIs, and reporting tools.
Assist with root cause analyses of underperformance events and production losses.
Evaluate SCADA, meteorological, inverter, tracker, and revenue meter data to identify operational issues and optimization opportunities.
Perform daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual performance assessments for operating assets.
Validate expected energy production through statistical analysis and comparison with performance models.
Support asset managers in assessing operational risks and revenue impacts associated with plant performance issues.
Collaborate with O&M providers and internal resources to troubleshoot equipment failures and recurring performance losses.
Analyze inverter, tracker, module, and balance-of-system performance trends and degradation rates.
Lead performance guarantee evaluations, liquidated damages assessments, and contractual performance testing activities.
Review and update production forecasts, weather assumptions, and performance models as operating data becomes available.
Develop and maintain fleet degradation analyses and long-term performance projections.
Identify and quantify opportunities for performance improvements and operational cost reductions.
Support due diligence for project acquisitions, financing activities, and portfolio valuations.
Prepare technical reports, presentations, and executive summaries for internal and external stakeholders.
Stay current with evolving industry standards, technologies, and best practices related to solar PV, BESS, trackers, inverters, and energy analytics.
Develop automation tools, scripts, and analytical workflows using Python, SQL, Power BI, Excel VBA, or similar platforms.
Support incident investigations and recommend corrective actions to improve fleet reliability and performance.
Onboard new assets in performance platforms.