Principal Engineer, Performance & Technology (Solar)

Invenergy•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Invenergy is North America’s largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future. This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window. Position Overview As a Principal Engineer, Performance & Technology (Solar), you will be responsible for updating and maintaining Invenergy’s solar resource/energy assessment methodologies and performance testing specifications. You will develop and deploy analytical tools and workflows, leveraging Invenergy’s operating fleet data, to realize positive business outcomes across development and execution phases including offtake and construction contracting, financing, and execution. You will evaluate performance of current and emerging solar technologies and translate technical insights into actionable recommendations for domestic solar projects. The position reports to the Senior Manager, Performance & Technology and will work closely with Invenergy’s Renewable Engineering & Procurement, Finance, and Operations Engineering teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
5+ years of experience in solar resource and energy assessment, operations engineering, performance engineering, or a related field
Experience in solar resource assessment and energy modeling, i.e., PVSyst, pvlib, SolarFarmer, or similar
Experience in data analytics with ability to analyze large datasets using Excel, Python, R, or similar
Familiarity with performing solar capacity test or energy test calculations in accordance with IEC 61724, ASTM E2848, or similar
Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future
Open to travel up to 15%
Driver’s license

Nice To Haves

8+ Years of relevant experience
Master’s degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
Knowledge of technical and commercial aspects of project development, offtake contracting, and financing solar energy projects
Familiarity with modeling energy project economics and concepts such as NPV, LCOE, IRR
Effective collaboration, communication, project management, and problem-solving skills
Excellent data analytics, reporting, presentation, and communication skills
Ability to guide and implement process improvements
Ability to multi-task and manage deliverables for multiple projects concurrently
Ability to navigate commercially sensitive discussions and have the presence to represent the company’s interest with outside experts
Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Responsibilities

Contribute to Invenergy’s solar MET station strategy and technical requirements to enhance quality and ensure consistency across Invenergy’s fleet of operating projects.
Evaluate internal resource/energy methods, tools, and process improvements that enhance process maturity, and coordinate adoption with relevant stakeholders.
Develop internal positions on key financial model inputs such as degradation, availability, useful life, soiling, and uncertainty, backed up by data analysis.
Contribute to Invenergy’s performance testing requirements for solar capacity testing, energy testing, and availability testing.
Support offtake and construction contract execution by reviewing and recommending language related to performance guarantees and testing.
Review 3rd party resource and energy assessments, track independent engineering methods and positions, and inform IE selection to secure reports required for project financing.
Provide SME-level support during project financing.
Coordinate with Operations Engineering to identify and execute high value opportunities to leverage data from Invenergy’s operating assets to inform pre-construction energy estimates and enhance project value.
Represent Invenergy with customers, external consultants, independent engineers, and industry associations as resource/energy assessment and technology subject matter expert to advance Invenergy’s business goals and establish Invenergy as an industry thought-leader.
Stay abreast of advancements in solar technologies including emerging trends and innovations.
Participate in Invenergy’s solar R&D efforts and ensure technical insights are translated into actionable outcomes.