Sr. Engineer, Optimization Engineering

Avantus•San Diego, CA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Optimization Engineer will demonstrate industry knowledge, superior communication skills, and detail-oriented organizational skills. This is seen as critical role to support projects from early-stage development through mid- and late-stage offtaker and financing diligence. The person in this role would support production, design, and cost optimization throughout the full development process.

Requirements

Strong PV production modeling experience (PVsyst, SAM, and/or pvlib, etc.)
Basic energy storage modeling experience
Comprehensive knowledge of Solar and Storage technology and components
Commercially minded engineer focused on optimization for LCOE
Ability to quantify risk and opportunities around unknowns in design and technology
Basic understanding of the full solar development process
Basic understanding of the renewable project finance process
Understanding of typical Solar and Storage PPA and market structures
Thrive in a cross-functional environment, able to guide discussion and identify dependencies between design, production, cost, land use, LCOE
Data analysis experience in Excel (familiarity with python a plus)
Bachelor of Science in STEM
3+ years’ experience in project or optimization engineering
3+ years’ experience with renewable energy and solar development

Responsibilities

Assess early-stage design trade-offs for site specific and regional guidance (considering factors such as DC/AC loading, GCR, equipment, land cost, expected COD year, etc.)
Identify and model site specific conditions such as meteorological data, soiling, shading and other onsite conditions that may impact design and production
P50, P50, P99 and hedge type production assessments
Lead cross functional design optimization efforts targeted at the lowest LCOE
Review technical requirements of PPA to guide negotiation and project risks
Identify production and design levers to quantify risk and opportunities on project development and profitability
Lead technical bid preparation and ensure team deliverables meet bid requirements
Help assess PV+S design and dispatch optimization that meets off-taker needs
Diligence new technology with suppliers, EPC and IEs to understand bankability, performance and design impacts
Work on LCOE initiatives around design configuration, land utilization, and equipment
Present results of project design and cost optimization efforts to project stakeholders
Present key project specifications to EPC partners for detailed design process
Guide and collaborate with the contractor to find site and EPC specific optimized design
Review and negotiate technical exhibits such as capacity testing and technical commissioning (with the support of OEs)
Support commissioning and performance testing activities by reviewing data from EPCs and coordinating with IEs
Technical and performance support through IE diligence and project financing
Lead production reviews and coordinate on design, equipment and production topics to maximize project valuation