Job Description

As a Solar Engineer, you are responsible for providing ongoing field services support to multiple solar, battery storage (BESS) or other renewable energy systems on a continual/on-demand basis in order to optimize equipment performance, troubleshoot/resolve equipment issues, support emergency repairs and other provide ongoing O&M compliance support. 

In this role you will assist with all routine site inspections, maintenance projects, equipment & system testing, and other project compliance, troubleshoot or restoration matters.  Solar Engineers regularly participate in field support, training and project safety orientations/classes in order to develop skills and technical expertise in one or multiple disciplines including PV array, inverter, medium voltage, BESS and other solar services.  Leads and Managers will provide regular coaching and training and will qualify engineers for field operations.   

Solar Engineers may be responsible for such things as reviewing and assessing solar construction documentation; tracking and monitoring project documentation; evaluating construction and operational issues; meeting with other engineers, site hosts, developers, and investor/owners to present and review project operations, compliance and maintenance/repair matters; participating in industry forums; and possibly even dealing with clients directly. One general requirement for most solar engineering positions is a working knowledge of mechanical and electrical systems, and an understanding of a range of engineering concepts (such as site operations, assessment, analysis, and design, and energy optimization).

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Diagnose and repair systems failures as existing solar sites, identify and correct potential issues that may impact site performance in the future.  Assist and support field teams with real-time solutions to site operations issues and execute the same. Diagnose/troubleshoot equipment failures and perform regular preventative maintenance on a variety of solar, BESS and other project equipment.  Support field teams and clients via oversight/support of warranty matters regarding equipment and systems for use or replacement.  Installs, removes, troubleshoots and the maintenance of solar, BESS and other related electrical equipment.

Management and support of large scale commercial & Industrial (C&I) PV systems and battery storage systems (BESS) including all preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs and operations; Frequent project site visits as well as remote troubleshooting/analysis via smart software platforms. PV site analysis, asset management, technical drawings/construction assessments, project management and system optimization.  

Ensure a safe, event-free work environment through strict adherence to company and client protocols, safety procedures and regulations.  Ensure compliance with all safety requirements and safe best practices (e.g. lock-out/tag-out compliance, JHA completion, LDL testing, and compliance with all company safety policies or procedures and work practices).    

Prepare service tickets and reports for site visits, emergency repairs, equipment modifications and equipment improvement investigations.  Provide reports, written and oral communication in a timely and complete fashion.

Communicate with technical leads, project leads/managers, and third-party sub-contractors to ensure timely resolution to all required activities; Support recommended performance improvements and at address site safety and compliance concerns; Other responsibilities as directed by manager.

Knowledge:

Knowledge of National Electrical Code and standard design/construction practices; Understanding of OSHA safe workplace practices and procedures; Ability to read and understand electrical drawings; Electric and related utilities and utility maintenance
Solar energy installation, maintenance and optimization

Skills In addition to the specific work experience and skills, QE Solar also seeks someone with the qualities listed below:

• Exceptional work ethic, with strong values and principles
• Able to supervise and coach others in a matrix work environment
• Willingness to work irregular schedules to meet client/project deadlines
• Exceptionally strong communication skills, both written and verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
• A firm commitment to client, team, and organization success
• Flexible and accommodating and able to go above and beyond the basic expectations when required
• High follow-up and organizational skills
• Detailed-oriented, with attention to detail for tasks that have zero tolerance for errors
• Curiosity
• Candor and transparency

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift 25/50/80 pounds regularly
Ability to move safely over uneven terrain
Ability to stand, sit or drive for prolonged periods
Ability to safely climb ladders while carrying 50 pounds
See also, Physical Demands Task Sheet.

Working Conditions Primarily outdoors;

Ability to work in extreme weather
When working at home, desk conditions. 

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

Required Experience:
0-3+ years of service industry project management experience, or, 0-2+ years of specialist, technical experience with solar projects, BESS, or other renewable systems; Experience with data acquisition systems; veterans or military experienced candidates are strongly encouraged to apply; 

Preferred Experience:

0-2+ years technical experience as a field technician; Experience working with 600v-1500v systems; Strong knowledge of NEC, IEEE and current NFPA-70e requirements; Proficient with technology and computing programs/platforms; C&I/Utility Scale solar work experience; Experience with operations of solar sites and/or project maintenance and compliance.

Required Certifications, Licensures, Etc.

Current, Valid, Active Driver’s License and QE Approved Insurance Coverage; Personal Work Vehicle. 

Preferred Certifications, Licensures, Etc.

Inverter and/or BESS manufacturers’ certifications (e.g SunGrow, Power Electronics, Solectria, BYD, etc) a plus
Thermography certifications (Level 1)
IT/networking skills: Familiarity with RS485, Modbus, tcp/ip, etc.
NABCEP PV Installer Certification
Minimum OSHA 10/30 Certification
Completion of NFPA 70E courses
CPR/First Aid

Required Other Clean Background Check and Motor Vehicle Report 

Workplace Type: On-site
Salary Range: $25.00 - $35.00 per hour
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Pittsburgh, PA,  United States

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.

Job Tags

Hourly pay, Full time, Contract work, Work experience placement, For subcontractor, Remote work, Flexible hours,

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