Utility Solar Electrical SME

Utility Scale Solar Electrical SME

• *Please note that this is a remote position with up to 50% travel**

Position Summary The Senior Technical SME – Utility-Scale Solar provides specialized technical leadership and advisory across the entire life cycle of utility-scale PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects. This role bridging development, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) to ensure projects are bankable, optimized, compliant with safety/quality standards, and delivered on time and on budget. The SME acts as the final technical authority on key design, procurement, and construction decisions, ensuring lessons learned from operating assets are incorporated into new designs. Key Responsibilities 1. Development & Feasibility (Early to Late Stage)

• Site Due Diligence: Evaluate site constraints, and provide input on land acquisition, topography, and environmental constraints.
• Interconnection Strategy: Support the interconnection process, reviewing interconnection studies, and collaborating with utilities to finalize substation/gen-tie requirements.
• Technology Assessment: Evaluate and select appropriate PV modules, trackers, inverters, and BESS components, maintaining a detailed library of technology specifications.
• Energy Yield Optimization: Work with energy modeling teams to optimize layout, technology selection, and site configuration for maximum ROI.
• RWE +2

2. Engineering & Procurement (Pre-Construction)

• EPC Contractor Management: Lead the technical review of EPC drawing packages, technical specifications, and contract exhibits.
• Value Engineering: Optimize designs to drive competitiveness via technical solutions that reduce CAPEX.
• Bidding Support: Support the Procurement team in the RFP process, evaluating EPC bids to ensure compliance with technical specs and project requirements.
• Permitting & Compliance: Coordinate with environmental, legal, and permitting teams to secure necessary approvals and ensure design compliance with local/federal regulations.
• RWE +4

3. Construction & Commissioning

• Field Support: Act as the internal technical liaison to the construction site team, resolving complex RFIs and construction challenges.
• Quality Assurance (QA/QC): Develop and implement Site-Specific Quality Management Plans (SSQMP), reviewing subcontractor work and equipment installation.
• Commissioning Oversight: Lead or support the commissioning and energization process, including testing of subsystems and final turnover of systems.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify potential schedule or construction risks, implementing mitigation strategies in coordination with field management.
• RWE +4

4. Operational Transition & Post-COD

• Closeout Management: Oversee punch list resolution and ensure all as-built documentation, O&M manuals, and warranties are transferred to the owner.
• Operational Feedback: Analyze data from operating assets to provide feedback on equipment performance, updating design standards for future projects.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical), Construction Management, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in the renewable energy industry, with at least 3-5 years specifically focused on utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS projects.
• Project Lifecycle: Demonstrated experience supporting projects from greenfield/development phase through construction and into operations.
• Technical Knowledge: Deep understanding of PV plant construction means, methods, electrical design (NEC/IBC codes), tracking systems, and substation components.
• Additional: Must have experience working with ISO's (preferably ERCOT) throughout the US, understanding their standards and standard application. Must have experience working through project execution supporting field teams and technical engineering in the field.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with high-voltage (HV) substation design and interconnection.
• Strong familiarity with EPC contract structures and change order management.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build consensus among diverse teams

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