Operations Performance Manager Jobs in Belleville, IL

Birch Creek Energy is a rapidly growing utility-scale solar development company focused on mid-market projects across multiple RTOs. Recently recapitalized and ranked #3 on Inc. 5000's list of Fastest Growing Companies (2023), the Company is actively building its independent power producer (IPP) platform and executing meaningful project M&A. With a team of approximately 60 professionals, Birch Creek seeks self-starters who share its commitment to accelerating solar development across the United States.

Birch Creek is seeking a Solar Performance Engineer to drive the technical oversight, performance optimization, and technical report management of our utility-scale solar and energy storage assets. This position plays a critical role in ensuring our operational fleet performs at or above expected technical benchmarks. The ideal candidate brings deep engineering expertise, strong analytical skills, and a data-driven mindset to drive performance excellence across our portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the VP of Operations, this role provides hands-on technical and analytical support across the operating solar and storage portfolio, helping to execute day-to-day performance, reporting, and O&M initiatives.

Performance & Strategy

• Support the VP of Operations in driving technical performance across the operating solar and storage portfolio.
• Help develop and execute strategies to optimize system performance, uptime, and longevity while minimizing operational risk.
• Work closely with asset management, development, and execution teams to support smooth handover of projects into operations.

Performance Monitoring, Optimization & O&M Management

• Monitor platforms (e.g., PowerFactors, AlsoEnergy) and analytics tools daily to maintain real-time visibility into system performance.
• Identify underperformance trends and root causes; work directly with O&M providers and internal teams to drive remediation.
• Support troubleshooting of technical issues across solar components (inverters, trackers, combiner boxes) and storage components (battery management systems, thermal management) in coordination with O&M providers.
• Coordinate with O&M providers on preventive and corrective maintenance activities to keep an effective maintenance program running.
• Track contractual obligations related to warranties, spare parts, and equipment servicing, and flag issues for follow-up.
• Assist with technical due diligence related to performance guarantees, warranties, and potential repowering.

Data, Reporting & Technology

• Help standardize and prepare technical reporting for internal stakeholders and external partners (e.g., investors, lenders).
• Maintain comprehensive asset records, including equipment specifications, warranties, outage history, and performance data.
• Support evaluation and implementation of monitoring, diagnostics, and asset management software.
• Use data tools (Python, SQL, Excel, Power BI, etc.) to build automation and streamline reporting and analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in technical operations or asset management of utility-scale solar (storage a plus).
• Deep understanding of PV system components, grid-tied systems, monitoring platforms, and performance modeling.
• Familiarity with SCADA/DAS systems and analytics platforms.
• Strong technical reporting and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, Excel, SQL).
• Experience managing O&M contracts and enforcing technical warranties/guarantees.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• NERC/FERC knowledge is a plus.

Benefits & Compensation

We take the health and happiness of our employees seriously and offer outstanding benefits:

• Company-funded and deeply subsidized benefit options for you and your family, effective the first day of the month following your start date.
• Work-life balance supported by our responsible PTO / Vacation program.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid maternity and child-bonding leave.
• A positive, collaborative, and diverse culture.
• Social events, both onsite and remote.

Birch Creek Energy offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, and performance bonus, commensurate with experience. The annual salary for the successful candidate will depend on skills, relevant and demonstrated experience, education, training and certifications, and other factors permitted by law.

Occasional travel may be required for site visits.
 
Birch Creek Energy is an equal opportunity employer.