Solar Energy Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Scope of Job 
PowerFlex, an EDF power solutions company, is a leading national provider of intelligent onsite energy solutions that support cost-effective and low-carbon electrification and transportation. We deliver integrated solar, storage, EV charging, and microgrid systems, to businesses and organizations. As a single full-service provider, PowerFlex customizes clean technology solutions to help clients achieve their energy and sustainability goals. Through the comprehensive PowerFlex X platform, based on proprietary technology, PowerFlex leverages patented smart software to control, monitor, and optimize a client's distributed energy resources to reduce cost and maximize return on investment. Our technology is deployed at scale to prominent commercial customers such as Adobe, DHL, Prologis, Target, and municipalities such as County of LA. PowerFlex is a top 5 provider in each of Commercial Solar, Storage and EV Charging in the US. 
The Strategic Buyer will be responsible for strategic sourcing, contract management & support, documentation compliance, and data analytics for PowerFlex solar & energy storage projects.  The Strategic Buyer will work closely with Procurement leadership, Project Managers, and Engineering team members to evaluate suppliers, qualify products, and track timely delivery of materials.  The Strategic Buyer should have a personality that thrives in a varied and fast-paced environment. 
Location
This role would be required to be a hybrid role out of our San Diego, CA office.

THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY AND THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY 8/30/26.

Responsibilities 
Strategic Sourcing – 30% 

• Manage vendors, contract negotiations, RFPs, and vendor selection in solar categories. 
• Conduct market research to identify new sources of materials and maintain a comprehensive Approved Vendors List.  
• Develop strong relationships with suppliers and coordinate purchasing and deliveries effectively between teams.  

Purchasing – 20%

• Generate and issue bulk purchase orders for key equipment within Solar, Battery Storage, Switchgear, and Balance-of-Plant categories to ensure availability for project sites and fulfilment operations at optimal cost and quality.  
• Engage in intelligent purchasing practices which minimize risk and ensure compliance with corporate purchasing governance.  
• Monitor and manage supplier performance by tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing corrective actions where necessary.  
• Drive cost-saving initiatives including supplier negotiations, process improvements, and product redesigns.  
• Monitor and reconcile purchase orders, invoices, and payment records.  

Contract Management & Support – 20% 

• Support Associate Director, Procurement on contract negotiations, redlines, and executions.  This includes contract management primarily for Solar subcategory, Linear Generation subcategory, and Customer category, with limited focus on Warehousing and BESS categories, as required. 
• Negotiate and manage contracts to ensure compliance with established terms and conditions, industry standards and company policies.  
• Support Procurement Management on contract negotiations with suppliers to ensure the best value for the company.  
• Support Procurement Management on Requests for Information, Qualification, and Proposals  
• Coordinate with internal teams responsible for warehouse management and releases to project sites.  
• Address and resolve any issues or conflicts with vendors in a timely manner.  

Documentation Compliance – 15%

• Manage vendor setup including software system setup, master service agreements, and accounting requirements  
• Contribute to the development of procurement policies, procedures, and best practices to improve efficiency and effectiveness of the procurement function.  
• Maintain and distribute accurate and up-to-date procurement records and reports.  

Data Analytics – 15%

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Procurement, Estimating, Fulfillment, Engineering, Project Management, and Business Development to ensure accurate cost information and timely delivery of materials.  
• Perform quantitative analysis on bids and quotes to compare vendor offerings and construct market insights.  
• Coordinate with the accounting department to ensure timely and accurate payment processing for vendors.  
• Provide regular reports and updates to the Procurement Manager on purchasing activities and vendor performance. 
• Excels at building tools that help automate high-volume tasks. 

Qualifications
Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.  
• 2+ years of experience in procurement or strategic buying. 
• Experience or desire to operate in the renewable energy or electric vehicle charging industry. 
• Experience sourcing electrical equipment a plus 
• Experience with supply chain & manufacturing modules of Oracle NetSuite a plus. 

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to analyze complex data and make informed decisions. 
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. 
• Knowledge of sourcing and procurement strategies, processes, and best practices. 
• Familiarity with ERP systems and their integration with procurement processes. 
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. 
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality. 

Compensation
The pay range for this position is $80,190 - $98,010 annually. This position is eligible for PowerFlex's comprehensive Health and Welfare plans including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. The total compensation for this position may include an annual performance bonus (or other incentive compensation, as applicable). PowerFlex's compensation packages carefully consider a candidate's qualifications, experiences, and education in relation to the position.
Physical Requirements  

• Remaining in a seated position. Long hours on computer keyboard. Prolonged periods of standing and/or walking. 
• Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 25 pounds occasionally 

Working Conditions 
Approximately 90% of the time is spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and Adobe etc.), telephones, and general office equipment.  Possibly 10% of the time is spent traveling to conferences or meetings or field traveling to project or supplier sites. 

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Applicant Certification and Acknowledgment
By submitting this application, you are certifying that all information provided is true and complete to the best of your knowledge. You understand that any false, misleading, or omitted information may disqualify you from consideration for employment or result in termination if already employed. You also release the company from any liability resulting from your failure to provide accurate information.

DEI Statement
Our company-wide approach to diversity, equity and inclusion is focused on our workplace, community and business outcomes. We believe Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is a key component to our mission of delivering renewable solutions and leading the transition to a sustainable energy future. As such, we strive to become a workplace that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Our aspiration is to build a culture of belonging and accountability by creating opportunities for growth and continuous learning to ensure progress.

EEO Statement
PowerFlex is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibit discrimination based on age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

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Special Accommodation Language
If you require assistance or accommodation while seeking employment with PowerFlex, please contact Human Resources at (209) 227-1511 or hr@powerflex.com. Please note that these communication alternatives are for accommodation requests and not for general employment inquiries.

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