Solar Project Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Electrical Project Engineer within Development Engineering team supports Engineering team in managing engineering requests for all projects in Development.  Project Engineer supports all aspects of electrical design for solar, energy storage, and other renewable technology projects for utility projects. The role includes a wide variety of diverse assignments such as: due diligence for IM&A, siting, feasibility studies, new technology evaluation, RFI support, proposal evaluation, conceptual design, design review, and CAPEX estimates.  Work requires familiarity with solar PV modules, batteries, combiner boxes, inverters, transformers, DC and AC collection systems. In addition, promote environmental stewardship and a health and safety-focused culture within the Engineering group.  Additional responsibilities include providing support to operating facilities as needed.

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Support all development projects for electrical engineering related queries including but not limited to, requests for CAPEX input, early Engineering and Construction related questions, support for interconnection queue in coordination with Transmission Interconnection and Engineering Execution team, etc. until the project achieves PPA investment approval
• Provide PV/MV engineering support to Solar Business Development Engineering and Storage Business Development Engineering groups
• Maintain active involvement in all phases of Development Engineering work related to electrical design including solar project siting, DC and AC collection system routing, project substation siting, generator lead line routing, interconnect switchyard siting, interface related to crossing exhibit and agreement, interconnection studies, and generator interconnection agreement
• Provide preliminary internal engineering needed to support the Development pipeline by creating conceptual design layouts and detailed single line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and site layouts in AutoCAD for utility interconnection applications, electrical permits, and EPC RFP documents
• Create model for renewable projects utilizing ETAP software
• Ensure that the electrical portion of the BoP / EPC and long lead equipment estimate are optimized by providing project layouts, and MV one-lines which reflect optimized layout, along with constructability and operability reflected in order to maximize Power Purchase Agreement award potential 
• Review and interpret design drawings, specifications, and documents related to project design
• Create and maintain a template library of drawings and calculations required for projects at the various stages of development and design
• Analyze complex engineering problems and offer effective and efficient resolutions in a timely manner while working on several projects at once
• Conduct value-engineering studies of alternative design approaches
• Maintain and improve existing scope of works, guidelines, specifications, schedule, and budget template
• Participate in project meetings and conference calls
• Review interconnection related documents including Feasibility Study, System Impact Study, Facility Study, Generator Interconnection Agreement, Interconnection Handbook, etc.  and coordinate with Execution Engineering Group to ensure requirement (including NERC and FERC) are communicated for a compliant project design.
• Assist Electrical Engineering Manager to oversee, guide, and manage the work of third-party consultants.
• Occasionally participate in meetings with utility and Independent System Operator and guide a discussion on project behalf
• Serve as an interface between the Engineering group and internal clients including Transmission Interconnection, Development, Construction, Operations, Environmental, Estimating, Energy Assessment, Health & Safety, Procurement, Legal, and Central Technical Direction, to facilitate interdepartmental relations
• Create and maintain databases and various reports to streamline internal processes
• Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies
• Work with Electrical Engineering Studies group and CTD (Central Technical Department) to support early stage electrical studies required in order to support Development, Transmission Interconnection, and Execution Engineering teams.
• Provides necessary technical documents including one-line, interconnection studies or agreement, design criteria and specification, etc. to support RFI and RFP release to potential construction contractor to gather intel for CAPEX refresh and potential contract award. 
• Reviews RFI responses and works with Estimation, Construction, Procurement, and Development to update CAPEX estimates as necessary
• Support technical review of any IM&A project by providing a technical memo
• Implement industry and company best practices consistent with the Central Technical Direction initiative
• Additional duties as required

Direct reports:  0 direct reports

Expenses: n/a

Travel: Willingness and ability to travel as needed (up to 20% travel anticipated, with prior approval)

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is required
• 3 – 5 years of planning, design, and engineering experience is required
• Renewable Energy experience is preferred
• Power utility experience is preferred
• Knowledge of industry standards and codes, including National Electric Code (NEC) Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), and ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
• Understanding of all applicable aspects of the electrical engineering discipline
• Knowledge of Power System software is preferred
• Proficiency with AutoCAD
• Knowledge of Microsoft Project and/or Primavera preferred
• Familiarity with ProjectWise document controls systems/processes a plus

Behavioral requirements:

• Strong technical, analytical, and quantitative skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Strong level of initiative and ability to work with limited supervision
• Strong organizational commitment and high attention to detail
• Strong leadership and time-management skills
• Demonstrated ability to provide support on multiple concurrent projects
• Ability to plan, schedule, track, and monitor project progress and budget
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills
• Ability to work successfully with a team daily in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability and willingness to travel and work extended hours as needed

Physical demands & working conditions:

• Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to frequently perform physical tasks including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching while on project sites; ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment
• Speech/Reading:  Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently and deliver a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
• Lifting: Ability to lift items weighing up to 20 pounds
• Vision/Hearing: Ability to understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form
• Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary
• Walking: Ability to walk several miles per day, including across unpaved and rough surfaces when on project sites