Analyst, Optimization Engineering

ABOUT AVANTUS

Avantus is shaping the future by making reliable, low-cost clean energy a global reality. Our legacy of leadership in next generation solar energy includes developing one of the nation’s largest solar clusters and one of the first projects to beat fossil fuel prices back in 2016. Today, we are expanding the boundaries of existing technologies to build one of the largest portfolios of smart power plants with integrated storage, capable of providing millions of people with affordable, zero-emission energy – day and night. Through our relentless pursuit of better, we are decarbonizing our planet at the gigaton level, and bringing the advantages of clean energy to all of us.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Analyst, Optimization Engineering supports projects across all stages of development, and the entire pipeline. This person supports energy modeling, design optimization and portfolio analytics throughout the full development process. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Technical Modeling
  • Create and run energy models for projects using PVsyst, SAM and other internal tools
  • Iterate on existing tools to develop new features based on evolving needs from different teams 
  • Support expansion of new Avantus products and services
• Project Optimization Efforts
  • Support senior optimization engineering team members in designing projects with lowest LCOE/LCOS. Model and assess project optimization work.
  • Collaborate with development, land, engineering and estimating functions to incorporate site and equipment selection feedback into project designs
  • Help assess early-stage design trade-offs for site specific and regional guidance (considering factors such as DC/AC loading, GCR, equipment, land cost, expected COD year, etc)
  • Identify and model site specific conditions such as meteorological data, soiling, shading and other onsite conditions that may impact design and production
  • Utilize statistical methods to improve modeling precision
  • Help characterize trends through modelling and assessment of optimization drivers, levers and breakpoints on project, design and equipment assessment.
• Portfolio Analytics
  • Work cross-functionally to collect and ensure quality data inputs for project and portfolio assessments
  • Generate internal and external reports to allow management and leadership to make critical decisions 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Entry level (0-2 years industry experience) 
• Degree in Engineering related field
• Basic understanding of computer programming (Python) 
• Working Proficiency in Microsoft office suite (Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook) 
• Drive to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong motivation to work on climate change solutions
• Basic understanding of solar energy modeling using tools such as PVsyst, SAM etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills    

NICE TO HAVES

• Technical background in modules, inverters and/or battery technology a plus 
• Understanding of utility-scaled solar and storage project development process is a plus
• Experience in computer programming (ideally Python) 

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