Senior Project Engineer - CAISO

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The Senior Project Engineer, Utility, CAISO will be responsible for the design and engineering of large, utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV), battery energy storage (BESS) projects in late-stage development, construction, and operation within the CAISO region. Responsibilities include management of third-party engineers, design reviews, technical services, contract document development and negotiation, procurement specification preparation, punch list development, and other technical support activities.

The Senior Project Engineer will join a team of utility-scale project execution engineers reporting to the CAISO region engineering manager and serve as the single point-of-contact for technical and engineering matters for all assigned projects.

The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in the development, analysis, and design of utility scale, transmission interconnected PV systems and battery storage systems. Experience with other renewable technologies including wind, green hydrogen, and hydroelectric is a plus. Excellent communication, task management and planning skills needed, in addition to technical breadth.

The position is at one of AES Clean Energy's offices or remote and will include up to 25% travel to project locations and partner offices.

Key Responsibilities

Project Execution

• Develop scopes of work and technical contract exhibits.
• Seek and evaluate proposals for engineering services.
• Manage engineering consultants and Engineer Procure Construct (EPC) contractors to develop project construction drawings and support materials.
• Perform technical project due diligence and project engineering design reviews.
• Coordinate feedback from internal stakeholders and subject matter experts (SMEs) on design reviews.
• Value engineer PV and BESS system designs to maximize reliability and reduce overall project cost.
• Establish/review technical specifications of owner furnished equipment in coordination with Procurement and Sourcing.
• Technical support during construction including:
  • Respond to contractor request for information (RFIs).
  • Perform quality assurance (QA)/ quality control (QC) checks in the field.
  • Develop punchlists.
  • Support commissioning activities with internal Technology/Commissioning teams and external stakeholders.
  • Review commissioning reports and analyze system performance.
• Support internal Owner's Engineering team through financing activities.
• Support Operations/Asset Management teams to resolve technical issues at operating sites.
• Assist Development and Project Management teams with budget development and key financial inputs.

Growth and Leadership

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives for the execution of safe, quality, and high-performance projects.
• Mentor and educate team on changing trends in technology, best practices, and safety.
• Review recent technology and companies for Approved Vendor List inclusion.

Safety

• Attend site safety walks and identify jobsite hazards.
• Lead by example.

Skills and Qualifications

Primary Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or equivalent technical field.
• 7+ years professional experience in energy system design, project or land development, and/or construction.
• 2+ years of experience in project management and/or consulting.
• Electrical design experience including 1-line and 3-line diagram conventions, NEC conductor sizing, overcurrent protection sizing, utility disconnecting means requirements, equipment selection, grounding methodologies and short circuit current analysis.
• Stormwater and grading experience with an understanding of permitting constraints and limitations.
• Experience with medium voltage collector system design.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Ability to manage third party consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficient with MS Office Suite.
• Direct project experience with Procore.

Plus Qualifications

• Graduate degree in engineering
• EIT or PE qualifications
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification
• Experience with ETAP, SKM, PVsyst and other advanced modeling tools
• Substation/High Voltage design experience
• Civil/structural/SCADA/commissioning engineering design experience
• Fluency in Spanish

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including market competitive medical, dental, vision, life, market leading 401(K), generous Paid Time Off (PTO), and parental leave.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $115,000 and $140,250/Annual; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements such as annual bonus, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.