Solar Energy & Storage Engineer III

Job Description

This position will be to act as PSE project engineer for new distributed energy resource projects including, but not limited to, solar, battery storage systems, and EV charging stations. Senior Engineer will assist in the review and recommendation request for proposals from contractors for the design, construction, and maintenance of the DER facilities. Provides professional engineering service and support in the planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and analysis of PSE facilities and assets. Schedules and coordinates major segments of complex projects to meet cost and time objectives. Reviews design and documentation to ensure compliance with PSE expectations. Interprets and applies existing guidelines and engineering principles, practices, and theories toward the completion of assignments involving a substantial degree of complexity, with many interrelated elements requiring considerations not previously encountered. Supports the continued development of PSE’s engineering workforce by sharing knowledge with others. Supports emergency response operations when needed.

Upholds the safety compliance standards inherent in PSE’s operating and/or field procedures related to work responsibilities. Promotes and supports a culture of total safety.

This position may be subject to random DOT drug and/or alcohol testing.

Demonstrates commitment to conduct business honestly, ethically and consistent with our core values and Code of Conduct.  Ensures duties are performed in accordance with all regulatory compliance obligations.

Job Responsibilities

• Acts as project engineer for new distributed energy resource (DER) projects.
• Review and provide feedback on request for proposals for DER projects.
• Provide design recommendations for how DER will interconnect with the utility grid.
• Interprets and/or modifies available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
• Prepares complex designs, standards, studies and analyses.
• Provides a detailed design review of internal or external technical documents.
• Prepares cost estimates and evaluations for project alternatives with minimal supervision.
• Plans and develops project budgets with appropriate documentation.
• Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
• Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work, and initiate corrective action.
• Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth and breadth of skills within the department’s engineering workforce.
• Ensures that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment.
• Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
• May lead or coordinate the work of junior engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, and others who assist on specific projects. (This includes contractor/consultants.)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree or PE license in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering field.
• Substantial experience in planning, design, specification preparation, technical field work, project cost estimating and scheduling (typically achieved after 5 or more years practice as a degreed engineer). Years of acquired experience is provided as a guide and alone does not constitute readiness for job level as individual’s skill acquisition rates can vary significantly.
• Demonstrated organization, documentation, prioritization, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• NABCEP Certifications (PVIP or PVDS preferred).
• Experience with PV systems design.
• Experience reviewing and evaluating Request for Proposals (RFPs) for PV and other Distributed Energy projects.
• Experience working in the utility industry.
• Familiar with codes and equipment utilized in the design and operation of utility systems.
• Possession of a Professional Engineering license.
• Knowledge of engineering economics and utility accounting practices.
• Experience working on complex engineering projects.

Additional Information