Director, Project Engineering (San Diego, CA) - The Planet Group

Scope of Job: The Director of Engineering is responsible for leading the engineering support to the North American Development and Implementation Teams. The position includes leadership of subject matter experts and oversight of the electrical, civil, structural, high voltage and SCADA design as well as any other engineering related activities.   Responsibilities:70% Team Management, Operational Performance, and Strategy

• Direct, manage, and mentor the team.  Prioritize tasks to align with business needs.  Provide oversight for the day-to-day activities of the team and provide guidance and strategic direction.
• Leads team of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) responsible for:
  • Serving as Owner’s Engineer in electrical, civil, structural, high voltage and SCADA; reviewing 10% through IFC designs, answering engineering RFIs, reviewing engineering submittals and transmittals. Includes activities from development stage through final completion and handover to the Asset Optimization team. Lead design reviews.
  • Maintaining engineering specifications for both project engineering and major project equipment (e.g., roads, structures, foundations, collector, power system studies, SCADA, substation, T-line, MPT, HSAT’s, inverters, etc.)
  • Managing studies including but not limited to; preliminary engineering studies (hydro, topo, Geotech, interconnection etc.).
  • Coordinate with the utility, ISO and off-taker on engineering deliverables, etc.  Coordinate with independent engineers.
• Qualify major project equipment such as transformers, horizontal single axis trackers and cable suppliers. Support procurement efforts.
• Ensure the team functions within the team developed goals, initiatives, objectives, priorities, continuous improvement plans, and align with broader objectives.
• Responsible to evaluate and define the proper tools, procedures, and processes to ensure maximum accuracy and efficiency.  Ensure code compliance and industry best practices within designs.
• Interface with technical and engineering teams globally.

25% Technical Support

• Engages external consultants / industry experts when specific skills (not available within the department) are needed or during increased workloads.
• Coordinate successful collaboration with other teams including Solar Engineering, Energy Storage Engineering, Project Management, Preconstruction, Construction, Procurement, Development, Asset Management and Performance & Reliability Engineering.
• Support the EPC RFP process.
• Supports Chief Engineer in reducing technical risk and achieving planned objectives critical to the company, cross-functional process improvement and formal technical reviews and approval for high-risk engineering projects/products.
• Provide technical expertise, solutions to problems, and recommendations for projects.
• Seek opportunities to improve the total cost of ownership for power plants through design, equipment, standards, methods, and/or operations.

5% - Other duties as assigned.
Supervision of Others:
9 Direct Reports

Qualifications: (Degree/Certifications/License/Experience/Specialized Knowledge/Skills)
Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical or Civil engineering.  Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant industry experience with minimum of 7 years in large scale renewable energy projects.
• Experience with Wind, PV and BESS grid scale projects. Experience with Hydrogen projects is a plus.
• Successful track record in managing several projects from implementation, throughout construction until COD.
• Requires diversified knowledge of relevant codes (e.g., IEEE, UL, NFPA, IEC), standards and engineering principles.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, with emphasis on Excel and MS Project
• Experienced in engineering software including ETAP, CYMCAP, Flow-2D and/or AutoCAD.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Highly motivated, creative, self-starter, and good team player.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal communication and management skills.
• Must possess the desire and capability to constantly learn and digest advanced concepts in engineering, programming, and mathematics.
• Must be able to work well with cross functional teams.
• Must have a strong desire for problem solving and deriving engineering solutions independently.
• Must be able to be comfortable and successful in a fast pace, high energy environment.
• Must have proven organizational skills with the ability to handle and lead multiple concurrent projects, track progress, and provide updates as necessary.
• Ability to perform quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Able to successfully work with contractors, vendors, and consultants.