Commercial Design Engineer - Solar - Gpac

Commercial Design Engineer within the Solar Industry

We are seeking an experienced PV design engineer to fill a key position within a fast-growing company. Call me today at 605-705-3981 or email derrik.vanlaere@gogpac.com  

• Under the direction of the Vice President of Engineering and in full compliance with the associate handbook and all
  applicable laws, rules, and regulations, the Design Engineer III shall design and develop site plans and electrical drawings for
  solar PV projects considering geography, physical layouts, solar racking type, solar panel and inverter type, interconnection
  phase/voltage, service size, electrical design, project constraints, project goals, and relevant codes. Design Engineer III will
  take the initial system concept from the sales team and translate them into fully detailed construction-ready designs.
  Position will coordinate with multiple team members and customers daily. Design Engineer III will lead project designs with
  external partners based on scope and project requirements.

  Major Responsibilities of Position
  • Calculations & design for PV systems – mainly dealing with physical racking layouts (roof and ground), AC/DC
  electrical design, DC stringing, NEC code compliance, utility requirement compliance, fire / building code compliance,
  and project requirements
  • Design relay protection schemes and SCADA controls based on utility and project requirements
  • Develop purchase specifications for medium voltage equipment and assist the purchasing department with
  technical support as needed
  • Lead design projects that require design support for external partners
  • Perform Arc Flash calculations
  • Accurate BOM preparation of electrical and racking components
  • Overseeing project execution from design phase to job completion
  • Utilization of custom software tools to design PV ground mounted and roof top systems (Aurora, PVCad)
  • Perform accurate system sizing calculations
  • Create electrical single/three-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems, using
  computer-aided design (AutoCAD experience preferred)
  • Run production (PVWatts, PVSyst, etc.) reports for system production estimates
  • Develop optimal designs with SLD, PML, conduit and wire scheduling, routing and equipment plans
  • Execute designs that adhere to grid compliance and permitting requirements
  • Coordinate with Sales team to develop complete proposal packages
  • Work across functionally with sales, project management, and installation teams to ensure clients’ needs and
  internal deadlines are met
  • Troubleshoot design and construction issues in the field
  • Make recommendations to company leadership for continuous improvement
  • Occasional travel, as needed to ensure the quality of system installation
  • Required to successfully pursue NABCEP Professional certification
  • All other duties, responsibilities, and activities as assigned

  Rights
  • Make basic decisions related to the PV system design, ensuring communication of concerns and response to the VP
  of Engineering

  Personal Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes):

  • Ability to perform each essential duty satisfactorily
  • Ability to communicate effectively and constructively with other team members and disciplines both verbally and in
  written form
  • Familiarity with NEC codes and basic electrical calculations for PV design
  • Ability to complete assignments both effectively and efficiently
  • Ability to interpret relevant industry codes, processes, and understand products in an engineering capacity.
  • Must be able to represent Company in a professional manner to owners, contractors, vendors, tradeshow attendees, and any other contacts outside the Company.
  • Excellent computer skills required including Microsoft Office suite, email etiquette, and design software
  • Willingness to pursue industry certifications and further education

  Physical demands:
  • Ability to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
  • Ability to talk and hear.
  • Ability to climb stairs and/or ladders.
  • Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  • Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception,
  and ability to adjust focus
  • Ability to tolerate the above requirements for a minimum of 8 hours daily

  Work Environment:
  • Office Environment 100% of the time: Busy office with frequent interruptions and multi-tasking required; standard
  office equipment is available including Microsoft Office
  • Commercial Construction Setting occasionally: Job Site terrain and outdoor work with exposure to weather
  fluctuations in addition to construction site hazards
  • Occasional Travel Required: Position supports the installation of solar systems and may be required to travel to site
  to support installation.

  Educational and Certification Background:
  1 Associate degree in a relevant field required (engineering, math, physics, etc.).
  Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering degree preferred. Professional Engineer (PE) status in the State of Michigan Required
  2 Minimum 5+ years professional experience required; solar system design experience Required
  3 Valid State Driver’s License Required
  4 Basic knowledge of the solar PV markets Required
  5 OSHA10/30 Required
  6 NABCEP PV Installation Professional or PV Design Specialist Required

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.