Senior Project Engineer, Solar PV - Pattern Energy Group LP

Company Overview

Pattern Energy is a leading renewable energy company that develops, constructs, owns, and operates high-quality wind and solar generation, transmission, and energy storage facilities. Our mission is to transition the world to renewable energy through the sustainable development and responsible operation of facilities with respect for the environment, communities, and cultures where we have a presence. 

Our approach begins and ends with establishing trust, accountability, and transparency. Our company values of creative spirit, pride of ownership, follow-through, and a team-first attitude drive us to pursue our mission every day. Our culture supports our values by fostering innovative and critical thinking and a deep belief in living up to our promises.  

Headquartered in the United States, Pattern has a global portfolio of more than 35 power facilities and transmission assets, serving various customers that provide low-cost clean energy to millions of consumers.

Job Purpose
This role will be responsible for establishing overall project design basis (utility scale solar, BESS, and interconnections), oversee project engineering of primarily solar projects through the development, design, construction, and commissioning phases, and to provide successful hand off including necessary training to Operations Team to ensure ease of transition. Specifically, this position will work with Project Management teams (Pre-Construction and Construction) and external contractors to develop Utility Scale Solar PV design/construction packages including interconnection requirements, solar design requirements, solar array layouts, electrical one-lines, collection systems, collection system studies, module selection, string sizing, ground coverage ratio, inverter selection, inverter power factor requirements, inverter loading ratio, equipment installation details and cable sizing for Utility Scale Solar PV systems that may also include Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).  

Key Accountabilities

For Projects in Design Phase:

• Lead solar project design from conception to final construction working closely with project manager, EPC contractor and Engineer of Record to ensure project success.
• Work closely with assigned project managers as their technical partner to help them navigate through all the technical challenges including identifying gaps with a good understanding of scope, schedule, and stakeholders.
• Establish Interconnection Design Requirements utilizing Interconnection and PPA requirements.
• Establish Basis of Design for Solar PV plant and/or BESS
• Perform energy performance modelling using PVSyst software. Working knowledge of NREL SAM and Plant Predict is preferred.
• Review string size calculations and ampacity studies using Cymcap, Excel or other equivalent software per NEC requirements.
• Perform reviews of geotechnical reports to determine rho values, moisture contents, temperatures and ampacity of AC and DC cabling.
• Review short circuit calculations to determine proper short circuit ratings of equipment and cabling.
• Use Excel spreadsheets and calculations to size Solar PV systems and BESS.
• Review grounding studies conducted in CDEGS utilizing previous working knowledge of the software.
• Work with internal team and contractors to develop solar PV and BESS design/construction packages including solar array layouts, electrical one-lines, collection systems, collection system studies, and equipment installation details for Utility Scale Solar PV systems and BESS.
• Review and approve high voltage substation, medium voltage collection, and PV plant drawing packages at various stages of the design (30%, 60%, 90%, IFC, As-Built).
• Interface with utilities, contractors, vendors, testers, regulators, independent engineers and internal SCADA/IT teams, and various departments within Pattern to address all technical concerns, deliverables, along with any issues and challenges encountered during the project, and to ensure design deliverables and schedules meet project stakeholders’ requirements.
• Prepare equipment specifications for major equipment with the help of consultants as needed.
• Review electrical calculations including, but not limited to, load flow, grounding, short circuit, arc flash, ampacity or others as required.

For Projects in Construction Phase:

• Field support during construction for design questions or design modifications
• Project site visits ~approximately 3-4 trips per project
• Support project through testing and commissioning activities including developing comprehensive site test plans, review production and performance testing plans and test results.
• Develop a list of technical lessons learned throughout the projects' construction life cycle.
• Track deliverables throughout the project lifecycle (recording revisions, revision purposes, distribution, and transmittal histories).
• Participate and/or lead coordination meetings as needed.
• Review test reports for all systems and equipment to ensure reliable operation through energization.
• Ensure proper documentation for adequate hand-off to Ops Engineering and Compliance teams.

For Projects in Development Phase:

• Provide technical support to pre-construction project managers during the development phase, reviewing facility design, layout drawings and revising contract technical exhibits to incorporate lessons learned during EPC RFP development process.
• Stay on top of latest NEC changes.
• Read technical articles and attend Solar PV/ BESS training to keep up with latest products, design techniques, and construction strategies.
• Develop and/or update Solar PV design standards, toolsets, and work processes.
• Develop new technology evaluation methods and standards for solar/BESS.
• Maintain an open mind for new ideas, stay creative and constantly push boundaries of the possible.

Education / Experience / Qualifications Required

Educational Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering is required as a minimum.
• PE license or ability to get license within 1 year.

Work Experience

• 7 years or more experience as Solar project lead engineer, preferably in Utility Scale power projects.
• Completed design engineering and construction support of greenfield Utility Scale Solar PV projects for at least 3 different solar plants with 3 separate major inverter, tracker and module manufacturers.
• Experience working with and knowledge of National Electrical Code, National Electrical Safety Code and NFPA 70E
• Experience in reviewing 30%, 60%, 90% drawings as related to Solar projects.
• Experience working with Contractors and Vendors.
• Experience in utility scale BESS is preferable.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong technical capabilities and a creative, curious, self-driven work ethic.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in carrying out projects and tasks with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work well in and/or lead cross functional teams with little supervision or oversight.
• Ability to travel frequently (Up to 20% travel)
• Additional experience in utility scale wind plant project will be an asset.

Technical Skills

• Expert knowledge of medium- and high-voltage substation electrical equipment and transmission design; basic knowledge of, and ability to apply, pertinent industry standards and codes, including those of the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE), National Electric Safety Code (NESC), and ANSI (American National Standards Institute); familiarity with programming and operation of microprocessor relays.
• Expert knowledge of NEC Article 690.
• Proficient in Cymcap, PVSyst and related solar performance modelling software.
• Proficient in optimizing PV layouts with tools such as SIFT.
• Experience in solar PV project design (with preferably added experience in BESS).
• Experience on module applicability related to extreme weather, including but not limited to hail, hurricanes, seismic, etc.
• Experience in module/racking system test reports, and/or test procedures
• Ability to occasionally perform physical requirements including standing, sitting, walking, kneeling, twisting, reaching, and climbing at project locations in order to inspect equipment or collect information.
• Ability to perform and review basic electrical discipline mathematical calculations and electrical protection designs, interfacing closely with Engineering and Construction teams and consultants to ensure proper PV system design and operation.
• Ability to read and understand plans, specifications, drawings, and documents relating to engineering and construction, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, and wiring diagrams.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Self-starter, and naturally motivated to work hard and accomplish goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and proven ability to learn new software programs.

The expected starting pay range for this role is $103,000 USD - $139,000 in local currency. This range is an estimate and base pay may be above or below the ranges based on several factors including but not limited to location, work experience, certifications, and education. In addition to base pay, Pattern’s compensation program includes a bonus structure for full-time employees of all levels. We also provide a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, voluntary benefits, family care benefits, employee assistance program, paid time off and bonding leave, paid holidays, 401(k)/RRSP retirement savings plan with employer contribution, and employee referral bonuses.

Pattern Energy Group LP is an equal opportunity employer.

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