Development Engineer

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A Development Engineer provides energy and resource modeling, engineering, optimization, design, and review of renewable energy projects and portfolios, specifically solar and solar plus storage projects. Designs will be developed, optimized, analyzed and reviewed using array optimization software, PVsyst, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, excel, among other tools. The role of the engineer is to support the development team (mix of engineering and development), RFP submittals, permitting applications, design drafting, and perform due diligence on greenfield, distributed generation and M&A project sites. The engineer will also analyze and design AC/DC-coupled and stand-alone battery systems to accompany solar energy systems. The engineer will design and optimize systems based on resource availability, EPC pricing estimates (engineer will provide quantities to EPC estimator), specified equipment, land costs, substation and gen-tie costs, while working with the relevant teams to refine and develop a project. 

The position is Remote or in Louisville, CO; San Francisco, CA or Salt Lake City, UT and may include up to 15% travel to project locations and partner offices, including international travel. 

Key Responsibilities 

Business Development Support 

• Energy production modeling for Utility Scale and DG projects in development (PVSYST & Helioscope) 

• Battery dispatch modeling for projects in development (Excel, Matlab) 

• Site evaluation (remote and in-person) for project suitability 

• Project pricing and value engineering exercises with an Estimator 

• Create preliminary plant designs, site layouts, single lines (Autocad, Sundat) 

• Create buildable areas utilizing GIS information, ALTA and environmental studies. 

• Recommend primary project equipment (inverters, PV modules, racking, batteries, etc.) 

• Technical diligence for new project opportunities, assessing accuracy and feasibility of third-party provided production estimates, site plans, documentation and meteorological data. 

• Support for RFPs, Greenfield Development, and Acquisition conceptual to 30% design studies. 

• Development of technical deliverables for RFP responses and proposals, both by self-performing, and coordinating external consultants 

Growth and Leadership 

• Improve and develop processes and products for more accurate and efficient evaluation of projects 

• Work with team on changing trends in project development 

• Work on and expand vendor review and approval process, leveraging Procurement team 

• Participate in growth planning process by contributing to continuous process improvement task forces and other strategic planning activities 

• Contributing to innovation 

Skills and Qualifications 

Primary Qualifications 

• Proficiency with MS Office applications, advanced Excel skills 

• Undergraduate degree in engineering or equivalent technical field 

• 4+ years of experience in renewable energy project development, design, analysis and construction 

• Proficiency with common renewable energy system modeling tools and packages, such as PVSYST, HOMER , SAM, and Helioscope 

• Proficiency with common CAD tools such as AutoCAD, Sundat 

“Plus” Qualifications 

• Proficiency with utility power systems 

• Master’s degree in engineering (MS) or business (MBA) 

• NABCEP PV Installation Professional or PV Design Specialist certification 

• OSHA 10hr or comparable job-site safety certification 

• Civil 3D/SketchUp/Skelion mastery 

• Spanish language skills 

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 $0 and $0/; 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.

Safety comes first at AES. To protect the health and safety of our people, customers, communities and partners, and to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards, AES requires all newly-hired people or current AES people applying for U.S.-based role(s), to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or be willing to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by their date of hire. Except where prohibited by law or not specifically covered in a collective bargaining agreement, new hires and transfers will be required to provide proof of vaccination during onboarding and periodically thereafter. This policy will comply with all applicable laws and is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local health authorities, as applicable.