Engineer, Renewables

Description North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation (Advanced Energy) is a nonprofit energy consulting firm headquartered on NC State University’s Centennial Campus in Raleigh, NC. We strive to ensure that energy is clean, affordable, reliable, efficient and safe for all people. We work with electric utilities; state, federal and local governments; manufacturers and a variety of public and private partners in five markets: residential, commercial and industrial, motors and drives, renewables and electric transportation.

At Advanced Energy, we know that our organization thrives only when our employees are valued and supported. You will be aided in your career goals and be put in a position to excel. You’ll work on teams that promote idea sharing and challenge you to learn and expand your expertise. You’ll also be encouraged to seek work-life balance, with flexible hybrid schedules and an array of leave options so you can spend time with family and pursue personal interests.

We are also committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. Our staff is the most valuable resource we have, and we appreciate that our employees come from varied backgrounds, cultures and experiences. By providing a supportive and respectful environment that promotes creativity and collaboration, Advanced Energy makes a lasting, positive difference in all of the work we do.

Benefits – Visit our website for more information and a full list of employee benefits – www.advancedenergy.org.

Position Overview

Advanced Energy provides independent engineering services for utility scale renewable energy resources connected to the transmission and distribution grids. We are seeking candidates who are passionate about ensuring the safety and reliability renewable energy systems interconnected with the grid.

The ideal candidate will have an engineering background in the energy industry and knowledge about the electric power industry including transmission and distribution grids. This position will work with an internal team of engineers to provide consulting services and commissioning for renewable energy integration to the grid. The position requires strong technical knowledge and collaboration with external stakeholders including utility clients, renewables developers, and subcontractors.

Essential Functions

Engineering Support

• Assists in or may lead limited facility reviews and studies or site assessments to locate opportunities for improvements in productivity, quality and efficiency
• Assess aspects of the quality of design, construction, and operation for energy technologies according to a defined standard
• Assist in performing quality control, recommending solutions, defining and interpreting the importance of the implementation of corrective measures
• Assist in performing design reviews including load calculations, energy performance analysis or design documentation
• Troubleshoot specific problems at facilities to improve performance, productivity and customer satisfaction
• Perform engineering analysis and present concise results to customers
• Provide hands on assistance in deploying new technologies in the field
• Help establish equipment selection and measurement tools and techniques
• Prepare reports and documentation delineating tasks, analysis, test results, and recommendations for further action
• Create and conduct workshops and presentations
• Assist in designing and developing products and services that take advantage of new knowledge generated by applied research and engineering studies
• Assist in coordinating applied research studies on a national basis, consulting with other organizations and experts
• Assist in analyzing technology, resource needs, and market demand, to plan and assess the feasibility of projects
• Acquire data from field/lab instruments and process into useful information
• Work to establish a demand for further applied research and engineering studies

Technical Expertise

• Develop and maintain own technical and professional knowledge by attending workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and participating in professional societies. Keep up with new technologies being deployed relevant to work
• Recommend improved procedures such as workflow, testing/calibration procedures, etc.
• Develop expertise through targeted development activities and new job experiences
• Communicate with external clients
• Exercise problem solving skills and take on new learning while working with customers and other industry professionals

Project Management

• Participate on project teams
• Establish and adhere to project scope, timeline and budget
• Coordinate and direct projects or tasks, making detailed plans to accomplish goals and directing the integration of technical activities

External Contacts

• Develop and maintain client relationships
• Work to promote business opportunities with both new and repeat clients
• Help clarify and evaluate technical aspects of service requests from customers
• Consult with clients to prepare project specifications
• Assist with preparing proposals, contracts and cost estimates
• Explain technical aspects of proposals, reports and finding to clients
• Prepare technical papers and presentations that highlight our capabilities to potential customers

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or relevant technical field and 4-6 years of technical work experience preferably in the energy field, construction or building science, industrial/commercial buildings, electric/alternative transportation, solar or distributed energy resources is required. An equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience may be considered.
• Experience can include internships, co-ops, etc.
• Proficient skill level of Microsoft Office Products
• Problem solving and data interpretation skills; strong written and oral communication skills; ability to work in teams as well as independently; organization, time management and attention to detail; ability to plan and deliver projects; ability to develop and adhere to project budget; commitment to excellent customer service; technical writing and research skills
• Ability to independently cultivate relationships and networks

Preferred Qualifications

• 5 years of engineering experience in renewables, distributed energy resources or working with electric utilities
• Knowledge of planning, design, interconnection, construction, and commissioning of utility scale renewable generation facilities including inverter-based resources (IBRs) and energy storage systems
• Experience with electric grid modeling at the distribution and/or transmission level
• Familiarity with industry standards such as National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), IEEE 1547-2018 and IEEE 2800-2022; North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Reliability Guidelines and Standards
• Ability to maintain customer relationships and confidence and interact with multiple stakeholders

Physical Demands/Work Conditions

In this role, the person will hold a valid NC driver’s license and travel 30-50% of the time to interface with customers. Some positions or projects could require more and occasionally for periods up to a week. The individual may frequently have to ascend and descend a ladder or crawl or kneel in small and contained spaces to perform inspections, collect data and/or detect errors. Must be able to work in industrial environments (plants and labs) or construction sites and follow company and/or customer safety protocols. Must be able to work in excessive hot or cold temperatures for short periods of time. Position could require exposure to the elements and wearing personal protective equipment.

Employment Type

This is a hybrid, exempt full-time position. There may be occasions where the hours of work may vary, be irregular, and be reasonably required to meet the goals of the organization. This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive and is subject to change. It is not an implied contract of employment.

To apply click HERE or copy and paste address into browser – https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Details/2726894/North-Carolina-Advanced-Energy-Corporation/Engineer-Renewables. Cover letter and resume preferred.

North Carolina Advanced Energy Corporation is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and provide fair and equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and all other protected statuses under federal, state or local laws. All employment decisions are based on job-related requirements.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our website, you may request a reasonable accommodation to express interest in a specific opening. You can request reasonable accommodation by sending an email to [email protected].