Solar Engineer

Swift Current Energy, a renewable energy project developer, owner and operator (“Swift Current” or the “Company”) is seeking a Solar Design Engineer to support the Engineering team with all technical & engineering deliverables for solar PV, Wind, and BESS site designs including site evaluation, detail engineering, production modeling, execution and commissioning support. The Design Engineer will also coordinate with AHJs, utilities, Engineer of Record (EORs) subcontractors, major equipment vendors, and customers. The Company has primary offices in Boston and Houston; this role may be based in either location, with a strong preference for the Houston area.

The Design Engineer role provides a great opportunity to join a successful, high-performing, and rapidly growing renewable energy company. We value and reward initiative and emphasize a strong commitment to our employees and their responsibilities to their families. This position affords an excellent opportunity for professional growth, working alongside industry experts and leaders. Additional information on Swift Current, our projects, and our team is available at www.swiftcurrentenergy.com.

Job Scope:

As a Design Engineer, you’ll provide support to the multi-disciplinary engineering team in designing complete engineering design packages, performing calculations, developing engineering solutions, and reviewing design packages up to the commissioning. The Design Engineer will also be responsible for providing technical & engineering insight during the design phase related to site layout, energy modeling, contract review, electrical design, civil design, and equipment specification. They must be able to act independently during small or early-stage pursuits and assist in the management of electrical & control systems for power plants and develop wiring diagrams.

The primary responsibilities of the Design Engineer include the following:

• Prepare conceptual & detailed phases of renewable energy projects
• Support the engineering process by monitoring the design and ensuring that the engineering subcontract is timely & correct. Ensure the design meets the requirements of the EPC contract.
• Support internal/external stakeholders by providing complete design packages including but not limited to power system analyses, single line and 3-line diagrams and system drawings.
• Assist in overseeing the SCADA system design & configuration, graphic interfaces, and customer requirements.
• Conduct detailed technical evaluations and quality assurance checks on solar PV, Wind and BESS projects.
• Perform basic site-specific production analysis using models such as PVsyst, Open Wind and TYBA, NREL SAM. PVlib is a plus.
• Create & maintain design tools, design/drawing standards, specifications, and best practices for system design.
• Support all transmission and interconnection team with technical aspects of project

The expected travel for this position is 15%. Job responsibilities may evolve based on Company needs and individual career growth. This role reports to the Engineering Manager

Education and Experience Requirements

• BS in Electrical Engineering or an advanced engineering degree or relevant area of study
• PE Electrical Engineering (or EIT) preferred
• At least four (4) years of experience with the design/installation of medium voltage and low voltage power distribution within power plants or industrial facilities.
• At least three (3) years of experience in design of utility-scale solar PV
• Other experience working on renewable technologies is beneficial.
• Proficient with and understanding PVSyst solar performance modeling software.
• Strong understanding of 3-phase power systems and balance of system components for solar PV.
• Ability to size and specify main solar system equipment such as solar modules, inverters and racking, and other main components such as GSU transformer, HV equipment, MV switchgear, step-up transformers, switchboards, panelboards.
• Working knowledge of system and equipment grounding requirements (high resistance, building, and isolated grounding).
• Strong knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NEC, ANSI, NEMA, NFPA, IEEE, & OSHA).
• Understanding of generation and power factor correction.
• Experience with ETAP or SKM or similar software for performing short-circuit, coordination, and flash hazard studies is a plus.
• Strong AutoCAD skills for plant layouts and cable designs.
• Experience with project optimization based on LCOE and LCOS analyses using top-notch engineering tools and software
• Strong understanding of solar, wind and BESS project component, system sizing and structure
• Current authorization to live and work in the U.S.

Personal Characteristics:

• Self-motivated with a personal drive to succeed
• Collaborative and capable of working across a geographically dispersed team
• Passion and excitement for the renewable energy sector
• Motivated by the opportunity to build and create – from the process to the project level
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Rational decision-making and problem-solving ability.
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy.
• Team player with good interpersonal skills.
• Well organized and able to participate in projects and meet deadlines

Additional Details:

Swift Current provides a comprehensive salary and benefits package for full-time employees. Benefits include Company-paid medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, as well as paid time off and a 401K match. We also provide voluntary benefits including pre-tax programs such as commuter and transit, and Dependent Care and Health Savings Accounts. Employees may also participate in additional coverage such as Hospital Indemnity and Accident Insurance.

Please note that the compensation information that follows is a good faith estimate for this position only and is provided pursuant to federal, state and local regulations. The annual salary range for this position starts at $90,000 to $130,000; salary is commensurate with experience. Annual compensation also includes eligibility for a year-end performance-based bonus, awarded at management discretion.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled or the posting is removed.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of the individual’s actual or perceived disability, protected veteran status, race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other actual or perceived status protected by law.