DG Monitoring Center Supervisor

Job Description

QE Solar is one of the nation's largest independent solar and BESS operations and maintenance providers, with over 15 years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi-hundred MW utility solar projects and large standalone BESS systems. We're pure-play O&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing: keeping solar and storage assets running well. Our technicians carry broad OEM certifications, and our in-house capabilities span MV/HV electrical, vegetation management, engineering, and capital improvements, to streamline asset management for project owners.

Due to QE's expansive growth, we have the need to establish a monitoring center dedicated to the monitoring of our DG portfolio. The DG Monitoring Center will operate independently of the QE Control Center and is organizationally aligned to the DG business unit. The DG Monitoring Center will be responsible for real-time, remote monitoring & control of 4,000+ renewable generating assets.

The Monitoring Center Supervisor will lead the startup of the newly created DG Monitoring Center. Initial responsibilities will include development of Standard Operating Procedures, selection of DGMC personnel, establishing a shift rotation for DGMC personnel, establishment of KPIs, etc. Long term responsibilities will include ongoing management / supervision of DGMC personnel, ownership of monitoring center software applications (SaaS & Enterprise), ongoing process improvement, ownership of monitoring center KPIs.

The Monitoring Center Supervisor is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours per week. Due to the 24/7 nature of the DGMC, the DG Monitoring Center Supervisor is expected to be available to support the needs of their direct reports. The supervisor may be required to work outside of "normal business hours" during periods of abnormal operating conditions or at the direction of management. The supervisor may be required to work on shift (Day/Night/On-Call/Holidays/Weekends) in the case of staffing shortages & needs.

Travel Requirements

• Less than 5%
• Must have reliable transportation to and from the QE Solar's Scottsdale, AZ office.
• Must live within 60 minutes of Scottsdale, AZ

Essential Duties

Supervision

• Select, train, and oversee the day-to-day activities of the DGMC personnel.
• Ensure adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Oversee the performance management of assigned employees.
• Ensure for the proper monitoring and operation of 4,000+ PV / BESS sites utilizing SCADA systems, DAS platforms, alarm management, and other computer systems.
• Ensure energy production is maximized at all of our project sites.
• Responsible for scheduling and other operational administrative tasks.

Systems Administration

• Establish & retain ownership of all system software/hardware associated with the DGMC.
• Identify opportunities for system improvements

Leadership

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders (plant managers, field staff, Portfolio Leads, etc.), and external stakeholders (ISOs, QSEs, asset owners) to maximize system performance and assure contractual and regulatory compliance.
• Perform remote investigations, performance analysis & reporting, and provide technical support to our field technicians.
• Escalate concerns to ensure that projects maintain operations or availability; track and advise on progress against established project models or production targets.
• Provide guidance and firsthand training to monitoring center operators.
• Assist in development of SOP's and training modules for monitoring center operations.
• Collaborate with Monitoring Specialists and Performance Managers on initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, compliance & accountability.
• Correspond with client representatives/asset owners to deliver requested goals and deliverables.
• Assist with internal and external compliance audits and inspections.

Assist with other DGMC requirements, as required.

• Assist with monitoring solar sites.
• Participate in initiatives to increase efficiency and effectiveness of QE Solar operations (examples: procedure development and review, special projects, data analysis, quality assurance)

Position Requirements

Education Required

• 2-Year associate's degree (STEM) preferred.
• Technical School Degree, or, equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

Basic Requirements

• Proficient with the Microsoft Office suite of software.
• Experience with distributed generation PV power generation facilities.
• Experience with SCADA / DAS systems.
• Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

Required Experience

• Previous experience working in a supervisory role with several direct reports.
• Thorough understanding of PV power plant and BESS operations.
• Experience monitoring PV power plant and BESS via a centralized SCADA system or DAS.
• Familiar with Independent System Operator (ISO) protocols for distributed generation
• Familiar with CAISO requirements for meters & RIGs
• Familiarity with power markets such as day-ahead forecasting requirements and outage notifications

Desired Experience

• Experience programming SCADA / DAS.
• Ability to optimize SCADA / DAS to facilitate operational efficiency.
• In-depth knowledge / experience with CAISO RIG & meter requirements
• In-depth knowledge / experience with power market obligations
• Extensive experience in establishing, monitoring, and adjusting KPIs to facilitate / create a culture of continuous improvement.
• Power BI experience is plus!
• BESS OEM certifications / experience.
• Ability to read and understand electrical/mechanical diagrams, project design drawings, and other system construction documents.
• Understanding of ISO protocols.
• Familiarity with NERC and CIP standards.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code and standard design / construction practices.
• Understanding of OSHA safe workplace practices.

Desired Certifications

• OSHA 30
• NFPA 70E
• CPR/First Aid
• Willingness to obtain additional certifications as required.

Job-specific Competencies

In addition to the specific work experience and skills, QE Solar also seeks someone with the qualities listed below:

• Desire to learn, work hard and grow with a young, entrepreneurial renewable energy and engineering company.
• Comfortable working as a collaborator or independently if necessary.
• Exceptional work ethic, with strong values and principles.
• Ability to coordinate multiple activities while ensuring safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
• Ability to take and provide direction; identify problems, develop solutions, conduct analysis independently and in collaboration with others.
• Ability to document work and communicate clearly and accurately via verbal and written methods.
• Must be able to work all shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to support the team & company goals by having on-call availability outside of normal business hours.
• Able to supervise and coach others in a matrix work environment.
• Willingness to work irregular schedules to meet client/project deadlines.
• Exceptionally strong communication skills, both written and verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• A firm commitment to client, team, and organization success.
• Flexible, accommodating, and willing to go beyond the basic expectations when required.
• High follow-up and organizational skills.
• Detailed-oriented, with attention to detail for tasks that have zero tolerance for errors.
• Curiosity.
• Candor and transparency.

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Arizona Civil Rights Act (ACRA), and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This role is performed in an on-site monitoring center environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position requires:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation, including monitoring SCADA systems, alarms, and operational dashboards.
• Ability to view multiple monitors simultaneously and maintain an elevated level of attention to detail over extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, keyboards, radios, and communication systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including coordinating with field technicians, dispatch, and leadership.
• Ability to remain alert, responsive, and make timely decisions in a fast-paced, potentially high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Occasional standing, walking, and movement within the control center or facility.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to fifteen pounds, if necessary.

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:

• 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA, or HSA
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
• Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
• Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Discounted Life & Disability Insurance

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:

QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.

The pay range for this role is:

70,000 - 80,000 USD per year (Scottsdale)