Senior Solar Scientist

Job Description

We are aiming to strengthen 3E's leadership in PV modeling and EU-funded projects, bridging cutting-edge research with commercial SynaptiQ platform enhancements. To reinforce our 'iLab' R&D team and drive innovation in solar analytics, we are looking for a Senior Solar Scientist!

You'll join a dynamic group of scientists, engineers, data analysts focused on developing cutting-edge solar, BESS and wind innovations for the SynaptiQ platform. You'll work closely with PV Modeling experts and product managers on EU project execution and algorithm development; have regular syncs with SynaptiQ operations teams and adhoc syncs with the consultancy team for innovative pilots. You'll report to Gofran Chowdhury, Head of Innovation.

Concretely, in this position:

• You will take a senior position in the iLab R&D team as Senior Solar Scientist bridging advanced PV research, EU project execution, and SynaptiQ product innovation. Your expertise will elevate our solar analytics from research prototypes to market-leading solutions.
• You will lead EU-funded solar projects end-to-end, acting as project manager: monitor upcoming EU calls (e.g., Horizon Europe), identify opportunities aligned with 3E's core expertise, draft competitive proposals with consortium partners, reporting to the EU Commission, coordinate deliverables via Gantt charts and represent 3E in consortia meetings ensuring we secure and deliver high-impact funding.
• You will be responsible for advancing PV modeling and solar analytics, owning the development, validation, and deployment of cutting-edge algorithms (e.g., fault detection, yield forecasting), and system simulations directly enhancing SynaptiQ's performance for global utility-scale solar assets.
• You will support other members in the team with their work on model prototyping while fostering a collaborative R&D culture; you'll also spearhead innovative pilots.
• You will assist product managers with roadmap execution, contributing technical insights to prioritize solar features, prototype validations with key clients, and integration of new services into SynaptiQ.

Key tools/processes you'll use: Python, cloud deployment (Docker, CI/CD), agile sprints, Gantt charts for EU projects, and satellite data pipelines.

Requirements

For this role, we are looking for someone who is curious (loves to dig into solar models like it's a buried treasure), can deliver autonomously (we trust you to own outcomes, not just tasks) and is able to collaborate boldly (pitch ideas early, iterate fast).

Furthermore:

• you hold a Master's or PhD in Engineering, Physics, or Environmental Science (with a solar/PV focus), your academic foundation fuels our cutting-edge R&D.
• You bring 3+ years of professional experience in solar PV modeling or EU-funded energy projects.
• You excel in EU project management: from call monitoring and proposal drafting to technical reporting, and consortium representation, securing funds is your superpower.
• You have experience in PV modeling that means solar analytics/ fault detection/ yield forecasting, and Python tools, to prototype algorithms that scale on SynaptiQ.
• You are fluent in written and spoken English (French/Dutch a bonus for Brussels life).
• You can work autonomously: we don't do micromanagement in the team, you'll hunt data insights solo but ping the team fearlessly when pivots are needed.
• You are analytical and detail-oriented: PV modeling can be messy; your precision turns noise into gold.
• You communicate clearly and pragmatically: pitch complex models to non-tech stakeholders without losing the plot.

Bonus points for:

• Other languages
• Software knowledge

Benefits

Our offices are hidden in the centre of Brussels with a view on a pond, with ducks and a heron bringing a regular visit. In addition to a stimulating atmosphere in a highly motivated group of people, 3E offers a unique opportunity to further develop yourself in a company/team with an ambitious growth plan, delivering innovative services.

Furthermore:

• Training on the job by our experts so you get to know our solution and work in and out
• Flexibility in our open-minded company.
• Home working (2 days per week)
• An international environment: projects in over 100 countries worldwide, colleagues of over 20 nationalities.
• A salary package including hospitalisation insurance, pension saving, ???9 meal voucher/day, flexible income plan, 20 legal days off + 12 compensation days (per full year worked), sustainable transport subscription or bike allowance (???0.36/km).