Development Engineer I

PowerFlex, an EDF power solutions company, is a leading national provider of intelligent onsite energy solutions that support cost-effective and low-carbon electrification and transportation. We deliver integrated solar, storage, EV charging, and microgrid systems, to businesses and organizations. As a single full-service provider, PowerFlex customizes clean technology solutions to help clients achieve their energy and sustainability goals. Through the comprehensive PowerFlex X platform, based on proprietary technology, PowerFlex leverages patented smart software to control, monitor, and optimize a client's distributed energy resources to reduce cost and maximize return on investment. Our technology is deployed at scale to prominent commercial customers such as Adobe, DHL, Prologis, Target, and municipalities such as County of LA. PowerFlex is a top 5 provider in each of Commercial Solar, Storage and EV Charging in the US.

The Development Engineer I will provide support to PowerFlex's Business Development team through the pre-contract engineering process. This individual will assist in the overall vetting and preparing of projects for successful execution by the Project Engineering and Project Management team. This individual must exhibit good time management and organizational skills, as well as demonstrate the ability to collaborate across departments and externally. This individual will contribute to technical development and engineering, and be self-starting and motivated. Occasional travel to client sites should be expected.

Location

This role is open to be a hybrid role out of one of our offices (Mountain View, CA, San Diego, CA or New York, NY.)

Responsibilities

• Support technical organization by assisting with process improvements and quality controls under guidance of senior team members.
• Collaborate and support internal teams regarding Technical Due Diligence during the Project Development phase.
• Help ensure project viability by communicating PV, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging system technology requirements to Business Development team and clients.
• Keep up to date on interconnection process and incentive structure as it relates to tariffs, states and utilities.
• Support the request and review of proposals from external vendors (electrical engineer, vendor, structural engineer, storage analysis etc.). Help confirm development costs are within approved budget.
• Assist in preparing and submitting interconnection applications and communicate with utilities throughout review and approval process.
• Support cost information review regarding utility upgrades and project-related costs to Estimating team.
• Provide engineering input during Pre-Contract permitting activities, and work with Civil Engineering firms to submit application packages to AHJs.
• Support process for structural feasibility studies and work with vendors to estimate costs associated with structural limitations.
• Help build rapport with external utility personnel by learning and understanding their changing requirements and the changing nature of the utility industry.
• Present technical information on system requirements by identifying challenges and communicating them to the project team.
• Perform site assessments alongside engineering partners that requires driving and possibly using ladders.
• Work with wider engineering team to stay updated on best project practices to ensure a smooth project execution upon handoff to project construction team.
• Support evaluation of third party designs and controls schemes.
• Support Microgrid Design best practices and technical offerings that can be applied to different geographies and use cases.

Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Civil Engineering or equivalent experience required.
• 0-2 years of related experience required (preference to renewable energy)
• Renewable Power Distribution Systems experience (Inverter based – Energy Storage & Solar) a plus
• Power system modeling experience is a plus
• Experience integrating with building management systems is a plus

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities

• Good communication and time management skills
• Ability to communicate technical issues through clear summaries and presentations
• Basic understanding of procedures and timelines of technical due diligence
• Basic understanding of software tools such as Helioscope, AutoCAD, PVSyst, and Excel
• Basic understanding of interconnection process and incentive structure
• Ability to support forecasting utility and project costs
• Ability to collaborate cross-departmentally and participate in meetings between various stakeholders
• Good multi-tasking ability
• Basic engineering skills
• Basic understanding of technology options for utility interconnection requirements (relays, SCADA, rapid shutdown, DTT, transformers, service upgrades)
• Basic knowledge of powered generators and control system communication protocols (e.g. Modbus, CAN, etc.)

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $88,560 - $108,240 annually. This position is eligible for PowerFlex's comprehensive Health and Welfare plans including but not limited to medical, dental, vision, 401(k) retirement plan and paid time off. The total compensation for this position may include an annual performance bonus (or other incentive compensation, as applicable). PowerFlex's compensation packages carefully consider a candidate's qualifications, experiences, and education in relation to the position.

Physical Requirements

Remaining in a seated position. Long hours on computer keyboard. Prolonged periods of standing and/or walking.

Working Conditions

Approximately 90% of the time is spent in the office environment, utilizing computers (frequent use of MS Word, MS Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and Adobe etc.), telephones, and general office equipment. Possibly 10% of the time is spent traveling to conferences or meetings or field traveling to project sites.