Director of Engineering and Services

Job Description

The Director of Engineering and Services defines and drives the technical and operational strategy for Akuo's wind and solar assets across the U.S. portfolio, ensuring alignment between engineering, field services, and broader corporate objectives such as growth, decarbonization, reliability, digitalization, and cost efficiency. The role sets the long-term technical vision for the fleet, establishes portfolio-wide standards for engineering and operations, and embeds innovation systematically into asset management practices. The Director provides technical and risk-based input into executive decision-making on major capital investments, repowering strategies, acquisitions, and new project development, and represents the Engineering and Services function in board-level discussions, investor updates, and industry forums.

Engineering Oversight

The Director oversees all engineering and technical validation activities for new-build projects, repowering initiatives, and major technical upgrades, ensuring that designs, specifications, interconnection studies, and equipment packages meet Akuo's performance, reliability, and compliance requirements. The role approves key technical deliverables related to site design, grid integration, protection schemes, and major equipment procurement while championing innovation in hybrid systems, energy storage integration, advanced grid services, and predictive maintenance. The Director ensures compliance with relevant technical standards (IEC, NEC, IEEE) and evolving regulatory requirements, and leads portfolio-level root cause investigations following major technical failures, mandating corrective and preventive actions across the fleet.

Services & Operations Management

The Director leads the Field Services and Reliability functions across wind and solar assets, including OEMs, large component strategy, reliability engineering, and performance optimization. The role defines and enforces clear SLAs, KPIs, and performance targets, standardizes operational processes and maintenance philosophies, and prioritizes interventions based on value-at-risk, downtime exposure, and revenue impact. The Director actively manages OEM and contractor performance through structured reviews, escalations, and remediation plans, while ensuring consistent adherence to safety, environmental compliance, and permitting requirements across all sites.

Team & Organizational Development

The Director builds and leads a multidisciplinary organization that includes engineers, service technicians, project managers, SCADA analysts, and data specialists, fostering strong cross-functional collaboration. The role designs and implements structured training programs, competency frameworks, and career development pathways to attract, develop, and retain top technical talent. The Director cultivates a culture of safety, technical excellence, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning, while establishing succession planning and knowledge management processes to strengthen organizational resilience.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Oversight

The Director develops and manages multi-million-dollar budgets covering engineering projects, field operations, reliability programs, and digital infrastructure. The role drives cost optimization initiatives while maintaining high standards for safety, compliance, and asset performance, and oversees vendor negotiations, procurement strategies, and service contracts with OEMs, EPCs, and technical service providers. The Director supports financial forecasting, reforecasting, and long-term planning for the portfolio, providing technical input to business planning and investment decisions.

Technical Risk Management & Compliance

The Director proactively identifies and mitigates technical risks across the asset portfolio, including equipment reliability risks, grid curtailment exposure, interconnection constraints, and environmental compliance issues. The role ensures adherence to applicable technical standards and regulatory requirements while maintaining a strong internal compliance posture. The Director leads systemic root cause investigations for major incidents and establishes risk-based maintenance strategies, inspection programs, and technical assurance processes to protect long-term asset value.

Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration

The Director collaborates closely with Development, Asset Management, Finance, Legal, and Power Marketing teams to support assets throughout their full lifecycle, from development and construction through operations and eventual repowering or decommissioning. The role serves as a key technical liaison with OEMs, EPC contractors, utilities, and regulatory bodies, ensuring smooth project execution and continuous improvement in operational practices. The Director leads discussions and project management activities for critical technical initiatives and builds strategic relationships with third-party partners to identify and implement innovative technical solutions.

Data-Driven Optimization

The Director leverages SCADA, CMMS, Data Acquisition Systems (including Bazefield), and business intelligence platforms to drive continuous performance improvement across the portfolio. The role oversees the development and governance of PowerBI dashboards and analytics tools used by U.S. and global teams, ensuring data consistency and actionable insights. The Director directs advanced performance analysis using 8760 energy modeling (PVsyst), weather-adjusted regression methods (ASTM-E2848), and site-specific predictive models to assess and optimize energy yield, while promoting the integration of AI, IoT, and digital twins into O&M and asset monitoring strategies. From a data and IT perspective, the Director oversees the architecture and design of analytics and monitoring systems, ensuring alignment with global IT and Asset Management platforms. The role manages data centers, associated costs, and cybersecurity risks while ensuring proper use of Data Acquisition Systems and providing training to local and global personnel. The Director acts as the primary U.S. interface with global system owners, including the AM&O Product Owner and IT, supporting the deployment of new group tools and processes. The role also promotes "Analytics as a Service," delivering customizable BI solutions and ad hoc analysis to internal and external stakeholders, with scope expanding to support global (including LATAM) operations. Throughout, the Director maintains a strong focus on availability, energy yield, LCOE, and profitability, using data-driven insights to guide strategic and operational decisions.

Qualifications

PROFILE:

• Flexibility for frequent domestic travel. Ideally based in Houston, San Antonio, Dallas or TX at large
• Mandatory degrees in Electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Engineering; often with an MBA or PMP certification.
• PHD or Master of Science or equivalent in data science, computer science, physics, business analytics, or engineering; Equivalent work experience will be considered.
• 7-10 years of applicable wind or renewable energy experience monitoring and analyzing SCADA data, optimizing performance, data mining and automation of processes and systems Familiarity with various OEM SCADA systems, SQL databases, MODBUS and API connections.
• Exceptional ability to build and manage relationships with various stakeholders internally and externally.
• Outstanding knowledge of both wind turbine and solar PV systems, including hybrid or co-located assets.
• Expertise in engineering management, project execution, and utility-scale O&M.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks like FERC, NERC, ISO/RTO protocols.
• Computer proficiency (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, database management, internet-based research)

PERSONAL:

• Demonstrated well-developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Exemplary standards of honor, ethics, safety, quality, communication, and productivity
• Contribute to the development of Akuo culture (team spirit, adaptability, autonomy, pragmatism and, making a difference for a better world)
• High attention to detail, technical minded.
• Ability to work proactively and productively with limited supervision.
• Strong passion for renewable energy

LANGUAGE:

English - Fluent

Additional Information

Akuo Energy USA offers competitive salaries and robust benefits program, which includes 401(k), comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance plans.

Akuo Energy USA is committed to a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or status as a veteran.

This is a 6-12 month, Full Time posting.

Salary range $180k-$200k dependent on experience