Solar Technology - Photovoltaic (PV) Module Engineer

Company: DNV
Location: San Diego
Posted on: April 10, 2021

Job Description:

Do you want to be part of the world's leading energy consulting firm?Are you committed to address climate change and positively impact society and the world?Do you enjoy collaborating with colleagues and clients, and thrive in a dynamic and respectful environment?Would you like to influence the solar industry and have the opportunity to grow and thrive as a thought leader?Then an engineering position on our Solar Independent Engineering and Technology Team to be a great fit for you! DNV - Energy's Renewables Advisory group is seeking a PV Module Engineer to join our Solar Independent Engineering and Technology team. DNV is the world's leading renewable energy consultant, and our team members are respected as experts and thought leaders in the industry. DNV GL's Solar IE and Technology team holds a substantial market position in North America as a leading provider of independent engineering services to support the financing and construction of solar energy projects. In this role, our team provides technical consulting and due diligence on behalf of project developers, financial institutions, and investors who rely on our reports in making investment and risk assessment decisions. This solar technology team also takes a leading role in conference participation, participation in codes/standards committees, and in establishing internal and industry guidance on assessing technology risk for our teams in North America and globally. Renewables Advisory is a high-performing, innovative team that strives for equity, respect, and diversity.As a member of the Solar Technology team, the successful candidate will be a thought leader at DNV in the field of photovoltaic (PV) module technology, testing and operations, and will provide technical advisory and other consulting services associated with PV modules used in solar projects. The work will include technical due diligence of solar PV modules for use in pre-construction, construction and operational projects on behalf of lenders and investors. This position will also provide technical support and advisory services to project developers and product manufacturers, including bankability studies, failure analyses, and support for RFPs and technical specifications.The role will include working with product manufacturers to opine on product design and expected reliability, and managing relationships with applicable manufacturers and other stakeholders.Performing technical reviews will require candidates who can assess detailed aspects of PV module design including cell processing methods, cell interconnection approaches, encapsulants, and environmental protection. Candidates should possess a solid fundamental understanding of the manufacturing processes for both crystalline and thin-film products, and be able to model device performance. The technical review will include evaluation with respect to relevant codes and standards, so the candidate should be familiar with UL 1703, IEC/UL 61730, IEC 61646, IEC 61215 and the National Electrical Code (NEC). The successful candidate should be familiar with the major suppliers of PV modules and with the primary technical differences between products and market segments.This position will be loacted in our Oakland, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR ; Austin, TX; Medford, PA office.Tasks May Include* Employ excellent English-language written and verbal communications skills to provide technical advice to customers including commenting on design, reliability, manufacture, installation, and testing of PV modules, to include:Assessment of manufacturing methods (e.g. thin-film deposition, laser scribing, encapsulation)* Review of manufacturing facilities for compliance with quality/safety procedures and practices* Review manufacture and installation documentation for solar PV modules* Review engineering documentation relating to:* Cell design, processing and manufacture* Cell interconnection* Encapsulation, framing and front/back glass/polymer* Performance test reports* Product compliance testing* Thermal (infra-red) imaging evaluation* Electroluminescence (EL) imaging evaluation* Accelerated testing reports* FMEA and related reliability documentation* Operation and maintenance documents* Produce detailed reports which review the feasibility of the solar PV modulesRecommendations for product improvements and/or suggestions for how to mitigate risk* Relating PV module characteristics to holistic project design and energy production* Travel to engineering/manufacturing facilities to review product design and manufacture, and to field sites to review installation, operation and maintenance.* Relate the results of PV module technical reviews to broader technical due diligence scopes by making recommendations regarding commercial and technical risk mitigation and financial model assumptions for investors, lenders, developers and owners in a relatable manner.* Manage stakeholder relationships to develop new business opportunities and promote complementary services from other parts of DNV--GL, including preparing scopes of work for technical services.* Work as a supportive team member in a collaborative environment, as well as on self-directed independent projects.* Contribute to internal process development and documentation, including innovation and digitalization efforts.Position QualificationsRequirements* Bachelor's degree in engineering, Physics, and/or related field* Minimum of 8 years of engineering experience* Minimum 4 years of experience in the design, testing, reliablity ,and/or modelling of solar PV modules* Experience with root cause analysis of PV module failures* Experience designing or evaluating products for compliance with UL 1703, IEC/UL 61730, IEC 61646, IEC 61215* Must have excellent English-language written and verbal communications skills, including ability to write clear and detailed technical reports, presentations and emails for a non-technical audience* Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.* Willingness and ability to pass a background investigation and drug test if requiredPreferred Skills* Masters or PHD in Engineering, Physics, and/or related feild.* Educational focus in photovoltaic technology from an accredited university* Experience developing or implementing safety policies related to product design and testing.* Familiarity with simulation tools/libraries such as PVsyst, SAM, PVLib* Familiarity with R, python or other programming languages* Some background in uncertainty, probability and statistics* Experience reviewing EPC and O&M contracts* Systems-level understanding of PV project design (e.g. experience with inverters, electrical design, trackers, etc.) and testing (e.g. performance testing, commissioning and performance ratios) and factors that impact safety, energy production, reliability, and performance* Ability to climb ladders for roof-mounted solar installations, and carry equipment for short durations.* Must have a current US driver's license.* Must be able to obtain a valid passport and visas for travel to Europe, China, Japan and Canada.* Willingness and ability to travel, up to 20% of the time, domestically and internationally**Immigration-related employment benefits, for example visa sponsorship, are not available for this position** Opportunities Beyond BusinessOur mission is to safeguard life, property and the environment. By joining us, you will work towards our meaningful vision: to make a global impact for a safe and sustainable future. DNV--GL offers a congenial working environment, competitive salaries, and an exceptional benefits package.DNV GL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights under the law, see:http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdfPlease visit our website at www.dnvgl.comCompany & Business Area DescriptionDNV--is the independent expert in risk management and--assurance, with almost 12,000 employees operating in more than 100 countries. Through our broad experience and deep expertise we--advance safety and sustainable performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions. We provide assurance to the entire energy value chain through our advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services. As the world's leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, we help industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. We are committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement, and support all stakeholders to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.Equal Opportunity StatementDNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity!

Keywords: DNV, San Diego , Solar Technology - Photovoltaic (PV) Module Engineer, IT / Software / Systems , San Diego, California