Senior Electrical Design Engineer - Solar Power Plant Engineering Job Listing at Nextracker in Oxnard, CA (Job ID WD175624)

Description

Job Description:

The San Francisco Chronicle has recognized Nextracker (Nasdaq: NXT) as one of the Top Workplaces. Come join our growing team!

This position is a hybrid role (3x per week onsite) that will be based at our headquarters in Fremont, California. The role will report to the Sr. Systems Engineering Manager.

Here is a glimpse of what you'll do

• Perform technical trade studies and cost analysis of solar power plant wiring solutions, both on the trackers and from the trackers to the inverters to facilitate site construction, optimize row access for PV module automated cleaning and minimize life cycle costs.
• Collaborate with Nextracker's engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) partners to assess different wiring solutions and review project construction drawings focusing on technical aspects, schedule impact, construction costs, lifecycle costs and associated risks.
• Lead conceptual and schematic-level design for Nextracker's solar + storage power plants, in behind-the-meter and front-of-the-meter applications, including equipment and wiring sizing calculations, interconnection equipment selection, equipment vendor vetting.
• Work closely with product development teams to optimize DC system design with Nextracker's core tracker products and develop out-of-the-box solutions to reduce power plant electrical first costs and decrease plant downtime.
• Develop and maintain revisions to concept and schematic-level electrical system drawings and BOM for pilot projects.
• Design electrical infrastructure for Nextracker's outdoor test facility to support flexible test environments simulating grid-connected and off-grid generation.
• Short-term travel to pilot project sites as needed (<10%) to oversee project construction and commissioning.
• Opportunity to lead a small team of project engineers after pilot phase.

Here is some of what you'll need (required)

• Bachelor's Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or Power Systems Engineering.
• 7+ years project design experience in utility-scale solar power plants, from concept through construction to as-built documents.
• 5+ years paired with a Master's Degree.
• Experience with renewable grid integration and smart grid deployment.
• Strong eye toward safety, constructability, and system maintenance, not just what works on paper.
• Experience performing trade studies and lifecycle cost analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and on teams.

Here are a few of our preferred experiences

• Professional Engineer (PE) in Electrical Engineering (licensed in California is preferred).
• Established connections with various EPC companies and/or solar power plant owners.
• Switchgear selection and balance of system electrical design, including DC and AC cabling (trunk cable experience a plus), protection and grounding.
• Expert 2D CAD user.
• Knowledge of applicable renewable energy and electrical codes and standards IEEE 1547, NEC 2020, NFPA 70E, UL 1741 including supplements, and LGIA requirements.
• Design of PV, PV/BESS, and/or microgrid systems.
• Projects deployed in CAISO, ERCOT, HECO, and Australian energy territories.

Why Join Nextracker: