Job Listing: Sr. Electrical Engineer - Solar Power

RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Sr. Electrical Engineer will design and develop the electrical systems for a dish concentrating solar power system. This engineer will start with an existing system, and have primary responsibility for leading the electrical design, controls, and systems teams to provide optimized solutions on a rapidly evolving platform.

The electrical system on the Solar Dish system consists of
a) a solar dish concentrator two-axis tracking system
b) Stirling engine sensors and control
c) an electrical generator
d) lightning protection and grounding hardware
e) engine cooling system pump and fan motors
f) 600VAC electrical switching, overcurrent protection and power factor correction hardware.

The Sr. Electrical Engineer will develop and design the electrical components and sensors, enclosures, backpanels, circuits, conductor specifications, and harness/connectors with a strong focus on cost optimization and high reliability. Aspects of this assignment include developing cost effective power distribution, overcurrent protection, grounding, and power factor control systems, while ensuring that the system meets the applicable engineering standards for electrical design (NEC, UL, CE, TUV).

In addition, the Sr. Electrical Engineer will provide close manufacturing support and supply chain support liaison for prototyping through volume manufacturing with external manufacturing vendors. This engineer will also collaborate closely with engineering subcontractors and the systems team to develop the grid inter-tie design for the dish-Stirling power plant.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (Electrical Power Focus)
3-7 years of applicable experience
Demonstrated strong electrical engineering fundamentals
Design of electrical distribution and protection systems for outdoor equipment applications.
Design of lightning protection and grounding of equipment for environmental protection in outdoor environments.
Power electronics design including use of solid state contactors
Problem-solving skills
Decision-making skills (including complex engineering trade-off studies)
Experience with providing liaison, leadership and management of subcontractors.
Understanding of applicable regulations and best practices; e.g., NEC, UL, cUL, CSA, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS OF INTEREST:
Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering
Engine-driven generator experience
Experience working closely with regulatory agencies
Excellent written and communication skills, including ability to make effective presentations to a wide range of audiences.
Inverter application
Trade studies
DC Drive Motors
High current batteries and chargers
Power factor correction equipment development, testing and operation
Low voltage grid inter-tie equipment experience
Experience with 600V class electrical generators, cables, metering, and switchgear

EXAMPLE PROJECTS
1)Perform trade studies to select optimum generator, based on consideration of type, performance, specification, cost, life, and supplier.

2)Develop technology roadmap for power factor control technology; select and lead design of near-term technology.

3)Design of 600VAC class hardware/schematics for the dish system including power distribution, overcurrent protection, grounding, and power factor control. Supervise electrical designers on electrical documentation including component drawings, schematics, point-to-point wiring diagrams, etc.

4)Collaborate with the grid intertie vendor and systems group to understand and comply with LVRT (Low Voltage Ride Through) requirements.

5)Conduct problem-solving analyses to determine root cause and recommended corrective action to resolve any field reliability issue. These root cause investigations will often cross subsystem and discipline boundaries.

6)Conduct and/or lead design improvement and VAVE projects.

7)Design the DC power supply for the Dish system. Trade study on using a centralized DC power supply for emergency slewing vs. individual battery system with a charger.

Required Skills for Sr. Electrical Engineer - Solar Power Job:

About Aerotek Energy Services:

Join Aerotek Energy ServicesSM one of the largest providers of specialized personnel and management services to the commercial nuclear industry, the Department of Energy, the utilities industry, and engineering and consulting firms throughout North America. Assignments vary from several weeks to several years with many offering permanent opportunities. Aerotek offers comprehensive benefits to include medical, dental, optical, and optional 401k. Don't put your career in the hands of just anyone, put it in the hands of a specialist. Join the Aerotek Energy Services team! Allegis Group and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers.