Principal Performance Engineer - AES : Job Details

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

AES Clean Energy is seeking an experienced Principal Performance Engineer to support engineering, construction and operations teams by analyzing the performance characteristics of photovoltaic and battery storage projects in construction, commissioning and operation.

They will be responsible for bridging the gap between projects in construction, and projects in long-term operation by analyzing production data, identifying commissioning problems such as failed sensors or incorrect SCADA calculations, running standard performance tests such as ASTM E2848, battery capacity testing and assisting the operations team in troubleshooting.

The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in the operation and analysis of photovoltaic and energy storage systems, including a thorough understanding of photovoltaic plant physics, Li-ion electrochemistry, interconnection standards, SCADA and networking systems. Experience with PV systems and battery systems ranging from 5 MW to 600 MW is preferable. The position is in Louisville, CO, and may include up to 30% travel to project locations and partner offices.

Project Execution and Operation:

• Test newly commissioned SCADA systems for completeness and accuracy
• Perform big data analysis to identify major sources of project underperformance
• Perform or review capacity and performance tests for projects in construction (PV, BESS & PV + BESS)
• Seek and evaluate proposals for analysis services and consultants where needed
• Troubleshoot systems in operation and review system performance data to identify performance problems
• Work closely with project and field engineers to manage project timelines

Project Development:

• Review production estimates and meteorological data sources for accuracy by comparing to operational systems
• Review contracts to understand requirements of performance testing

Engineering Support:

• Collaborate with operations team to troubleshoot existing projects and develop repair and remediation plans
• Design solutions for repairs and modifications to systems, and close the gap between various AES subcontractors and vendors where needed

Growth and Leadership:

• Improve and develop processes for the execution of safe, quality and high-performance projects
• Mentor and educate team on changing trends in technology, best practices and safety
• Participate in AES growth planning process by contributing to process improvement task forces and other strategic planning activities

Skills and Qualifications:

Primary Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field
• 10+ years professional experience in performance engineering and testing of complex generation systems, preferably PV + BESS
• Experience with advanced Excel or beyond Excel data analysis systems such as scientific python, SAS, R, Julia, Domino Datalab or comparable solutions for analysis of complex and large datasets
• Proficiency with SCADA systems (Isotrol Bluence/EtaPRO/OSI PI/Ignition), network design and advanced analysis tools
• Possess or be able to obtain a valid TWIC card within the first 90 days of employment.
• Field experience on photovoltaic or battery storage projects, including troubleshooting, quality evaluation, and construction support
• Excellent communication, task management and planning skills needed, in addition to technical breadth.
• Demonstrated ability to approach problems with curiosity and a desire to understand root causes.
• Proven track record of acting with urgency and ownership in fast-paced, high-impact environments.

Plus Qualifications:

• PE qualifications, or on track to become qualified
• Master's/Ph.D. degrees in engineering
• +5 years of experience with PV and Battery Energy Storage System design and interconnection
• Spanish language skills
• OSHA 10-hr or comparable job-site safety certification
• Ability to work on different U.S. time zones
• Experience with development of ML/AI algorithms for underperformance detection