SunPower Jobs Blog

“At SunPower we’re committed to making clean, renewable solar energy available worldwide.”

Friday, September 25, 2009

SUNPOWER CORPORATION'S VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

3826 - Project Designer

The Project Designer-Ground creates site-specific designs for the deployment of SunPower Systems products, applying design guidelines and working with internal and external customers to define and meet unique project requirements for large -scale ground mounted solar arrays. Generates full sets of construction documents or oversees one or more drafters to execute construction drawings, and generates bills of material, specifications, and other documents in support of the in-house construction project management team. Manages external engineering sub-consultants; assists salespeople and construction Project managers with design related questions; responds to Requests For Information (RFIs) from the field during construction.

Job duties include the following:
•Leads in defining a project’s functional and spatial requirements. Estimates costs and develops schedules for the design of rooftop and ground mounted solar arrays.
•Prepares mechanical, electrical, civil and structural designs for free standing ground-mounted solar arrays
•Oversees one or more drafters who execute construction drawings
•Schedules and leads Design Review meetings; assists project manager in updating overall project schedule and budget
•Updates and maintains design schedule dates in Excel or MS Project. Creates new schedules as needed.
•Leads multiple project designs simultaneously; manages competing priorities and overcomes obstacles to successfully meet submittal dates
•Creates Scopes of Work for engineering consultants and modifies and updates the boilerplate scopes as needed
•Creates and updates CSI format specifications unique to project and site requirements
•Manages engineering consultants for calculations, drawing packages, professional stamps
•Meets with external customers and construction subcontractors to discuss design options, address concerns, and reduce costs
•Uses understanding of construction logistics, material and labor costs to optimize designs
•Is local expert to Salespeople and construction Project Managers with design related questions, responding to RFIs from the field
•Mentors more junior engineers
•Reviews and approves Bills of Materials for all product types;
•Effectively directs and utilizes administrative resources in repetitive tasks such as generating plots and updating schedules
•Assists in updating and maintaining drawing set templates based on updates from product design or other sources of new information

Education and Experience
•Bachelors degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or a Masters degree in Architecture
•5-7 years experience in the design field
•PE or equivalent foreign certifications are a plus; professional development is encouraged

Qualifications
•Excellent, demonstrated civil design skills
•Ability to delegate and prioritize work of drafters, technicians, and interns
•Strong AutoCAD skills and proven ability to generate accurate, highly-detailed construction drawings
•Strong familiarity with construction and electrical codes
•Proven ability to successfully procure, monitor, and assess subcontracted consultants
•Strong analytical skills
•Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization, as well as outside customers and vendors.
•Ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus.
•Sufficient organizational skills to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines.
•Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
•Must be computer-savvy - strong knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Level descriptors:
•An experienced professional who has substantial understanding of the job and applies knowledge and skills to complete a wide range of tasks. As a skilled specialist, resolves a wide range of issues in resourceful and creative ways.
•Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Understands implications of work and makes recommendations for solutions. Builds productive internal and external working relationships.
•Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

3817 - Senior Construction Manager

This position is the on-site field representative for SunPower’s large scale commercial construction projects. The Construction Manger coordinates all of the materials deliveries and subcontractors’ work; ensures that the systems are installed correctly and provides feedback to the design team. Senior level Construction Managers may manage multiple medium to large installations or one mega installation at any given time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

•Pre-plans the installation of the SunPower product and related items and reviewsthe contract documents to ensure compliance with all required provisions.

•Provides on-site oversight of contractors and trades

•May oversee more junior construction managers on a per project basis

•Provides main day-to-day customer interface

•Manages site safety program; includes holding safety tailgates, carrying out accident investigations, and ensuring contractor compliance with SunPower, customer, and government safety guidelines

•Arranges for the delivery of the SunPower products; schedules and coordinates the installation of the products with the customer, subcontractors and inspectors.

•Provides feedback to product development.

•Closes out the project and turns it over to Customer Service.

•Mentors more junior Construction Management Staff


Education and Experience

•Associate degree or equivalent experience
•6+ years of commercial construction, carpentry, and/or roofing experience
•Experience with electrical systems and wiring is strongly preferred

Qualifications

•Strong Familiarity with construction and electrical codes
•Strong analytical skills
•Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization, as well as outside customers and vendors.
•Ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus.
•Organizational skills needed to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines.
•Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
•Must be computer-savvy - strong knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); familiarity with MS Project a plus

Physical Requirements

This position is physically demanding and can require a great deal of travel, often on short notice. Construction Managers may regularly lift up to 40 pounds and be required to work in hot or cold weather.

Other requirements

Valid drivers license

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

3927 - Residential Channel Manager, North America

SunPower Corp. (www.sunpowercorp.com) manufactures the world’s highest efficiency solar cells and solar panels. Our products are preferred by customers worldwide by virtue of best-in-class performance and superior appearance. SunPower has a rapidly expanding international presence. The SunPower Residential and Light Commercial (RLC) Business Unit is responsible for worldwide sales to solar installer / resellers serving the residential and small commercial markets. The Residential Channel Manager will lead the North American RLC Business Unit efforts to develop the residential dealer channel. The position reports to the Director of Channel Development.

This role would suit a self-motivated, results-oriented individual who is comfortable in an entrepreneurial culture within a big company. The ideal candidate is someone capable and interested in forming and implementing an aggressive channel strategy via driving and coordinating internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization.

To succeed in this role the candidate will possess a combination of big-picture vision, creativity with detail-oriented execution skills and the ability to convince external and internal stakeholders of the validity of the approach.

Responsibilities
•Manage channel strategy formation and execution including developing dealer growth models to set dealer and network performance targets, respond to emerging competitive threats and continually enhance existing channel programs.
•Direct the product and service launch process into the channel including product and service forecasts, penetration strategy, internal communication and planning/execution new launches and transitions.
•Analyze channel competitive data to form competitive response plans based on detailed share analysis by region and sub-region and in-depth analysis of competitive offers and marketing programs
•Manage channel pricing strategy
•Lead the channel planning process including interfacing with finance as part of a long term forecast plan and interfacing with sales operation on near term tactical issues
•Manage tactical channel issues including managing channel conflict, channel communication strategy and execution
•Interface with policy on channel related policy matters

Related Experience & Educational Requirements
Required
•Minimum of 10 years of marketing or business development experience with 3 years of channel experience from a global company with a dealer network.
•MBA or Masters from a top-tier school
•Strong skills in financial analysis, modeling, forecasting
•Energetic and forward-thinking with a demonstrated track record of exceptional judgment.
•Aggressive in pursuing new opportunities and is never satisfied with the status quo
•Ability to remain calm in the face of often chaotic market conditions and developing internal systems
•Vision and strong leadership with an ability to balance and prioritize competing interests
•Ability to drive collaboration across function and level within the business, including effectively driving action from colleagues in higher level positions. Efficient and effective communicator.

Other
•Up to 25% domestic / international travel

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

3928 - Product Marketing Manager

This position will be responsible for defining the market requirements for North American residential products and services. As the internal voice of all residential customers, including end customers, dealers and internal customers , you will be responsible for understanding residential customer needs, channel needs, product technology trends (module, inverter, mounting, monitoring), competitive trends and policy changes in order to form short and long term roadmaps and solution requirements for the Residential and Light Commercial Business Unit. You will work in the Channel Development Department, and you will work closely with channel management, R&D product line managers, operations and marketing to create market leading solutions. You will drive formation of the initial project funnel, own the MRD requirements, work with R&D & Ops to meet General Release Dates & collaborate with Channel Management on product transitions including end of life.

RESPONSIBILITIES
-Determine the North American residential customer segmentation.
-Identify segment market sizes, trends and product and service requirements.
-Assess residential product & services competitive thru a deep understanding of current and emerging technology trends (external & internal).
-Translate region-specific solar incentives and financial dynamics into product and service requirements and marketing strategies.
-Own customer cost model for system solution
-Manage new concepts funnel (pre Stage Gate 0) & propose new product concepts(SG0)
-Write & gain management approval on Market Requirements Documents (SG1)
-Own Voice of Customer (VOC) through frequent customer interaction on their needs
-Communicate solution roadmap & general release dates to internal customers
-Channel, trade show & training support for major product and service launches
-Facilitate customer feedback and collaboration with the SunPower engineering team on future technology development when appropriate
-Support the Corporate Strategy Group to assess partnership/M&A activities.
RELATED EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Required
-MBA and BS/MS in technical field (electrical engineering, computer science or equiv)
-Minimum 10 years of consumer product marketing experience.
-Minimum 5 years experience in developing product roadmaps & strategic plans.
-Travel domestically to customers and vendors. Occasional international travel.
-Position will be based in San Jose, CA

Preferred
-Experience in dealer networks.
-Experience in home improvement product sectors or experience in solar.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

Monday, September 21, 2009

3803 - Senior Electrical Engineer

The Senior Electrical Engineer is responsible for the electrical design from PV modules to utility point of interconnection on projects ranging from 100kW to 10MW. The role involves project design and oversight of designs of junior level engineers. The Senior Electrical Engineer is expected to have a wide range of experience, varying from building industry and Code-based knowledge, to applied electrical engineering in DC and AC distribution. Candidates will have strong problem solving skills, being able to apply professional concepts and company objectives to resolve complex issues and unexpected engineering barriers. Candidates will have strong design, communication, and creative problem solving skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
•Preparation and oversight of project electrical design drawings complete with supporting calculations, including single line schematics, DC wiring schematics, electrical site plans, and equipment layouts.
•Oversee and manage a group of junior electrical design engineers to complete multiple projects. Manage several electrical design consultants to meet project workload.
•Project development activities: Site audits, identification of electrical design opportunities and constraints, preparation of proposal and project specification documents, evaluation and recommendation of major electrical components.
•Interaction with electric utilities to become familiar with specific codes to interconnect PV solar plants to the national grids.
•Interaction with existing and prospective vendors of major equipment, such as inverters, transformers, switchgear, electrical cable, etc.
•Evaluation of new commercial and utility PV industry products, including inverters and combiner boxes.
•Interaction with electrical contractors on job sites to answer questions, review change requests, revise designs as needed to accommodate unanticipated field conditions, etc.
•Support operation and maintenance personnel with electrical related expertise
•Interaction with field inspectors and plan checkers to evaluate proposed design methodology, with thorough Code knowledge and application

Education and Experience
•Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an emphasis in power systems
•Minimum 10 years experience in Power Systems Design
•PV Commercial and utility scale power industry experience preferred
•PE license required
Knowledge/Skills
•Thorough knowledge of the NEC as it relates to commercial and industrial power systems design
•Knowledge of NEC Article 690 preferred
•Knowledge of electrical design, materials and methods of installation in power systems
•Knowledge of distribution and/or transmission design is a plus
•Proficient in power systems analysis software is a plus
•Proficiency with AutoCAD and generating detailed construction drawings
•Ability to coordinate and manage group of junior engineers to meet project deadlines
•Ability to evaluate, hire, and manage consultants for design of multiple projects
•Highly organized and capable of working on multiple projects
•Good communication skills

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

3957 - Sr. Design Manager

The Sr. Design manager is responsible for managing and mentoring the North American Design Department Managers, Group Leads, and Staff Engineers. This position reports to the Director of Global Design Services.

Job Responsibilities:

The Sr. Design Manager will be responsible for scheduling and managing multiple projects and technical teams. The Sr. Design Manager will also help Design Engineering Department Managers, Group Leads, and Staff Engineers organize, plan and schedule assigned tasks for their group to meet the Systems Organization deliverables. The Sr. Design Manager will interface with our internal Construction, Sales, Product Design, and Supply Chain organizations.

Job Requirements:

The Sr. Design Manager position requires that the candidate be a Licensed Architect or a Registered Professional Engineer who has 15+ years of project design experience. The Sr. Design Manager is also knowledgeable in design engineering related work and has project management experience leading technical design groups.
The Sr. Design Manager must have Land Permitting, Power Systems, or Industrial Building Design experience.
Candidate must also have strong communication, interpersonal and networking skills. Candidate must be able to foster a positive team-focused working environment.
Other experience necessary for this position include:

•Process management from proposal stage, project design through construction completion.
•Manage, track, collect and evaluate data from schedules and metrics to improve workflow process.
•Extensive working experience with building and electrical codes, standards, and specifications.
•Experienced in creating scopes of work for consultants.
•Coordinate work in a highly collaborative environment with other disciplines and consultants to meet overall project objectives.
•Proficient in reviewing and processing submittals and RFI’s.
•Proficient in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office
•Capable using Project Portfolio Management software Oracle & Primavera
•Responsible for Design Engineering Department budgets.
•Ability to set and meet aggressive design and engineering schedules.

Candidate will work in an office environment that requires occasional travel.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

Friday, September 18, 2009

3888 - Senior Embedded Linux Software Engineer - Richmond, CA

This senior role is responsible for embedded systems firmware and software design and development as well as guiding and mentoring other team members in developing embedded systems. The successful candidate will be able to translate customer requirements into an embedded firmware and software architecture, create clear architectural specifications, and then implement the designs. This individual must communicate effectively with engineers from different disciplines as well as cross functional team members. A particular focus on systems level issues is required to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Participate in the development of product requirements for various projects. Create firmware and software architectures that support the product requirements. Be an advocate for best engineering practices and best software development processes. Participate in cross discipline engineering design reviews. Recommend development tool chains and other development equipment.
The successful Senior Embedded Software Engineer will implement firmware and software designs, including coding, coordinating with internal developers, and managing external resources. They will work proactively to find solutions to problems that arise during development, production, or deployment.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications
•Minimum 10 years embedded systems development experience with a strong focus on Linux firmware and software development. Hardware development experience a plus.
•BS or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field. MS preferred.
•Complete mastery of state-of-the-art embedded Linux software development and a knowledge of embedded hardware development workflow. Solid understanding and knowledge of embedded operating systems, hardware platforms, electronic schematics, networking, and data communications.
•Experience interfacing into databases. Familiarity with developing Web applications and web services software.
•Experience managing external contract resources for development.
•Strong leadership ability, and an ability to manage a technical staff.
•Strong interest and skill in developing technical teams.
•Established track record of completing projects in a time- and resource-effective manner.
•Excellent written and verbal skills.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

3743 - Performance Technician - Richmond, CA

This position is responsible for providing engineering test support for Photovoltaic system and component testing and evaluation projects in the Performance Group. SunPower’s Performance Group evaluates the performance of PV plants installed all over the world and to assist in the development of new module and systems technologies.

The position will support Performance Group research projects through the execution of various field tests, and through the set-up, assembly, and construction of experimental apparatus and equipment. The position will assist in designing experiments for performance-related research projects, and may assist in routine data analysis tasks. The position will also be responsible for the design, procurement, installation, programming and maintenance of custom monitoring systems. The position will be responsible for procurement and care of all necessary tools and equipment for monitoring and testing and for experimental set-ups.

The ideal person will have experience in testing and experimental design and set-up, and with running tests in both laboratory and field settings. The ideal candidate would also have experience with the configuration, installation, and maintenance of remote data acquisition systems. The candidate should have good analytical skills and highly-developed troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities. Some background in energy or electronics is preferred.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate with the group manager and other engineers to design and implement projects, tests and experiments
• Contribute to development of project plans, schedules and budgets.
• Work with external vendors and consultants and internal resources to complete projects and tests on time and within budget
• Design and build test set-ups
• Operate and maintain laboratory and field test equipment, including high-voltage
measuring equipment such as portable IV curve tracers, digital multi-meters, inspection equipment, etc.
• Specify, build, program, calibrate and commission custom in-house and remote data acquisition systems
• Perform daily monitoring and initial data analysis of data received from on-site and remote data acquisition systems; take action to troubleshoot and correct problems when they are detected
• Remove and replace meteorological sensors for calibration. Perform calibrations of monitoring equipment
• Perform product electrical performance characterization testing
• Prepare and write test reports, procedures, and other documentation
• Communicate results clearly through written reports and verbal communication

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in quantitative field (engineering, physics, math) preferred. Alternately, formal training at a Technical Institute (2 year degree) plus a minimum 2 years experience working in a Test Lab or engineering development environment.
• Able to read, and interpret mechanical drawings, electronic schematics, and test reports (CAD experience a plus)
• Capable of managing multiple tasks and driving to completion
• Capable of troubleshooting, analyzing, and identifying product failures or problems
• Mechanically adept at creating and designing test set-ups
• Capable of working with little supervision
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Able to work with multi-disciplined teams to obtain a common goal
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining quality records
• Able and willing to travel to customer or vendor facilities
• Computer knowledge (MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Access)
• Impeccable attention to detail
• Machine shop or construction experience preferred

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Manager, System Design and Engineering - Richmond, CA

The System Design and Engineering Manager (SDEM) will be responsible for designing and engineering residential photo-voltaic systems for SunPower’s New Homes division. The SDEM will be responsible for developing and managing a team of design managers and engineers that will execute engineering design of residential photo-voltaic systems. This role includes developing division strategy for managing advanced system designs and technologies of components used in these systems. It also involves working with cross-functional development teams on new PV system products, and delivering accurate designs to builder customers on time. Ideally, this role will include developing and maintaining a knowledge base of PV electrical system technology and regulations (existing and pending), incorporating new technologies into designs, and developing cost effective methods that will deliver accurate designs on time.

The ideal person will have a deep understanding of engineering principles, concepts, and industry practices and wide-ranging experience in designing PV electrical systems, and modern inverter technology. Experience with industry standards and regulations for electrical generating systems required. Knowledge of object oriented programming and databases is considered a plus.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Establish a Scalable Team
o Assess design needs of the SPNH group and identify the most cost effective resources or tools to address business needs
o Develop standardized operational procedures
o Train all existing and new hires to ensure that standardized procedures are being followed
o Develop and track metrics for all operational tasks that the group performs
• Develop cost effective and efficient PV system designs
o Maintain a knowledge base of PV system technology and components
o Maintain a knowledge base of regulations
o Develop and maintain processes and procedures for residential PV system design
o Own and manage the road map for the design automation tool.
o Primary liaison between NewHomes and SunPower’s software development team to maintain design automation tool and its database.
• Primary liaison between SPNH and Internal customers/functional leads
o Collaborate with other teams to launch new sales initiatives and to streamline current operations
o Collaborate with other teams to launch new products
o Primary contact for status on designs, and other major initiatives
• Government Contracts
o Support NewHomes group to develop proposals for government grants
o Lead and manage tasks pertaining to design on existing grants
• Other Responsibilities
o Authoring technical specifications, driving communication and cross group collaboration activities. Apply technical processes to complex problems and managing intricate schedules.
o Collaborate daily with internal and external customer(s) to determine specific needs and requirements and to counsel within the expertise area; including oversight and task execution.
o Develop and/or review program reports, technical papers, drawings, specifications, and procedures; organize, consolidate, and provide comments from various organizations, and prepare reports.
o Consult as industry expert with customer, advise on policy development, planning and implementation.
o Interface with various project team leaders daily to exchange information and coordinate related task performance. The responsibilities will include all activities from the inception to the close-out of projects.
o Execute project planning with attention to setting and meeting project design milestones.

QUALIFICATIONS
• 7-12 years experience in electrical engineering design or product design
• Hands-on prototyping capability
• Demonstrated ability to develop creative and innovative design solutions
• BS in Electrical Engineering or related technical field, MS beneficial, PE required.
• PE in electrical eng
• CAD skills
• Excellent written and verbal skills
• Self motivated, with ability to work both independently and with multiple teams

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.