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.