3709 - Senior Performance Engineer

SunPower’s System Performance Group is responsible for characterizations and projections of installed system performance. The group creates and maintains specialized computer simulation software to model the energy output of SunPower products and systems, analyzes the long-term energy performance of a large fleet of grid-connected PV plants, and performs targeted field and lab tests to characterize the performance of both new and existing technologies.

The performance engineer’s primary focus is characterizing the performance of both new and existing technologies, from modules and mounting systems to entire operating PV systems. The position involves work within a dynamic, cross-departmental team of engineers, technicians, analysts, and internal customers to identify research needs, develop and execute analysis and test plans, and communicate research results to assist in the development of new products and services. Research will involve the use of existing data from SunPower’s operating fleet of PV systems and the acquisition of supplementary data through field testing and the design and execution of new test set-ups. Some travel and field work is required.

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

• Develop and execute research, analysis and test plans
• Develop, test, and validate engineering models of component and system performance
• Characterize system performance using remotely-acquired energy and meteorological data
• Characterize systems and components using measured field data such as I-V curves, string current and open circuit voltage tests
• Develop procedures and methods for collecting and analyzing test data
• Communicate key results of research in a timely and effective manner to supervisor and other stakeholders through memos, reports and presentations
• Support product development, sales, marketing, and finance departments on system performance-related initiatives
• Prepare reports and presentations to communicate analysis findings, research plans, or plans for product development efforts
• Plan and conduct field measurements of system performance; analyze resulting data and communicate results
• Respond to requests for information from customers and other departments on short notice
• Respond to customer and staff e-mails and phone calls daily
• Attend meetings; schedule and lead meetings

Education and Experience

• Bachelors or Masters degree in science or engineering field
• 2-3 years experience work with energy systems
• 1-2 years project engineering experience

Qualifications

• Strong time management skills
• Self-direction/initiative/ability to prioritize multiple tasks from multiple requestors
• People skills/Customer Relations skills with internal and external customers
• Strong communications skills, both verbal and written
• Advanced user of Microsoft Office suite, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Strong knowledge of energy/power system, with knowledge of solar electric systems preferred
• Strong analytical skills, background in math and science
• Some background in climate or atmospheric science a plus
• Strong project management/organizational skills
• Strong sense of both technical and business aspects of PV industry preferred

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