SunPower Jobs Blog

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

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

3635 - Equipment Engineer – Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) - San Jose, CA

This position will support the R&D effort on current and next generation patterning technologies used for the fabrication of SunPower’s high efficiency solar cells.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Plan and manage equipment development projects focused on optical inspection subsystems used for precision part placement and pattern recognition (ie feature, defect, and cosmetic detection) and integrated into patterning platforms
• Develop the in-line optical inspection and defect pattern recognition tools for CD characterization and APC feedback. Images taken from coated surfaces with features in the micron range.
• Evaluate, design, test, specify and start-up high-volume manufacturing equipment
• Interface with vendors, contract engineering and contract manufacturing to develop new tool platforms including integration of AOI subsystems into patterning platforms
• Interface with production engineering, maintenance and facilities to modify tool designs
• Interface with solar cell R&D to meet performance requirements for new metrology development

Education and Experience
• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Electromechanics, Electronics and Controls, or equivalent required; MS preferred
• Knowledge of and at least 3-5 years direct experience with integrating an AOI system onto an existing tool and/or designing and developing new AOI subsystem required
• Knowledge of and previous experience with selection and application of lighting, cameras and lenses for precisions part placement, in-line optical inspection and defect pattern recognition for CD characterization and APC feedback required
• Previous experience in software application development including integration of commercial pattern recognition software required
• Knowledge and previous experience with application of statistics for assessing AOI capability and repeatability required
• Direct experience with specification, fabrication and start-up of equipment preferred
• Knowledge of and previous experience generating and modifying system code and algorithms for precision part placement, feature and defect detection preferred
• Exposure to solar or semiconductor industry a plus
• Experience with high volume manufacturing and high rate deposition process a plus
• Experience with cost analysis/modeling a plus

Qualifications
• Good knowledge of various optical platforms
• Creative problem solver
• Must be willing and able to travel, both domestic and international, a minimum of 25%

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

Saturday, November 14, 2009

4076 - Sr. Project Manager, Construction Services - Trenton, NJ

This position provides overall management direction to multiple projects, establishes project objectives and policies, maintains liaison with prime client contacts, and monitors construction and financial activities through administrative direction of on-site construction manager(s).. Manages external engineers, and sub-contractors. Works closely with internal design, administration, finance, and supply chain groups to insure that projects are brought in on-schedule and on-budget and insuring 100% customer satisfaction. May personally manage multiple medium size projects or may be top on-site manager on single large, extensive project.

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

•Responsible for fulfilling Company quality goals on assigned projects.
•Responsible for insuring 100% Customer Satisfaction on assigned projects.
•Oversees the management of the system design and construction process for all assigned projects.
•Coordinates resource availability and operational needs to ensure that established goals are met.
•Responsible for managing cost and schedule goals of assigned projects through project closeout.
•Creates, oversees and tracks all schedule aspects for assigned projects, from pre-approval through project close-out to ensure on-time delivery.
•Leverages knowledge of system delivery milestones to capture reduced construction costs wherever possible.
•Identifies opportunities for and initiates change orders, as required.
•Performs risk-analysis /forecasting for assigned projects in order to minimize negative impact on Company
•Responsible for overseeing document management for assigned projects.
•Ultimately responsible for compliance, safety, and performance on all assigned projects.
•Directs work of one or more assigned Construction Managers on a per project basis.
•Responsible for effective oversight of multiple subcontractors and temporary leased installation labor.
•Negotiates and manages sub-contracts.
•Is corporate representative to the Customer, permitting agencies, and other project personnel.
•May evaluate the performance of more junior projects personnel to provide accurate feedback on the level of performance within the department

Education and Experience

•Associate degree or equivalent experience required
•Bachelors degree is preferred
•7 years of commercial construction, commercial electrical contracting and/or commercial roofing experience is required.
•Additional experience with electrical systems and wiring is strongly preferred

Qualifications

•Strong technical, supervisory, and project management skills based on construction industry experience.
•Strong familiarity with construction and electrical codes
•Proven ability to successfully procure, monitor, and assess subcontracted construction functions such as electrical contractors and commercial roofers
•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 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and MS Project is required.

Physical Requirements

This position is physically demanding and can require a great deal of travel, often on short notice.

Other requirements

Valid driver’s license

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

4077 - Field Electrical Engineer - Phoenix, AZ

The Field Electrical Engineer provides technical interpretation of Design Documents in support of Project Design, Electrical Engineering, Construction Managers, and Contractors, and provides specific expertise for problem solving.

Job Responsibilities:
•This position coordinates completion of construction activities including preparation and processing RFI’s for Field issue resolution.
•Prepares a punch list and Action Item list for turn-over to the client and final system commissioning.
•Prepares and issues field directives in the form of revised drawings and/or written scope direction.
•Monitors and inspect construction operations to ensure compliance with design documents.
•Controls, distributes and files the design package and associated revisions through the construction process.
•Communicates with electrical engineer to schedule and coordinate the release of construction documents and field bulletins in support of the construction schedule.
•Monitors subcontractor’s performance to ensure design quality, conformance to project safety and conformance to the design drawings and specifications.
•Investigates and resolves engineering and technical related challenges.
•Works with O&M team to resolve technical field issues during commissioning
•Anticipated 50% - 70% of time will be spent in the field.

Job Requirements:
•Candidate must be a licensed Electrical Engineer that is well versed and experienced with the N.E.C.
•Engineering Degree required
•6 – 10 years experience as field engineer for large contractor or EPC firm.

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

4078 - Senior Staff Engineer, Utility Systems - Richmond, CA

The Senior Staff Engineer (SSE) will provide senior-level engineering direction, consultation, and design in support of utility solar generation facility projects. The SSE will be responsible for developing, managing and implementing distribution and transmission interconnection projects. Projects will include medium and high voltage transmission, substation, switchgear, grid connection, and power distribution electrical design. The functional areas will include engineering, project management, financial, logistics, business development, evaluation, and assessment. The SSE will be responsible for managing and supporting technical subcontractors for equipment specification, AC system design, and interconnection requirement compliance for purposes of designing and interconnecting utility solar generation facilities. The SSE will interface and collaborate with Independent System Operator (ISO) or Transmission System Operator (TSO) representatives, electricity suppliers and other electrical agencies during the interconnection approval process and system commissioning to ensure complete system compliance.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

•Authoring technical specifications, driving communication and cross group collaboration activities. Apply technical processes to complex problems and managing intricate schedules.
•Development and coordination of outsourced engineering services including activities, plans, drawings, calculations, etc.
•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.
•Oversee utility interconnect agreements, permits, and inspection. Must be adept and responsive to inquiries and internal/external customers relative to system design and interconnects.
•Develop and/or review program reports, technical papers, drawings, specifications, and procedures; organize, consolidate, and provide comments from various organizations, and prepare reports.
•Perform expert-level review, analysis, and validation of engineering specifications and design; prepare executive-level reports and briefs, as required
•Consult as industry expert with customer, advise on policy development, planning and implementation.

•Provide Transmission and Distribution support for Supply Chain/Commodity Management Team.
•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.
•Execute project planning with attention to setting and meeting project design milestones. Work closely with the business development team to ensure that they are meeting/delivering the most complete and cost effective proposals for potential future projects.
•Position will require travel.

Education: BS degree in Electrical Engineering required (MS preferred), PE required

Required Skills:

•PE required with 10+ years experience in electrical engineering management for a large design build/EPC environment.
•Knowledge of PLSF, PSS/E, eTap Software is preferred.

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

Monday, November 9, 2009

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.

Friday, November 6, 2009

3481 - Senior R&D Reliability Engineer

The solar electric industry is an exciting and rapidly growing business, providing excellent career opportunities and the great satisfaction of having a positive impact on the environment. SunPower Corp. (www.sunpowercorp.com) designs, manufactures and deploys the world’s highest efficiency solar panels, and is a leading global provider of large-scale solar power systems, with over 350 megawatts contracted or in construction.

SunPower’s R&D team developed the original 20% all-back contact solar cell in 2005, released the 22% cells in 2007 and is presently working on the next generation technology. Enabling this high rate of innovation while maintaining world-class reliability requires a deep understanding what makes efficiency degrade over time. The ideal candidate is motivated by solving the highly complex puzzles embodied in the physics of cell and module degradation.

We are looking for an exceptionally smart and motivated candidate who has demonstrated a capacity for scientific innovation and leadership. This person should have experience that spans laboratory and field experiments, computer modeling, and manufacturing support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Develop reliability qualification methods for PV cell and module products, with an initial focus on acceleration factors for the effects of UV and thermal degradation over the 25 years warranty in various field conditions.
• Manage and mentor other engineers, and lead cross-functional teams with a strong drive for results.
• Innovate, and provide technical leadership for solving challenging technical problems with a positive, solution-oriented approach.
• Develop new cutting-edge diagnostics, to support manufacturing ongoing reliability testing.
• Drive design-for-reliability principles throughout the organization, and provide clear assessments of reliability risks.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications
• PhD in Engineering, Chemistry, Material Science, Physics or related fields, plus at least 4 years related experience required.
• Demonstrated capability in experimental design, uncertainty analysis, instrumentation and statistical interpretation.
• Demonstrated ability to manage other engineers, and to lead cross-functional teams to deliver large projects to plan.
• Clear communication style, with the ability to create compelling presentations for varied audiences, from scientists and engineers to executives.
• Familiarity with silicon solar cells, characterization of PV cells and panels, degradation models, acceleration factors, etc., is preferred.
• Familiarity with semiconductor reliability physics of failure is a big plus.
• Creative, self-motivated and self-directed, and able to multi-task a large variety of projects in a fast-paced environment.
SunPower offers an attractive compensation package that consists of a competitive salary and equity. The company also offers an array of generous employee benefits.

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

3641 - QA Engineer Principal

The solar electric industry is an exciting and rapidly growing business, providing excellent career opportunities and the great satisfaction of having a positive impact on the environment. SunPower Corp. designs, manufactures and markets high-performance solar electric technology worldwide. SunPower's high-efficiency solar cells and panels generate up to 50 percent more power per unit area than conventional solar technologies and have a uniquely attractive, all-black appearance. For more information on SunPower please visit the SunPower website at www.sunpowercorp.com.

Summary

Reporting to Director, Global Quality and Customer Satisfaction, Systems division, this position will deploy strategic quality initiatives to achieve end-to–end continual improvements across EPC (Construction) and Field processes linked to customers. We are looking for an experienced quality professional with outstanding track record to lead these quality efforts through systematic quality methodologies including Six Sigma, SPC and 5S. Serve as System division’s Field Quality Leader - ensure that new and existing project construction sites are monitored and built with highest quality standards, and non-conformances are corrected systemically and timely to prevent them from happening again. Team player, result oriented and hands-on contributor. Has a positive, optimistic, “can-do” attitude. Wants to win and manage effectively on both the strategic and tactical issues --- and ready to switch between the two. Possess strong leadership and team building skills, and ability to motivate others.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
• Establish and deploy strategic initiatives to achieve quality improvements across roof top projects construction and customers.
• Develop measurable quality standards across roof top projects, and work with Operations to ensure that these standards are incorporated throughout the product lifecycle.
• Conduct Rooftop audits, record and correct any non-conformances systematically and timely.
• Learn, teach and collaborate on advanced quality methodologies – including 8D problem solving, SPC/SIX SIGMA, Poka Yoke, and 5S methodologies.
• Develop and deploy construction best practices
• Develop and implement learning and continual improvement program.

Education and Experience
• MS in Industrial/Mechanical engineering with 7+ years of Quality Management directly related to construction engineering and projects focused on solar industry.
• Demonstrated skills/background in improving field quality operations and customer satisfaction improvement programs.

Qualifications
• Solid track record of Quality Management --- and continual improvement using SPC/SIX SIGMA and 5S in a construction and project operations environment.
• Exceptional ability to solve problems and coordinate with global team members. Problem analysis/resolution at both a strategic and functional level. Ability to define problems, collects data, discern facts, root cause analysis, draw valid conclusions and influence decisions.
• In-depth understanding of NPI process.
• Team player, capable of working in a highly collaborative and dynamic environment.
• Previous experience leading and partnering cross functional teams with subcontractors.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation skills. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from executives, managers, customers, subcontractors, etc.
• Experience and knowledge in a broad range of construction best practices and industry codes and standards.

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