Solar PV Design & Optimization Engineer

Job Description

Timmons Group is seeking an experienced Solar PV Design & Optimization Engineer to join our Energy Division. This position will focus on the design, development, and optimization of utility-scale solar PV layouts. The successful candidate will combine PV system design knowledge with energy modeling to evaluate layout alternatives, equipment configurations, and site constraints and develop efficient, constructible, high-performing PV designs.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize utility-scale solar PV layouts from conceptual design through detailed engineering.

• Evaluate site constraints, topography, grading, setbacks, environmental constraints, and equipment requirements to maximize developable capacity and energy production.

• Optimize key PV design parameters, including:

• Module and tracker selection

• Row and table configuration

• Row spacing and ground coverage ratio (GCR)

• DC/AC ratio

• Inverter loading

• Module string sizing and configuration

• Tracker block and inverter/PCS configurations

• Equipment placement

• Develop and maintain PVsyst models to support layout development and design optimization.

• Evaluate the effects of terrain, near shading, electrical losses, mismatch, soiling, weather data, and other loss assumptions on energy production.

• Perform sensitivity analyses to understand the production impacts of alternative layouts and design configurations.

• Work closely with Timmons Group’s civil and electrical engineering teams to balance energy production, grading, constructability, electrical design, and overall project efficiency.

• Coordinate PV layouts with roads, stormwater facilities, substations, collection systems, wetlands, buffers, and other site constraints.

• Evaluate module, inverter, and tracker technologies and incorporate manufacturer-specific requirements into project designs.

• Support preliminary DC collection design, stringing, inverter loading, and equipment sizing.

• Review client, developer, and EPC layouts and identify opportunities for improved site utilization or performance.

• Support projects from feasibility and conceptual layout through IFC engineering.

• Develop and improve internal PV design, modeling, optimization, and QA/QC standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Engineering, or a related technical field.

• 4+ years of utility-scale solar PV design, layout, modeling, or engineering experience.

• Strong experience developing and optimizing utility-scale PV layouts.

• Proficiency with PVsyst.

• Strong understanding of:

• Single-axis tracker systems

• PV modules and inverters

• DC collection systems

• Module stringing

• DC/AC ratios and inverter loading

• GCR and row spacing

• Terrain and shading effects

• Electrical and system losses

• Ability to understand and work with topographic, environmental, civil, and electrical design constraints.

• Ability to evaluate layout alternatives based on more than MW capacity alone, considering energy production, grading, constructability, and electrical implications.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary civil and electrical engineering teams.

• Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced experience with PVsyst and utility-scale PV energy modeling.

• Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, GIS, or specialized solar layout/design software.

• Experience with tracker manufacturer layout requirements and design tools.

• Experience with Python, pvlib, or other tools used for PV analysis or design automation.

• Familiarity with utility-scale BESS and solar-plus-storage design.

• Experience supporting EPC, developer, EoR, or Owner’s Engineer projects.

• EIT certification or PE licensure is a plus.

Additional Information

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

We are looking for high energy, creative, flexible, patient, self-starters who are willing to work at a dynamic pace. Candidates must share a commitment to our company’s Vision, Mission and Shared Values.

Timmons Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.

Timmons Group is a full-service engineering and technology firm recognized nationally as a “Best Firm to Work For” by CE News. With 22 offices throughout the Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, and South Central United States, we provide civil engineering, environmental, economic development, GIS/geospatial technology, landscape architecture, and surveying services to a diverse client base. As one of Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Top 500 Design Firms for over 30 years, we are dedicated to being an employer of choice and providing our people with the best resources, technology, and culture to help them thrive in an engaging career development setting. For more information, visit www.timmons.com.

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