Hybrid Solar & Storage Optimization Engineer

Avantus; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 114,000 - 134,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical and dental plan

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Avantus is seeking an Optimization Engineer to support early-stage development through financing diligence for solar+storage projects. You will quantify design trade-offs, model production, and lead cross-functional optimization to reduce LCOE while informing EPC and PPA negotiations.

In this hybrid San Diego role, you will analyze meteorological data, land use, and equipment scenarios, collaborating with design, production, and finance teams to maximize project value.

Qualifications

• Strong PV production modeling experience using PVsyst, SAM, or pvlib.
• Basic energy storage modeling experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of solar and storage tech and components.
• Commercially minded engineer focused on optimizing for LCOE.
• Ability to quantify risk and opportunities around unknowns in design/tech.
• Basic understanding of the full solar development process.
• Basic understanding of renewable project finance.
• Understanding of typical Solar and Storage PPAs and market structures.
• Thrive in a cross-functional environment and guide discussions across design, production, cost, and land use.
• Data analysis experience in Excel; familiarity with Python is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assesses early-stage design trade-offs for site-specific guidance (DC/AC loading, land cost, COD year).
• Identifies site conditions (meteorology, soiling, shading) affecting design and production.
• Leads P50/P90/P99 and hedge-type production assessments.
• Leads cross-functional design optimization to minimize LCOE.
• Reviews PPA requirements to guide negotiations and mitigate risks.
• Identifies production and design levers to maximize project profitability.
• Leads technical bid preparation and ensures deliverables meet bid requirements.
• Helps assess PV+Storage design and dispatch optimization for off-taker needs.
• Diligences new technology with suppliers, EPCs, and IEs to assess bankability and impacts.
• Advances LCOE initiatives on design configuration, land use, and equipment.
• Presents results to project stakeholders.

Skills

PV modeling

Energy storage modeling

Solar tech knowledge

LCOE optimization

Risk quantification

Solar development

Project finance basics

PPAs & markets

Cross-functional

Excel data analysis

Optimization engineering

Renewable energy experience

Education

Bachelor of Science in STEM

Job description

Avantus is seeking an Optimization Engineer to support early-stage development through financing diligence for solar+storage projects. You will quantify design trade-offs, model production, and lead cross-functional optimization to reduce LCOE while informing EPC and PPA negotiations.

In this hybrid San Diego role, you will analyze meteorological data, land use, and equipment scenarios, collaborating with design, production, and finance teams to maximize project value.