Operations Engineer

Ecotal; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) Match

Wellness stipend

Parental leave

Job summary

Ecotal is seeking an Operations Engineer to oversee daily operations of a portfolio of utility-scale PV facilities. You will be the main technical contact for the portfolio, translating field data into clear updates, and supporting performance improvements for asset management and project finance.

The role requires a BS/MS in Electrical or Power Systems engineering, plus experience with SCADA/DAS, data analysis, and preparing performance narratives for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• BS and/or MS in Electrical or Power Systems engineering.
• Experience with operation of power system equipment and SCADA/DAS.
• Familiarity with electrical diagrams and power systems studies.

Responsibilities

• Monitor day-to-day operation and long-term performance of utility-scale PV facilities.
• Analyze data to identify underperforming assets and derive action items.
• Predict future issues using data analytics and support data infrastructure improvements.
• Support performance reporting for asset management and project finance.
• Serve as primary technical interface for portfolio, translating field conditions into updates and CAPA plans.
• Prepare and present technical performance narratives with KPIs and recommendations.

Skills

Data analysis

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Electrical or Power Systems Engineering degree

Tools

SCADA

DAS

Power BI

Python

Excel

MS Office

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with utility solar experience to oversee and manage the daily operation of a rapidly growing portfolio of utility-scale PV plants. The Operations Engineer acts as the main technical point of contact for an assigned portfolio of PV Facilities and supports performance analysis and improvement initiatives. This role is also customer-facing and serves as the technical bridge between site operations and external stakeholders—translating field conditions, SCADA/data insights, and corrective action plans into clear, timely updates, reports, and recommendations for customers and commercial partners. Additionally, the Operations Engineer facilitates effective stakeholder engagement and serves as a vital link between the commercial and operations teams, providing insights into various aspects of asset performance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor the day-to-day operation and long-term performance of numerous utility scale PV facilities.
• Data analysis of underperforming PV assets and derive actionable items to improve overall performance.
• Predict future issues utilizing data analytics and support improving data infrastructure.
• Support performance reporting for asset management and project finance teams.
• Serve as the primary customer-facing technical interface for an assigned portfolio—responding to technical inquiries and providing clear, actionable updates on plant status, performance, and risks.
• Translate site events (alarms, outages, curtailments, equipment issues) into customer-ready incident summaries, root cause findings, and corrective/preventive action plans (CAPA).
• Prepare and present technical performance narratives (e.g., monthly/quarterly reviews) including key drivers, KPIs, and recommendations to improve availability and energy yield.

Preferred Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• BS. and/or MS in Electrical or Power Systems engineering
• 1-2 years of experience in operations of power system equipment (Inverters, Transformers, Switchgear, Circuit Breakers, etc.)
• Experience with operation of SCADA, DAS, and communication equipment.
• Experience in aspects of electrical maintenance, including DC systems, AC medium voltage systems, and network communications and monitoring.
• Ability to read and understand electrical single-line, three-line diagrams, schematic diagrams, DAS drawings, and Structural drawings
• Knowledge of, and experience in, reviewing power systems engineering studies for relevant information. Including but not limited to arc flash coordination, power flow, and harmonic studies
• Experience reviewing test results on HV/MV equipment
• Proficiency with MS Office suite
• Ability to take direction and complete tasks with minimal oversight
• Familiar with analysis techniques of large data sets using Excel, Power BI, Python
• Position is based out of the Durham, NC or Asheville, NC office following a hybrid schedule with 3 days a week in office
• Work is to be performed primarily in an office environment with occasional field visits
• Ability to obtain unescorted access for NERC/CIP facilities

Location:

We have a strong preference for the candidate to be based in our Durham, NC office; also open to candidates in our Asheville, NC or NYC, NY office. Our team operates on a hybrid schedule, with in-office schedule of three days per week.

• 15 days of Paid Time Off, accrual up to 20 days, 11 observed holidays
• 401(k) Match
• Wellness stipend, family planning stipend, and generous parental leave