Operations Engineer - Solar

Ecotal; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

15 days PTO–20 days acc.

401(k) Match

Wellness stipend

Family planning stipend

Parental leave

Job summary

Ecotal is seeking an Operations Engineer to oversee daily operation of a growing portfolio of utility-scale PV plants in North Carolina. You will be the main technical contact for performance, troubleshooting, and asset improvements, translating SCADA data into actionable updates for customers.

The role requires 1–2 years in power-system operations, SCADA/DAS experience, and the ability to read electrical diagrams; strong data analytics with Excel/Power BI/Python is preferred.

Qualifications

• BS and/or MS in Electrical or Power Systems engineering.
• 1–2 years in operations of power system equipment (inverters, transformers, switchgear, etc.).
• Experience with SCADA, DAS and communication equipment.
• Ability to read electrical single-line/three-line diagrams and DAS drawings.
• Knowledge of data analysis with Excel, Power BI, Python.

Responsibilities

• Monitor day-to-day operation and long-term performance of many utility-scale PV facilities.
• Analyze data from underperforming assets and derive actions to improve performance.
• Predict issues using data analytics and support data infrastructure improvements.
• Support performance reporting for asset management and project finance teams.
• Serve as primary customer-facing technical interface for an assigned portfolio.
• Translate events into incident summaries, root cause findings, and CAPAs.
• Prepare technical performance narratives with KPIs and recommendations.

Skills

SCADA

DAS

Excel

Power BI

Python

Data analysis

Customer communication

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical/Power Systems Engineering

Tools

SCADA

DAS

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 is the main technical point of contact for a portfolio of utility-scale solar assets, focused on performance, troubleshooting, and improving operating assets. They also work directly with customers, translating SCADA data and field issues into clear updates and corrective actions.

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.
• 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