Principal Electrical Engineer-Solar Performance Modeling w/ BESS

McHale & Associates, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the energy sector is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead solar performance modeling and energy storage integration projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in solar energy systems, grid interconnection, and performance testing standards. This full-time position offers an opportunity to work on innovative solutions in a dynamic environment, contributing to the growth of renewable energy technologies.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in electrical engineering.
• At least 5 years focused on solar energy systems and battery energy storage integration.
• Proven expertise in grid interconnection processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of solar and solar-plus-storage systems.
• Oversee acceptance testing and energy performance validation.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s or PhD preferred

Tools

PVsyst

PlantPredict

HOMER

SAM

Energy Toolbase

Job description

Principal Electrical Engineer-Solar Performance Modeling w/ BESS

Join to apply for the Principal Electrical Engineer-Solar Performance Modeling w/ BESS role at McHale & Associates, Inc.

Principal Electrical Engineer-Solar Performance Modeling w/ BESS

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Join to apply for the Principal Electrical Engineer-Solar Performance Modeling w/ BESS role at McHale & Associates, Inc.

McHale & Associates is a dynamic and responsive organization that serves our clients as trusted advisors and solution providers. We believe in working as an integrated team and taking pride in our client's success. We will be a long term player by matching our products and services to continually add value in an ever changing market. We deliver innovative solutions to increase client productivity, quality of operation, and profitability by providing superior quality services in the areas of risk mitigation, performance optimization, and project/technology validations through analysis and testing.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to lead solar performance modeling, energy storage integration, and grid interconnection projects. This role will focus on developing innovative solutions for large-scale solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS) while ensuring compliance with industry standards and optimizing system performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, modeling, and optimization of solar and solar-plus-storage systems using industry-standard tools such as PVsyst, PlantPredict, HOMER, SAM, and Energy Toolbase.
• Develop and execute performance modeling strategies, including the integration of BESS for grid services such as peak shaving, frequency regulation, and renewable integration.
• Oversee acceptance testing and energy performance validation in compliance with standards, including IEC 61724, ASTM E2848, and ASTM E2939.
• Manage and coordinate grid interconnection studies and approvals, ensuring compliance with regional transmission operator (RTO) and independent system operator (ISO) requirements (e.g., ERCOT, PJM, CAISO, MISO).
• Provide technical expertise in grid interconnection processes, including interconnection applications, load flow studies, and compliance with IEEE and local utility standards.
• Analyze and troubleshoot system performance issues, identifying optimization opportunities and proposing actionable solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project managers, developers, and contractors, to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
• Prepare technical documentation, including reports, proposals, and presentations, for internal and external stakeholders.
• As a secondary responsibility, role will additionally support performance analysis in conventional (natural gas - combined and simple cycle gas turbine, RICE, etc.) power testing, and may include field mobilizations to support testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).
• Minimum 8–10 years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years focused on solar energy systems and battery energy storage integration.
• Proven expertise in grid interconnection processes, including technical and regulatory requirements for RTOs/ISOs such as ERCOT, PJM, CAISO, and MISO.
• Strong knowledge of performance testing standards such as IEC 61724, ASTM E2848, and ASTM E2939.
• Proficiency in solar and storage modeling tools (e.g., PlantPredict, PVsyst, HOMER, SAM, Energy Toolbase).
• In-depth knowledge of PV systems, battery technologies (e.g., lithium-ion, flow batteries), and hybrid system integration.
• Advanced skills in programming and analysis tools such as Python, MATLAB, or similar platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure within a specified timeframe.
• Relevant certifications such as NABCEP PV Technical Sales or NABCEP Energy Storage Specialist.
• Experience with microgrid design, islanding capabilities, and control strategies.
• Familiarity with financial modeling for solar and storage projects, including ROI and payback analysis.
• Understanding of emerging technologies, such as second-life batteries.
• Specific expertise with NERC MOD standards including MOD-025 (Verification of Generator Gross and Net Real Power Capability), MOD-026 (Verification of Models and Data for Generator Excitation Control Systems), MOD-027 (Verification of Models and Data for Turbine/Governor and Load Control or Active Power/Frequency Control Functions), and MOD-032 (Data for Power System Modeling and Analysis).
• Experience with machine learning and AI techniques for renewable energy applications, including predictive modeling, forecasting, and optimization algorithms.
• Demonstrated proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R) specifically tailored for ML/AI use-cases.
• Familiarity with cloud-based analytics and ML platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud
• Experience with computer vision techniques for drone-based inspection, monitoring, and diagnostics of solar arrays and combined cycle plant infrastructure.
• Familiarity with image processing frameworks and libraries such as OpenCV, TensorFlow, or PyTorch for anomaly detection and asset condition assessment.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical challenges.
• Effective communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor team members.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Engineering and Information Technology

• Industries

  Business Consulting and Services

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