Principal Engineer-Solar & Power Plant

TÜV Rheinland North America; Indiana; On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

TÜV Rheinland North America is seeking a motivated Principal Engineer to support utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects across the United States. The role provides subject matter expertise on test procedures, product testing, and report generation for clients and management.

You will guide engineers, define test plans, interpret standards, and may act as program manager to ensure schedules and resources meet objectives. Travel to client sites is expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering and relevant testing experience.
• 10 years of test experience and familiarity with NEC/UL/IEC/EN standards.
• Experience with utility-scale Solar PV or BESS projects and field testing.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical advice on integration and test activities.
• Develop test procedures, conduct testing, and prepare reports.
• Coordinate test plans, validate results, and interface with clients.

Skills

Technical test expertise

Test planning & reporting

Strong communication

Problem solving

PV/BESS knowledge

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

EL testing equipment

IV Curve tracing

Infrared inspection

Drone inspection

Field inspection equipment

Job description

Products

In the Products business unit at TÜV Rheinland, we are looking for talents who want to stand with us at the forefront of safety, quality, and innovation. Our goal is to make products safe and compliant with standards in international markets – from consumer goods to highly complex medical devices. In doing so, we support companies in complying with national and international standards.

Our focus is on the challenges of digitalization, sustainability, and global trade requirements. Whether smart technologies, sustainable materials, or the safety of connected products – we actively shape the future of product safety.

Our Core Areas

• Softlines: Testing, inspection, and certification services for textiles, clothing, footwear, leather goods, and other consumer products.
• Hardlines: Safety and quality testing for household goods, toys, furniture, sports equipment, tools, and DIY products.
• Electrical: Testing and certification of electrical and electronic products, from household appliances to industrial control systems.
• Solar & Commercial: Quality assurance and certification of photovoltaic modules, inverters, and commercial technical installations.
• Medical: Comprehensive testing and certification for medical devices, from diagnostic equipment to implants.

Join a Strong Team!

At TÜV Rheinland, you can contribute and expand your expertise in an international environment. We offer a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation, embracing diversity and continuous learning. Together, we shape a future where safety and quality go hand in hand.

Compensation Data

The salary range for this position is $120,000-$150,000 and reflects factors such as years of experience, relevant expertise, and overall qualifications.

Job Summary

TÜV Rheinland is seeking a motivated Principal Engineer to support utility‑scale Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects throughout United States. The incumbent will provide subject matter expertise and guidance to technical staff, clients, and management regarding test procedure development, product testing and report generation. May perform complex test operations to meet client requirements, as needed.

Job Description

• Provide technical advice to engineers in all aspects of integration and test activities.
• Provide guidance on test procedure development, test conduct and report generation.
• Review and evaluate complex test specifications, test results and test trends.
• May perform complex test operations to meet client requirements.
• Coordinate the performance and monitoring of activities verifying compliance with established plans, requirements and procedures, and ensuring system readiness and integrity.
• Document test plans, test cases, and test summary reports. Interface with and direct clients in test requirement interpretation.
• Provide official company technical interpretation of standards.
• Extend and modify testing techniques, and/or apply new, innovative, or experimental engineering theories.
• May act as program or project manager. Identify and manage resources to ensure program/project objectives are met per schedule.
• Communicate on program/project direction with internal and external customers.
• Maintain division specific accreditations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Bachelors in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

Work Experience

• 10 years of test experience evaluating products in accordance with product standards.
• Experience testing to NEC, NEPA, UL, CSA, IEC, EN.
• Experience with utility‑scale Solar PV or BESS projects.
• Experience with EL testing, IV Curve tracing, infrared inspection, or drone inspection.

Additional Work Requirements

• Significant expertise in technical product validation and testing.
• Strong problem solving ability and critical thinking with an emphasis on written and verbal communication skills.
• Detailed knowledge of test techniques and expertise in the development of customized test plans.
• Demonstrated skills in planning and implementing complex systems test and integration.
• Ability to understand and translate complex technical information into test acceptance criteria.
• Excellent communication skills, to relay complex scientific and technical information in a clear, concise and understandable manner, verbally and in technical writing.
• Demonstrated and applied knowledge of PV systems, BESS, and electrical equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors under various weather conditions while following all safety requirements.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• NABCEP certification is a plus.
• Experience with field inspection and testing equipment is strongly preferred.
• Ability to read electrical drawings and technical documentation is an advantage.
• Strong communication and report‑writing skills.
• Ability to travel frequently to client sites.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Valid driver's license.