PV Performance Engineer

Qcells; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 128,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a PV Performance Engineer to own performance simulations, field testing, and data analysis. You will ensure model outputs reflect real-world performance and support North American customers in pre-sales activities.

The role requires deep PV technology knowledge, hands-on testing, and ability to communicate complex results to internal teams and clients. Occasional travel up to 20% is expected.

Qualifications

• BS or MS/PhD in Engineering or Physical Sciences with 2–3 years of PV or renewable energy experience
• Deep knowledge of PV simulation software (Aurora, PVsyst)
• Experience in PV module and system field testing and data analysis
• Strong expertise in PV, inverter, racking, and BOS compatibility for residential, commercial & industrial, and utility applications
• Familiarity with reliability testing, certification, listing, codes, and standards for PV systems
• Hands-on experience in developing, applying, testing, and deploying PV products
• Proven success in technical sales engineering or sales support in a fast-paced tech environment
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with internal teams and customers
• Excellent business acumen, aligning technical issues with business results
• Self-motivated with reliability and urgency
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

Responsibilities

• Manage field testing and performance data analysis for test sites across the US
• Deep understanding of simulation tools (Aurora, PVsyst) and validation with yield results
• Lead sales-focused technical solutions for North American PV customers
• Own the pre-sales process: compatibility, testing, certifications, contracts review, site troubleshooting
• Ensure successful introduction and documentation of PV products including third-party qualifications and listings
• Develop and manage customer relationships with timely, customer-centric actions for inquiries
• Influence design and product development to meet market demands
• Provide product training and promote HQCA North America solutions to customers and sales teams
• Represent HQCA at trade shows and industry conferences
• Maintain awareness of industry trends and participate in technical meetings
• Contribute as hands-on engineer for assigned tasks

Skills

PV data analysis

Pre-sales support

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer-facing communication

Education

BS or MS/PhD in Engineering or Physical Sciences

Tools

Aurora

PVsyst

Job description

POSITION DESCRIPTION

We are seeking a PV Performance Engineer for our PV Engineering team. This role owns the PV performance simulation validations, field testing, and data analysis, ensures module performance is properly represented across all simulations tools and validated with field testing data. The ideal candidate supports the North American market in all segments, providing pre-sales supports to the customers. This position demands a deep understanding of PV technologies and experience in data analysis.

This role will be based in Santa Clara, CA, requiring up to 20% travel.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage field testing and performance data analysis for test sites across the US.


• Have deep understanding in simulations tools (ex. Aurora, Pvsyst, etc) and work with simulation software companies to validate yield results


• Lead sales-focused technical solutions for customers in the North American PV market.


• Own the technical pre-sales process, including compatibility, testing, certifications, contracts review, and site troubleshooting.


• Ensure the successful introduction and implementation of PV products, including third-party qualifications, product listings, and product documentation.


• Develop and manage customer relationships, providing timely and customer‑centric actions for inquiries, complaints, and claims.


• Influence design and product development to meet customer requirements, ensuring that product offerings are aligned with market demands.


• Provide product training and actively promote Qcells North America solutions to customers and the sales team.


• Represent Qcells North America at trade shows and conferences.


• Maintain a strong understanding of industry trends and emerging technologies, participating in technical meetings and industry events.


• Contribute as an individual contributor for hands-on engineering tasks when necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A BS or MS/Ph.D. in Engineering or Physical Sciences (Electrical, Mechanical, Physics, etc.) with 2-3 years (or 1-2 years with MS/Ph.D.) of relevant experience in the PV solar or renewable energy industry.


• In-depth knowledge of simulation software (ex. Aurora, PVsyst, etc.)


• Experienced in PV module and system field testing and data analysis


• Strong expertise in PV, inverter, racking, and BOS compatibility for residential, C&I, and utility applications.


• In-depth knowledge of reliability testing, certification, listing, codes, and standards for PV systems.


• Hands-on experience in developing, applying, testing, and deploying PV products.


• Proven success in technical sales engineering or sales support in a fast-paced technology environment.


• Demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with both internal teams and customers.


• Excellent business acumen, with the ability to align technical issues with business results.


• Self-motivated with a proven track record of reliability, work ethic, and urgency.


• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to influence and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience working in PV manufacturing, R&D, engineering, or applications.


• Experience in managing or influencing customer-facing sales engineering processes.


• Familiarity with the renewable energy market and technologies.

COMPENSATION

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:

• Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $106,900 - $128,300


• Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $98,000 - $117,600


• Zone 3 (All others): $89,100 - $106,900

The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Mobility
  
  
  
  • Standing 20% of time
  
  
  • Sitting 70% of time
  
  
  • Walking 10% of time
  
  
  
  


• Strength
  
  
  
  • Pulling up to 10 Pounds
  
  
  • Pushing up to 10 Pounds
  
  
  • Carrying up to 10 Pounds
  
  
  • Lifting up to 10 Pounds
  
  
  
  


• Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
  
  
  
  • Typing F
  
  
  • Handling F
  
  
  • Reaching F
  
  
  
  


• Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
  
  
  
  • Turning F
  
  
  • Twisting F
  
  
  • Bending O
  
  
  • Crouching O
  
  
  • Balancing N
  
  
  • Climbing N
    
  • Crawling N
  
  
  • Kneeling N
  
  
  
  

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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