PV Performance Engineer

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

Job summary

Qcells North America seeks a PV Performance Engineer in Santa Clara, CA to own PV performance simulations, field validation, and data analysis. You will support the North American market with pre‑Sales technical solutions and collaborate with cross‑functional teams.

The role requires deep PV technology knowledge, hands‑on testing, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights. Travel up to 20% and participation in industry events are expected.

Qualifications

• BS or MS/Ph.D. in Engineering or Physical Sciences with 2–3 years (or 1–2 years with MS/Ph.D.) in PV/renewable energy.
• In-depth knowledge of 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, C&I, 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.
• Demonstrated ability to work with cross-functional teams and communicate with internal teams and customers.
• Excellent business acumen and ability to align technical issues with business results.
• Self-motivated with a track record of reliability and urgency.
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written, to build diverse stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage field testing and performance data analysis for test sites across the US.
• Deep understanding of simulation tools (Aurora, PVsyst) and validate yields.
• 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 successful introduction and implementation of PV products, including third‑party qualifications, listings, and product documentation.
• Develop and manage customer relationships with timely, customer-centric responses to inquiries and claims.
• Influence design and product development to meet customer requirements and market demands.
• Provide product training and promote Qcells North America solutions to customers and the sales team.
• Represent Qcells North America at trade shows and conferences.
• Maintain knowledge of industry trends and participate in technical meetings and events.
• Contribute as an individual contributor for hands-on engineering tasks when necessary.

Skills

PV simulation software

PV field testing

Technical sales engineering

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication skills

Business acumen

PV data analysis

Education

BS/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.

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.

Physical, Mental & Environmental Demands

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

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