Senior Electrical Manager (Utility Scale Solar)

GoldCoast Energy Solutions; Arizona; On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

GoldCoast Energy Solutions seeks a Senior Electrical Manager for utility-scale solar projects in the United States. You will serve as SME across the full lifecycle from interconnection to commissioning, guiding EPC teams and ensuring grid compliance.

Responsibilities include HV/MV/LV design oversight, equipment selection (inverters, transformers, switchgear, BESS), and adherence to NEC/NESC/IEEE/NFPA standards, with a focus on risk management and technical leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-8 years managing electrical engineering or commissioning of utility-scale solar projects (50MW+).
• 10-12 years of hands-on tech experience in utility-scale solar, from inception to commissioning.
• PE license highly preferred; bachelor's in Electrical Engineering required.

Responsibilities

• ISO compliance and interconnection requirements for regional grids.
• Review interconnection studies to optimize designs.
• Oversee HV/MV/LV electrical design deliverables.
• Coordinate with EPC contractors to ensure NEC/NESC/IEEE/NFPA compliance.
• Manage electrical testing plans and grid energization processes.
• Document as-built drawings and handover to Asset Management.

Skills

Technical leadership

EPC oversight

Grid interconnection

Electrical engineering expertise

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

PE license (preferred)

Tools

ETAP

SKM

PVsyst

Job description

Senior Electrical Manager (Utility Scale Solar)

Role Overview

The Technical Electrical Solar Manager serves as the ultimate Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the complete lifecycle of utility-scale solar projects. This role requires deep, specialized technical expertise to guide projects from early-stage inception and grid interconnection (ISO/RTO standards) through to final site commissioning. Whether coming from a professional engineering path or a master-level field electrical background, the ideal candidate possesses the rigorous technical authority needed to oversee EPC contractors, solve complex electrical issues, and ensure grid compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Inception & Interconnection

• ISO Compliance: Navigate regional Transmission Provider and ISO/RTO tariffs, market rules, and engineering requirements (e.g., PJM, MISO, ERCOT, CAISO).
• Grid Studies: Review Interconnection Feasibility, System Impact, and Facilities Studies to optimize project design.
• Requirements Mapping: Translate complex utility and ISO interconnection agreements into actionable engineering specifications.
• Design Review: Oversee the electrical engineering deliverables for high-voltage (HV), medium-voltage (MV), and low-voltage (LV) systems.
• Equipment Selection: Evaluate and approve technical specifications for critical equipment including inverters, transformers, switchgear, and BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems).
• Value Engineering: Optimize electrical layouts, cable sizing, and substation designs to reduce CAPEX while maximizing system efficiency.

Project Execution & Quality Assurance

• Technical Oversight: Act as the primary technical point of contact for EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) contractors.
• Standards Enforcement: Ensure all designs and installations comply with NEC, NESC, IEEE, and NFPA standards.
• Risk Management: Identify potential electrical bottlenecks, design gaps, or supply chain issues early to minimize project delays.
• Testing Oversight: Manage the execution of electrical testing plans, including insulation resistance, VLF, transformer turns ratio (TTR), and relay calibration.
• Grid Energization: Coordinate directly with utilities and ISOs for final synchronization, hot commissioning, and performance testing.
• Documentation Review: Approve "As-Built" drawings, testing records, and operation manuals for transition to the Asset Management team.

Qualifications & Skills

Experience

• Project History: Minimum of 5-8 years of experience directly managing the electrical engineering or commissioning of utility-scale solar projects (50MW+).
• Full Lifecycle Track Record: Proven experience taking multiple utility-scale sites completely from inception/interconnection through to commercial operation (COD).

Technical Background (Alternative Pathways)

Candidates must meet one of the following foundational technical backgrounds:

• Engineering Pathway: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Professional Engineer / PE license highly preferred).
• Electrician Pathway: Master Electrician or Journeyman Electrician license with extensive, documented experience managing heavy industrial or utility-scale electrical infrastructure.

Experience & Competencies

• Utility-Scale Track Record: Minimum of 10-12 years of hands-on technical experience specifically within utility-scale solar projects (50MW+), spanning from inception to commissioning.
• SME Status: Exceptional, demonstrable knowledge of utility-scale inverter technologies, substation operations, transformer physics, and utility grid-tie requirements.
• Software/Tools: Familiarity with electrical modeling or analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, SKM, PVsyst) or advanced electrical diagnostic equipment is highly valued.