Sr. Engineer, Optimization Engineering

NextGenEnergyJobs; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Medical and dental plan options

Flexible PTO

Job summary

Avantus is seeking a Sr. Optimization Engineer to support production, design, and cost optimization across the full development lifecycle of utility-scale solar and storage projects.

The role emphasizes industry knowledge, strong communication, and meticulous organization for early-stage development through financing diligence. The candidate will quantify risks and opportunities, navigate cross-functional dependencies, and leverage PVsyst/SAM/pvlib skills, Excel analysis, and basic Python to

Qualifications

• BS in STEM required.
• Strong PV production modeling experience.
• Experience with energy storage modeling.
• Commercially minded engineer focused on optimization for LCOE.
• Ability to quantify risk and opportunities in design and technology.
• Understanding of solar development and project finance processes.
• Familiarity with solar/storage PPA structures.
• Excellent Excel data analysis; Python a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support production, design, and cost optimization across the full development process.
• Assist from early-stage development through mid- and late-stage offtaker and financing diligence.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to identify dependencies between design, production, cost, land use, and LCOE.

Skills

PV production modeling

Energy storage modeling

Solar and storage tech

LCOE optimization

Risk analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel data analysis

Python familiarity

Education

B.S. in STEM

Tools

PVsyst

SAM

pvlib

Job description

Avantus develops, owns and operates utility-scale clean energy projects across California and the Desert Southwest.

Key Responsibilities

The Sr. Optimization Engineer will demonstrate industry knowledge, superior communication skills, and detail-oriented organizational skills. This is seen as critical role to support projects from early-stage development through mid- and late-stage offtaker and financing diligence. The person in this role would support production, design, and cost optimization throughout the full development process.

Requirements

• Strong PV production modeling experience (PVsyst, SAM, and/or pvlib, etc.)
• Basic energy storage modeling experience
• Comprehensive knowledge of Solar and Storage technology and components
• Commercially minded engineer focused on optimization for LCOE
• Ability to quantify risk and opportunities around unknowns in design and technology
• Basic understanding of the full solar development process
• Basic understanding of renewable project finance process
• Understanding of typical Solar and Storage PPA and market structures
• Thrive in a cross-functional environment, able to guide discussion and identify dependencies between design, production, cost, land use, LCOE
• Data analysis experience in Excel (familiarity with python a plus)
• Bachelor of Science in STEM
• 3+ years’ experience in project or optimization engineering
• 3+ years’ experience with renewable energy and solar development
• #LI-Hybrid
• Avantus offers competitive compensation with an excellent benefits package, including
• 401(k) matching
• comprehensive medical and dental plan options
• flexible PTO
• The base salary range for this full-time position is listed below (plus bonus and benefits). Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in California. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for the applicable location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus and benefits.

We are an equal-opportunity employer.