Qcells EPC
Overview
Title:
Principal Electrical Engineer – Level 5
Department:
Engineering
Location:
Irvine, CA
Supervisor:
Manager of Electrical Engineering
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Position Status:
Permanent, Full-time
Work Status:
Remote
The Principal Electrical Engineer - Level 5 is a technical authority and strategic leader responsible for overseeing electrical system design, optimization, and execution for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role requires deep expertise in high-voltage (HV) power systems, grid interconnection, power system modeling, and compliance with national and international electrical standards. As a senior-level expert, this role leads multi-project execution, sets technical standards, mentors engineering teams, and collaborates with utilities, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to advance BESS and solar integration into the grid.
This position reports to the Manager of Electrical Engineering. This position is located in Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.
Responsibilities
Electrical System Design & Optimization: Lead the design and optimization of electrical systems, including power distribution, grounding, and protection schemes for large-scale solar and BESS projects.
HV interconnection designs, substation layouts, and relay protection coordination plans.
Oversee load flow analysis, short-circuit studies, and transient stability assessments for reliable power system operation.
Optimize the Balance of System (BOS) components to ensure cost-effective, high-performance electrical designs.
Define technical requirements for transformers, inverters, switchgear, relays, and power conversion systems (PCS).
Grid Interconnection & Power System Studies: Lead grid integration strategies, ensuring compliance with FERC, NERC, IEEE 1547, UL 1741, and local utility interconnection requirements.
Perform power system modeling and simulation studies, including load flow, harmonic distortion, frequency response, and dynamic stability analysis.
Work with ISOs, RTOs, and utilities to define interconnection parameters, voltage regulation strategies, and system protection requirements.
Oversee relay coordination, arc flash assessments, and grounding system analysis to ensure safe and compliant interconnection.
Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards: Ensure all electrical designs adhere to NEC, NFPA 70E, IEC, and regional safety regulations.
Lead interconnection application processes, coordinating with utilities, permitting agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Provide technical oversight on SCADA, EMS, and remote monitoring system integration for grid-tied PV and BESS facilities.
Establish internal QA/QC processes to verify compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Project Execution & Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide technical leadership across multiple projects, ensuring coordination with civil, structural, and mechanical engineering teams.
Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to evaluate and select electrical components, transformers, and switchgear.
Support EPC teams during design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and system validation phases.
Troubleshoot complex field issues related to voltage stability, relay protection, and thermal management.
Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Act as a technical mentor, guiding and developing junior engineers; lead knowledge-sharing initiatives and represent the company in industry groups.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies, including solid-state transformers, AI-driven energy dispatch, and advanced BESS chemistries.
Regular attendance as required by company policy and supervisory assignment.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management.
Qualifications
10+ years of experience in electrical engineering, power system design, or grid interconnection for utility-scale energy projects.
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
Expert-level knowledge of high-voltage (HV) power systems, protection schemes, and power conversion technologies.
Software Skills: AutoCAD Electrical, PLS-CADD, SKM PowerTools (Advanced); ETAP, PSCAD, PowerFactory, or DIgSILENT for power system analysis (Expert).
Certifications: PE License (Required). IEEE Senior Membership, NETA, or NABCEP PV Professional (Preferred).
Base pay range $170,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with EPC services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers turnkey solutions and collaborates with internal teams to deliver value and performance. Qcells is part of Hanwha Group, a Fortune Global 500 company.
Summary: The Principal Electrical Engineer – Level 5 is a technical authority and strategic leader responsible for overseeing electrical system design, optimization, and execution for utility-scale solar and BESS projects.
Travel & Work Environment
Travel up to 30% as needed.
Regular professional office setting; hybrid/remote arrangements may be considered.
EEO Statement Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all terms of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact hr-usa@qcells.com to request accommodations.
Note: The job descriptions provided are not guaranteed to be exhaustive. Duties may change with or without notice. This description does not imply a contract of employment. This position is at-will.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing
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Principal Electrical Engineer – Level 5
Department:
Engineering
Location:
Irvine, CA
Supervisor:
Manager of Electrical Engineering
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Position Status:
Permanent, Full-time
Work Status:
Remote
The Principal Electrical Engineer - Level 5 is a technical authority and strategic leader responsible for overseeing electrical system design, optimization, and execution for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role requires deep expertise in high-voltage (HV) power systems, grid interconnection, power system modeling, and compliance with national and international electrical standards. As a senior-level expert, this role leads multi-project execution, sets technical standards, mentors engineering teams, and collaborates with utilities, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to advance BESS and solar integration into the grid.
This position reports to the Manager of Electrical Engineering. This position is located in Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend working hours may be required as needed. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.
Responsibilities
Electrical System Design & Optimization: Lead the design and optimization of electrical systems, including power distribution, grounding, and protection schemes for large-scale solar and BESS projects.
HV interconnection designs, substation layouts, and relay protection coordination plans.
Oversee load flow analysis, short-circuit studies, and transient stability assessments for reliable power system operation.
Optimize the Balance of System (BOS) components to ensure cost-effective, high-performance electrical designs.
Define technical requirements for transformers, inverters, switchgear, relays, and power conversion systems (PCS).
Grid Interconnection & Power System Studies: Lead grid integration strategies, ensuring compliance with FERC, NERC, IEEE 1547, UL 1741, and local utility interconnection requirements.
Perform power system modeling and simulation studies, including load flow, harmonic distortion, frequency response, and dynamic stability analysis.
Work with ISOs, RTOs, and utilities to define interconnection parameters, voltage regulation strategies, and system protection requirements.
Oversee relay coordination, arc flash assessments, and grounding system analysis to ensure safe and compliant interconnection.
Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards: Ensure all electrical designs adhere to NEC, NFPA 70E, IEC, and regional safety regulations.
Lead interconnection application processes, coordinating with utilities, permitting agencies, and regulatory bodies.
Provide technical oversight on SCADA, EMS, and remote monitoring system integration for grid-tied PV and BESS facilities.
Establish internal QA/QC processes to verify compliance with industry standards and best practices.
Project Execution & Cross-Functional Leadership: Provide technical leadership across multiple projects, ensuring coordination with civil, structural, and mechanical engineering teams.
Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to evaluate and select electrical components, transformers, and switchgear.
Support EPC teams during design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and system validation phases.
Troubleshoot complex field issues related to voltage stability, relay protection, and thermal management.
Mentorship & Technical Leadership: Act as a technical mentor, guiding and developing junior engineers; lead knowledge-sharing initiatives and represent the company in industry groups.
Stay abreast of emerging technologies, including solid-state transformers, AI-driven energy dispatch, and advanced BESS chemistries.
Regular attendance as required by company policy and supervisory assignment.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management.
Qualifications
10+ years of experience in electrical engineering, power system design, or grid interconnection for utility-scale energy projects.
Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent industry experience.
Expert-level knowledge of high-voltage (HV) power systems, protection schemes, and power conversion technologies.
Software Skills: AutoCAD Electrical, PLS-CADD, SKM PowerTools (Advanced); ETAP, PSCAD, PowerFactory, or DIgSILENT for power system analysis (Expert).
Certifications: PE License (Required). IEEE Senior Membership, NETA, or NABCEP PV Professional (Preferred).
Base pay range $170,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with EPC services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers turnkey solutions and collaborates with internal teams to deliver value and performance. Qcells is part of Hanwha Group, a Fortune Global 500 company.
Summary: The Principal Electrical Engineer – Level 5 is a technical authority and strategic leader responsible for overseeing electrical system design, optimization, and execution for utility-scale solar and BESS projects.
Travel & Work Environment
Travel up to 30% as needed.
Regular professional office setting; hybrid/remote arrangements may be considered.
EEO Statement Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all terms of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please contact hr-usa@qcells.com to request accommodations.
Note: The job descriptions provided are not guaranteed to be exhaustive. Duties may change with or without notice. This description does not imply a contract of employment. This position is at-will.
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Engineering and Information Technology
Industries Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing
#J-18808-Ljbffr