Qcells EPC
Overview
Principal Electrical Engineer – Level 5. 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 across the entire project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA, customers may benefit from reduced uncertainty and risk and enhanced investment returns. Location: Irvine, CA. Work Status: Remote (hybrid/remote/in-office as applicable). Supervisor: Manager of Electrical Engineering. FLSA Status: Exempt. Position Status: Permanent, Full-time. Work hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm or 9:00am–6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend work may be required. Travel up to 30%. Base pay range: $170,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr. 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. This role requires deep expertise in high-voltage power systems, grid interconnection, power system modeling, and compliance with national and international electrical standards. The 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. Essential Job Function & 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. Develop and review high-voltage 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 interconnection requirements. Perform power system modeling and simulation studies (load flow, harmonic distortion, frequency response, dynamic stability). Collaborate 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 for safe interconnection.
Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards
Ensure designs comply with NEC, NFPA 70E, IEC, and regional safety regulations. Lead interconnection application processes 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, coordinating with civil, structural, and mechanical engineering teams. Collaborate with procurement and supply chain 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
Mentor junior and mid-level electrical engineers. Lead internal knowledge-sharing initiatives and set best practices for utility-scale electrical design and grid interconnection. Represent the company in technical conferences, industry groups, and standards committees. Stay current with emerging technologies, including solid-state transformers, AI-driven energy dispatch, and advanced BESS chemistries. Regular attendance is an essential job duty requirement per company policy. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management.
Required 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 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). Examples of Physical Demands
Stationary/desk work for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 10 pounds. Move/Traverse: occasional bending, standing, walking. Hearing and speech requirements for communication with team members. Travel up to 30% as needed. Examples of Work Environment
Office setting with potential construction site exposure; noise levels vary. Possible onsite or hybrid arrangements based on business needs. Hanwha Qcells is an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application or interview process. For accommodations, contact hr-usa@qcells.com. This job description is not a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities and may change with or without notice. This position is at-will in accordance with applicable law.
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Principal Electrical Engineer – Level 5. 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 across the entire project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA, customers may benefit from reduced uncertainty and risk and enhanced investment returns. Location: Irvine, CA. Work Status: Remote (hybrid/remote/in-office as applicable). Supervisor: Manager of Electrical Engineering. FLSA Status: Exempt. Position Status: Permanent, Full-time. Work hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm or 9:00am–6:00pm local time. Overtime and weekend work may be required. Travel up to 30%. Base pay range: $170,000.00/yr - $190,000.00/yr. 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. This role requires deep expertise in high-voltage power systems, grid interconnection, power system modeling, and compliance with national and international electrical standards. The 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. Essential Job Function & 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. Develop and review high-voltage 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 interconnection requirements. Perform power system modeling and simulation studies (load flow, harmonic distortion, frequency response, dynamic stability). Collaborate 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 for safe interconnection.
Regulatory Compliance & Industry Standards
Ensure designs comply with NEC, NFPA 70E, IEC, and regional safety regulations. Lead interconnection application processes 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, coordinating with civil, structural, and mechanical engineering teams. Collaborate with procurement and supply chain 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
Mentor junior and mid-level electrical engineers. Lead internal knowledge-sharing initiatives and set best practices for utility-scale electrical design and grid interconnection. Represent the company in technical conferences, industry groups, and standards committees. Stay current with emerging technologies, including solid-state transformers, AI-driven energy dispatch, and advanced BESS chemistries. Regular attendance is an essential job duty requirement per company policy. Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management.
Required 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 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). Examples of Physical Demands
Stationary/desk work for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 10 pounds. Move/Traverse: occasional bending, standing, walking. Hearing and speech requirements for communication with team members. Travel up to 30% as needed. Examples of Work Environment
Office setting with potential construction site exposure; noise levels vary. Possible onsite or hybrid arrangements based on business needs. Hanwha Qcells is an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination. The company provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application or interview process. For accommodations, contact hr-usa@qcells.com. This job description is not a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities and may change with or without notice. This position is at-will in accordance with applicable law.
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