Renewables Development Engineer

Job Description:

Overview

Deriva Energy is a leading Independent Power Producer in the US renewables market, with over 6.5GW of operating or under construction wind, solar and storage projects across the country. Formerly the division of Duke Energy, Deriva is now backed by Brookfield Renewable and is poised for dynamic growth across its wind, solar, and storage portfolios. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation who envision a future of energy independence using resilient, carbon-free generation. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a significant impact on the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry.  Deriva empowers customers with innovative clean energy solutions that strengthen communities and serve future generations.

Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Engineering, this position provides engineering and technical support for greenfield solar projects.  This role provides engineering expertise to support the Development team in pursuit of new greenfield development projects. This role involves managing internal and external personnel to provide optimized plant designs, cost estimates, permitting support, contracting, and project engineering for utility-scale solar project. Applicants are expected to have strong technical experience with utility-scale solar projects as well as strong understanding of project estimating, project management, and utility interconnection.

This position is located at Deriva Energy Headquarters, based in Charlotte, NC.

Deriva Energy will offer relocation assistance for candidates that do not live within a reasonable commute of the work location.

Main Responsibilities

Design & Technical Evaluation

• Provide engineering and technical support throughout project development, with a focus on PV system design, technology selection, and project optimization

• Develop, review, and validate energy models and production forecasts, including resource inputs, design parameters, loss assumptions, technology impacts, and sensitivity analyses

• Support technical diligence for greenfield development and acquisitions, including fatal flaw assessments, site constraints, constructability reviews, permitting requirements, and risk identification

Cost Estimating

• Lead or support development of project cost estimates, including cash flow schedules, to inform financial modeling and investment approvals

• Utilize historical data, industry trends, market conditions, and regulatory policy changes to forecast anticipated project costs

• Engage with EPC partners on budgetary, indicative, and firm cost estimates. Incorporate EPC cost estimates into a comprehensive total project budget

Permitting

• Lead technical permitting efforts for utility-scale solar and energy storage projects in coordination with Deriva's Environment & Permitting, Public Policy, and Community Engagement teams

• Manage external consultants and technical studies, prepare and present technical permitting material, and engage with local communities to obtain local, state, and federal project approvals

Contracting & Procurement

• Lead development of technical exhibits, scopes of work, specifications, and other engineering documents supporting EPC Agreements, Equipment Supply Agreements, Power Purchase Agreements, GIA’s and related project contracts

• Partner with Procurement and Legal teams to draft, review, negotiate, and execute project contracts, ensuring technical requirements, commercial objectives, and project risks are appropriately addressed

• Work with the Procurement team to develop bid packages, evaluate proposals, issue purchase orders, and manage development-phase contracts necessary to advance project execution

Project Engineering

• Translate project contracts and technical requirements into executable design, cost, and schedule deliverables

• Review and approve engineering packages from 10%, 30%, 60%, 90%, & IFC design progressions. Collaborate with external consultants to optimize design and ensure Owner design standards are implemented and project requirements are followed

• Support project handoff from development to execution by ensuring approved scope, design assumptions, technical requirements, and approved commitments are clearly documented and communicated

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Prepare technical reports, calculations, presentations, and recommendations for project teams, leadership, and stakeholders

• Represent Engineering in project discussions and balance the needs of development, finance, commercial, operations, interconnection, and other internal stakeholders

Basic Qualifications – Engineer III

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program

• In addition to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program, Four (4) years or more of relevant work experience

Basic Qualifications – Senior Engineer

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program

• In addition to Bachelor of Science in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program, Five (5) years or more of relevant work experience

Desired Qualifications

• Professional Engineer license

• Master’s degree in Engineering obtained from an ABET accredited program

• Over two (2) years or more of energy industry experience in development, engineering, or project execution of solar and/or battery storage projects

• Experience with solar site design, production modeling, or design evaluation software such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, PVCAD, or similar tools

• Understanding of renewable energy technology trends, equipment suppliers, equipment costs, and constructability considerations

• Experience supporting technical specifications, EPC contract exhibits, engineering scopes of work, equipment procurement packages, or construction-ready design packages

• Experience reviewing project cost estimates, schedules, development assumptions, and technical inputs used in financial models or investment approvals

• Familiarity with project financing, independent engineering reviews, and technical due diligence expectations

• Working knowledge of relevant U.S. codes, standards, construction practices, equipment standards, and permitting processes

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Increasingly proficient in practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, preparing and presenting recommendations

• Ability to deal with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds

Working Conditions

• This position is located at Deriva Energy Headquarters, based in Charlotte, NC.

• This is an in-office position, with option to work remotely once per week

• Expected travel from 15-20%

• The hiring manager may elect to fill this position at a higher-level dependent upon a candidate's skills and experience

• Relocation assistance can be provided to candidates that are not local

Benefits

• Health Insurance

• Dental Insurance

• Vision Insurance

• 401(k) with matching

• Employee assistance program

• Flexible spending account

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Parental leave

Additional Information:

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Deriva welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Deriva includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.

Deriva Energy is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, family responsibilities, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender, sex stereotyping, protected veteran or military status, and other categories protected by federal, state or local law.