Senior Electrical Application Engineer II - Solar

Job Summary

This position can be located at Northborough, Massachusetts or in one of our partners offices in San Jose, CA. The candidate reports directly to R&D manager for CertainTeed Solar in MA.

Our mission is to transform the world into a better, more sustainable home through an ever-evolving range of groundbreaking building solutions. We lead with innovation, ensuring that our offerings not only meet current needs but also anticipate future challenges.

As a Senior Electrical Application Engineer II, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable energy. You will be responsible for designing, developing, and implementing electrical engineering projects focused on renewable energy BIPV systems. Your expertise will be instrumental in delivering high-quality, efficient, and reliable solutions for commercial, residential, as well as new applications that are not existing.

Functions

• Lead design, manufacturing prototypes, test plan, validating of new electrical components at various structural levels; (from component to sub assembly, between parts and within the solar system).
• Design low-voltage to high-voltage electrical systems, including power distribution networks, control circuits, and protection devices.
• Design and specify the balance of system components, including:
• Cabling with appropriate conductor size and insulation for DC and AC currents.
• Conduits sized for cable routing and protection.
• Combiner boxes for safe and efficient DC power collection from multiple strings.
• Recommend and size appropriate safety disconnects (AC and DC) to meet code requirements and ensure system protection.
• Monitor system performance and provide technical support.
• Responsible for system and equipment test plans for validation or trouble shooting. Analyze results for product selection. Recommend 3rd party electronic equipment for installation (batteries, RSD devices, optimizers, etc.)
• Select and size power conditioning equipment like inverters and transformers, considering system voltage, power output, efficiency, and compatibility with the chosen PV modules.
• Lead discussions between CT and vendors in troubleshooting field issues and resolve in timely manner. Ensure compliance with all applicable electrical codes, safety regulations, and industry standards, such as the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• Create detailed electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, layout plans for system installations, and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Conduct electrical feasibility studies and site assessments to ensure accurate and efficient implementation.
• Supervise and provide objectives, follow ups and coach to junior electrical engineer.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?

• Bachelor’s Degree with 12 years of experience; master’s degree with 7 years of experience or PhD with 3 years of experience in Electrical Engineering (preferably in the renewable energy or power generation industries)
• Proven record of developing products as an electrical engineer.
• Extensive experience managing intercompany relationship with excellent communication skills.
• Proven experience designing and implementing electrical power systems, such as sizing of components, and electrical circuit diagram design.
• Demonstrated understanding of electrical characteristics at cell level, PV module level, string level and system level. Be the internal expert on how a system should be wired. Perform calculations to understand system design potential and operational limits.

A TEAM READY TO WELCOME YOU

Saint-Gobain Research (SGR) North America is one of Saint-Gobain’s largest industrial research laboratories. The center is home to more than 400 employees working at the leading edge of innovation on multidisciplinary industrial research, preparing the future by designing tomorrow's products and processes across an amazing variety of markets and technical disciplines. Since 1985, SGR North America has been supporting existing businesses, developing future businesses, and nurturing talent.

Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions which are key ingredients in the wellbeing of each of us and the future of all. They can be found everywhere in our living places and our daily life: in buildings, transportation, infrastructure and in many industrial applications. They provide comfort, performance and safety while addressing the challenges of sustainable construction, resource efficiency and climate change.

Legal Statement

Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.