Solar Network Engineer

Energix North America - Arlington, VA

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Arlington, VA

About the position

The Solar Network Engineer at Energix Renewables will play a pivotal role in leading a team of engineers and technicians to design and operate communication systems for utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy System projects. This position is integral to the collaboration between various teams, including electrical engineers, designers, and construction teams, ensuring that all aspects of the communication systems are effectively integrated and operational. The engineer will be responsible for creating a redundant communications system that includes fiber, ethernet, basic communications, and proprietary hardware specific to solar operations. This role requires a strong technical background and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. In addition to designing the communication systems, the Solar Network Engineer will establish a typical specification standard to unify network components across the Energix portfolio. This includes maintaining a comprehensive database of IP addresses, security access information, and backup files for all equipment deployed on-site. The engineer will also be tasked with updating MET station, network, and inverter software during replacements or upgrades, as well as maintaining firewalls for each project. Providing VPN access to subcontractors and managing their work on specific equipment will also be part of the responsibilities. The engineer will diagnose and resolve network issues on-site and coordinate owner requirements with SCADA providers, control rooms, market operators, and other stakeholders necessary for the operation of each site. Additionally, managing a spare parts inventory and aiding the team in maintaining a security risk matrix for the portfolio will be essential duties.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of engineers and technicians to design and operate communication systems for utility-scale Solar PV and Battery Energy System projects.
• Create a redundant communications system composed of fiber, ethernet, basic communications, and proprietary hardware specific to solar operations.
• Establish a typical specification standard to unify network components for the Energix portfolio.
• Maintain a database of IP addresses, security access information, and backup files for equipment deployed on sites.
• Update MET station, network, and inverter software when replacements or upgrades are made.
• Maintain the firewall for each project and provide VPN access to subcontractors for specific equipment work.
• Manage subcontractors responsible for maintaining connection to market operator and PJM.
• Diagnose and solve network issues on sites.
• Coordinate owner requirements with SCADA provider, control room, market operator, and other stakeholders required to operate each site.
• Manage a spare parts inventory for sites and aid in maintaining a security risk matrix for the portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer/network engineering or a similar major.
• 4+ years of network engineering and technician experience.
• Experienced in designing and maintaining networks.
• Experience in programming solar-specific equipment and network switches.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Must be able to work legally in the US for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice-to-haves

• Team player that builds effective internal and external relationships.
• Quick learner with a critical eye for implementing new designs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a highly ambiguous, fast-paced, and changing environment.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary
• Annual cash performance bonus
• 401K with 5% company match and immediate vesting
• Stock options
• Attractive company-paid health insurance
• Parental leave
• Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance available