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Qcells EPC · 2 days ago

Principal Electrical Engineer - Level 5

Irvine, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff

$170K/yr - $190K/yr

10+ years exp

Qcells USA, headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects. The Principal Electrical Engineer - Level 5 is responsible for overseeing electrical system design and optimization for these projects, leading multi-project execution, and mentoring engineering teams while ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Renewables & Environment

No H1B

Responsibilities

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 (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, ensuring cost-effective, high-performance electrical designs

Define technical requirements for transformers, inverters, switchgear, relays, and power conversion systems (PCS)

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

Ensure all electrical designs adhere to National Electric Code (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

Provide technical leadership across multiple projects, ensuring seamless coordination with civil, structural, and mechanical engineering teams

Work 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, providing solutions for voltage stability, relay protection, and thermal management challenges

Act as a technical mentor, guiding and developing junior and mid-level electrical engineers

Lead internal knowledge-sharing initiatives, setting best practices for utility-scale electrical design and grid interconnection

Represent the company in technical conferences, industry working groups, and standards committees to shape future regulations

Stay ahead of emerging technologies, including solid-state transformers, AI-driven energy dispatch, and advanced BESS chemistries

Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position

Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

Qualification

High-voltage power systemsGrid interconnectionPower system modelingElectrical system designAutoCAD ElectricalPowerFactoryPE LicenseMentorshipTechnical leadershipCollaboration

Required

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)

PE License (Required)

Preferred

IEEE Senior Membership

NETA

NABCEP PV Professional

Benefits

Full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits

An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package

Company

Qcells EPC

Glassdoor3.2

Qcells EPC provides utility-scale modules, project development, and EPC solutions for solar (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS) throughout the United States.

Founded in 2015

Irvine, California, US

501-1000 employees