CURRENT opportunities
Senior Wind Turbine Controls Engineer
Job Description
Reporting to the Director of Systems Engineering, this position will help ensure the reliability and performance of our operating wind farms, as well as assist in the repowering and repair of newly acquired or customer wind farms. This is a hands-on engineering role which will support the diagnostics and reliability assessment of key electrical components such as power converters, IGBTs, generators, and substations across our operating wind farm portfolio. In addition, working with the field to optimize operability, validate new and updated controls systems, and work proactively with electrical and controls suppliers.
This position will work on a cross-functional team with a centralized mindset on process, using data and experience. Consideration should be given to both the business and technical needs with the goal of maintaining a product that meets our requirements. The discipline that executes a robust process of design, creation, and optimization of systems, consisting of identification and quantification of system requirements, performance of design trade studies, selection and implementation of the best designs, and verification that the design is properly integrated and executed. Processes extend from concept to implementation to operation.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Electrical System Diagnostics and Failure Analysis: Analyze inspection reports, alarms, and system logs to identify and troubleshoot electrical faults in the wind turbine fleet.
- Transformer and Generator Systems: Contribute to diagnostics and reliability improvements of the turbine generator systems.
- Emergency Shutdown and Grid Events: Assist in reviewing turbine emergency stop procedures and analyze turbine – grid interaction during grid trips or anomalies.
- SCADA Data Interpretation: Use plant SCADA systems to correlate fault codes and system behavior with operational events and recommend maintenance responses.
- Controls Systems: Identify, evaluate, introduce, and manage engineering solutions for product control and control system technology needs and upgrades.
- Work cross functionally to understand, address and support resolution of systems level issues.
- Communicate with site teams to understand reliability concerns and address needs proactively
- Some travel to company wind farm assets or acquisition targets (<20%)
Required Qualifications & Desired Characteristics
The ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:
- S. Degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering
- 5+ years of experience in wind electrical and/or control systems in design or O&M of power plant equipment preferably on Wind Turbine based power plants/substations.
- Familiarity with:
- Electrical power equipment (generators, transformers, breakers, power conversion equipment (exciters/inverters/converters).
- IEEE codes, ratings, classifications & requirements (i.e. cables, transformers, etc).
- Concepts of protection of electrical power equipment & Protective devices.
- Substations – equipment, layouts, maintenance needs/routines.
- Electrical safety requirements and safety equipment.
- Wind turbine electrical systems, including their operation, maintenance, and common challenges.
- Wind turbine and/or plant level controller systems
- Low/Medium/High voltage electrical equipment and requirements
- Able to support development of procedures and best practices related to discipline. Able to mentor and educate less senior team members.
- Able to speak, read, and write proficiently in English
- Located in Greenville, SC or Chicago, IL
The Company is unable and has no obligation to sponsor or assume the sponsorship of any applicant’s employment visa.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit your cover letter and resume or CV to HR@pivotgen.com. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Independent Contractor – Wind Turbine Controls Engineer
Responsibilities:
- The role will provide project management, initial site installations & commissioning support, and remote troubleshooting of pitch systems, electrical & control hardware/software, communications equipment & sensors.
- The role will include the development of appropriate validation plans and, oversite of plan execution.
- The successful candidate will be expected to become the operational expert on the upgraded systems and provide subsequent training and support to other field technicians or engineering team members.
- The position is remote but will require some travel to Wind Farm sites, supplier facilities, etc.
Requirements:
- MINIMUM 2 years design or operation experience with Wind Turbine pitch systems and/or Wind Turbine control systems.
- Position will support the integration of upgraded pitch and controls system hardware and software into Wind Turbines in PivotGen’s fleet.
- Electrical or Controls Engineering degree.
Engineering Intern
As an engineering intern, you will work closely with our engineering team to support the ongoing technical evaluation efforts of wind energy technologies that will facilitate the repowering of operating wind projects. You will also collaborate with other departments to ensure our due diligence meets the repowering requirements and is delivered on time. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and driven individual to gain hands-on experience in the engineering industry.
Responsibilities:
- Assist with the evaluation of potential technology improvements as well as operating wind energy projects that we are exploring repowering
- Conduct research and analysis to support the engineering team
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure product requirements are met
- Create and maintain documentation related to engineering projects
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of our engineering processes
Requirements:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited engineering program or related field
- Strong technical skills and proficiency in relevant software (MS Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and tools
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment
- Detail-oriented and highly organized
- Positive attitude and eagerness to learn
Development Intern
As a development intern, you will work closely with our development team to support the evaluation of potential projects for acquisition. You will also collaborate with other departments to keep them informed of the potential opportunities being evaluated. This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and driven individual to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of the development process.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct research on potential wind energy project sites, including site identification, landowner outreach, and feasibility studies
- Assist with wind resource assessment, including data collection and analysis
- Support the development of project economic models
- Work with permitting agencies to obtain necessary permits and approvals
- Assist in the preparation of project proposals, reports, and presentations
- Participate in project meetings and provide updates to the team
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Currently pursuing a degree in a related field, such as renewable energy, environmental science, economics, or engineering
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Knowledge of wind energy project development is a plus
- Availability to work full-time for the duration of the internship