CURRENT OPPORTUNITES
Intern positions are full for the spring/summer of 2024. Please check back in September for our 2025 openings.
Senior Wind Turbine Controls Engineer
Job Description:
Reporting to the Director of Systems Engineering, this position will apply control theory to existing or new control systems to improve power generation. This includes operability, setting of boundaries, cycle optimization, control logic, control related software, sensors, hardware and software algorithms, and feedback to control the performance of devices, subsystems and systems.
This position will work on a cross-functional team with a centralized mindset on process, using intuition 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:
- Identify, develop, evaluate, introduce, and manage engineering solutions for product control and control system technology needs.
- Develop conceptual and practical application expertise using knowledge in professional discipline to introduce repowering approaches that enhance PivotGen’s returns.
- Work cross functionally to understand, address and support resolution of systems level issues.
- 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 or Controls Engineering
- 5+ years of experience in wind control systems including field implementation and supporting PLC and SCADA systems.
- PLC programming, configuration, and support
- Comprehensive understanding of Renewable Energy (wind and solar)
- Apply general knowledge of renewable energy business developed through education or prior experience.
- Collaborate across disciplines/functions to solve issues. Inquisitive…exchanges technical information, asks questions and validates understanding.
- Able to support development of procedures and best practices related to disciple. Able to mentor and educate less senior team members.
- Able to speak, read and write proficiently in English
- Located within contiguous 48 US states
The Company is unable and has no obligation to sponsor or assume the sponsorship of any applicant’s employment visa.
Wind Turbine Technical Lead
KEY Responsibilities:
Perform maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting, including live electrical circuits, to ensure all scheduled work is done in accordance with the site’s established maintenance plan.
Provide training to advanced, apprentice, and entry level technicians.
Lead multiple crews to prioritize daily work activities and work completion on wind turbines in troubleshooting, calibration, repair, and retrofitting of low to medium voltage electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic components that are a part of the wind turbine and its associated switch gear.
Assist, lead, and mentor other technicians in the performance of their duties, and perform the duties themselves, including the following:
- Perform repair and replacement of components
- Troubleshoot and diagnose faults
- Develop and write work instructions as needed for the performance of duties
- Read and interpret electrical and hydraulic schematics and troubleshoot to identify failed components.
- Perform LOTO on all sources of energy, including switching operations on HV components
- Understand protection devices, control devices, power suppliers, loads, conductors, transducers, and communication systems of wind turbines or equivalent.
- Perform work on and mentor other technicians on hydraulic components of a WTG
- Perform torquing and tensioning
- Assist with large component replacement, retrofits, troubleshooting, and other special assignments
- Develop and expand wind maintenance skillset through on-the-job training and train others in performing service work
- Maintain records and documentation
- Report technical and safety issues to appropriate parties
Minimum Requirements:
- 4 + years minimum experience on wind turbine maintenance and repair, experience on Suzlon 64 and Suzlon 88 turbines desired OR 3+ years related experience and an associated degree / Tech School certification.
- Ability to relocate to Dumas, Texas or surrounding area.
- Must be 21 years of age to be able to drive a company vehicle and have a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record (satisfactory MVR is required).
- Must be able to proficiently read, write, and speak English.
- Physical demands: the physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Beyond normal physical requirements, applicant must be able to:
• Work at heights, including climbing and descending wind turbine towers in various weather conditions
• Climb vertical ladders and work at heights of 300 feet
• Work in a mechanical environment with tools, machines, and moving parts
• Operate full size pickup truck in purpose-built private and public roadways
• Frequently lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Maintain a weight of less than 285 pounds for safety requirements
The Company is unable and has no obligation to sponsor or assume the sponsorship of any applicant’s employment visa.
Preferred Certifications / Training:
- Certification to call a crane
- GWO BST (Basic Safety Training) – fire awareness, working at heights, manual handling, first aid
- GWO BTT (Basic Technical Training) – electrical, hydraulic, mechanical
- Suzlon Basic Technician training
- OSHA 10 General Industry
- Crane, Chain Hoist and Rigging Safety Training
- NFPA 70E Arc-Flash Awareness
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