Development Engineer

Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.

If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

The Development Engineer will be responsible for the design and engineering of utility scale solar PV and energy storage projects in early and mid-stage development. Responsibilities include design development and reviews, energy models, equipment specifications, and design calculations to support EPC pricing estimates, RFP submittals, permitting applications, design drafting, and due diligence on greenfield and M&A project sites.

Designs will be developed, optimized, analyzed, and reviewed utilizing PVsyst, AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PVcase, MS Office, and SharePoint among other tools. The Development Engineer will be responsible for supporting the engineering design and development of utility-scale renewable energy projects. This includes coordinating with internal teams and external consultants, reviewing design packages, and ensuring technical accuracy throughout the development process. The successful candidate will work closely with the Sr Manager of Development Engineering to manage priorities across multiple projects and contribute to design reviews, permitting support, due diligence and technical assessments. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with a solid foundation in renewable energy systems and project development.

The position is in Louisville, CO / San Francisco, CA / Houston, TX / New York, NY or Salt Lake City, UT, and may include up to 15% travel to project locations and partner offices.

Key Responsibilities

Project Development

Greenfield

• Evaluate utility-scale PV and BESS projects, including constraint mapping and buildable area identification for large-scale/Mega projects
• Develop preliminary PV and BESS layouts and associated energy models
• Review system design calculations and select equipment from approved vendor list
• Support the development of up to 30% design packages (civil, electrical, and structural)
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal SMEs and external engineering consultants
• Ensure designs comply with applicable local, state, and national codes
• Optimize system configurations for performance, reliability, safety and cost
• Identify project risks and critical path engineering items
• Support preparation of interconnection applications and associated drawings

M&A

• Perform full technical due diligence and risk assessment for M&A projects
• Full project design evaluation to identify red flags and fatal flaws
• Evaluate third-party designs and recommend redesigns or optimizations as needed
• Generate updated layouts, energy production estimates, support EPC cost estimates, and evaluate equipment selections
• Collaborate with M&A developers to complete necessary RFP documentation
• Manage the engineering Q&A process with the seller
• Coordinate and collaborate with internal SMEs and external engineering consultants on engineering packages up to the 30% design level across all disciplines, including electrical, civil, and structural

Pre-Construction

• Support EPC pricing and RFP processes throughout project development
• Coordinate with procurement to validate Owner-Furnished Equipment (OFE) pricing and availability
• Interface with execution engineering teams to incorporate lessons learned and improve project constructability and cost during the development phase.

Engineering Innovation & Technical Support

• Evaluate emerging technologies and vendors for approved vendor list consideration
• Drive design optimizations to reduce LCOE and improve system reliability
• Incorporate asset performance insights into new project designs
• Support continuous improvement of engineering tools, templates, and workflows

Skills and Qualifications

Primary Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field
• 3+ years of professional experience in solar PV system design, development, construction, and analysis
• Proficiency in PV system design, including 1-line and 3-line diagram conventions, NEC design requirements, overcurrent protection sizing, utility disconnecting means requirements, equipment selection, grounding methodologies, and short circuit current analysis
• Experience with medium voltage collector system design
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Proficient with MS Office Suite

“Plus” Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Engineering
• PE license
• PMP Certification
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification
• 2-3 years of experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems design and modeling
• Experience with MATLAB, ETAP, SKM, and other advanced modeling tools
• Substation/HV design experience
• Spanish language skills
• OSHA 10-hr or comparable job-site safety certification