Engineer, Performance

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.

AES Clean Energy (CE) is seeking a Performance Engineer to support the O&M Engineering team by analyzing and optimizing the performance of our rapidly growing portfolio of photovoltaic and battery storage projects. This role is pivotal in ensuring our assets operate above industry standards for reliability, safety, and performance. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with the experience and drive to implement programs and processes that ensure reliable, safe, and optimal generation.

A day in the life of an AES CE Performance Engineer will include, but is not limited to:

Operations

- Analyze operational performance and trends of solar plus storage sites.

- Lead execution of performance tests in accordance with production and capacity commitments.

- Remotely investigate site performance and review system design to identify root causes of lost energy.

- Configure and validate performance alerts in DAS.

- Review third-party reporting to inform performance analysis.

- Support the transition from projects under construction to operating assets.

- Troubleshoot systems in operation and review performance data to identify issues.

- Perform or review capacity and performance ratio tests for projects in operation.

- Review production estimates and meteorological data sources for accuracy.

- Measure fleet performance against established KPIs and compare actual to forecasted results.

- Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports with detailed variance analysis.

- Seek and evaluate proposals for analysis services and consultants as needed.

- Perform job safety assessments and safety walks to identify job-site hazard.

Collaboration

- Coordinate with field service and asset management teams to improve site performance.

- Collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to identify underperformance and recommend improvements.

- “Close the loop” between Operations and Engineering by recording and communicating issues that can be mitigated through better design.

- Utilize technology such as drones, LiDAR, thermal imaging, and 3D modeling to reduce field labor and improve operational performance.

- Lead operations engineering coordination with field service and asset management teams.

Growth and Leadership

- Participate in AES CE’s growth planning process by contributing to process improvement task forces and strategic planning activities.

- Improve and develop processes for the execution of safe, quality, and high-performance projects.

- Educate the team on changing trends in technology, best practices, and safety.

The Performance Engineer supports a larger operations team and serves as the subject matter expert for technical and engineering matters related to the overall performance of photovoltaic plants and grid-scale battery storage systems. Excellent communication, task management, and planning skills are needed, in addition to technical breadth. While performance analysis is the primary qualification, the role will require the review of information related to all practical elements of photovoltaic and battery system design. The successful applicant, while not an expert, will be comfortable with high-level review of all elements of practical system design. The position may include up to 10-15% travel to project locations and partner offices.

Skills and Qualifications

Primary Qualifications

- Undergraduate degree in Engineering or equivalent technical field.

- Strong understanding of industry trends in production tools and processes.

- Proficiency with advanced analysis and database tools for development of metrics and dashboards.

- Ability to work effectively with Microsoft software programs, including but not limited to Excel, Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.

- Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend equipment/facility schematics.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- High degree of commitment to a quality safety culture and an incident-free work environment.

- Willingness to travel within the U.S. to support company’s portfolio of PV solar/BESS assets.

- Personal values consistent with those of the AES Corporation: Safety, Integrity, Excellence, Agility, and Fun.

Plus Qualifications

- PE qualifications, or on track to become qualified.

- Master’s degree in Engineering.

- Experience with PV and Battery Energy Storage System design and interconnection.

- Proficiency with PowerBI, machine learning, or advanced analysis tools.

- Professional experience in engineering with focus on measuring and maintaining system performance.

- Experience with Data Acquisition and SCADA systems.

- Spanish language skills.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $85,000 and $102,000/Annual; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements such as annual bonus, in addition to a full range of medical, dental, vision, life, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and parental leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.