Sr. PV Project Development Engineer, Energy

What to Expect

Join Tesla Energy's Project Development team as we accelerate the world's transition to sustainable energy. As a Senior PV Project Development Engineer, you will be at the forefront of designing utility‑scale solar and energy storage solutions that power data centers, utilities, and commercial customers worldwide.

You will work in a fast‑paced, innovative environment where your expertise in conceptual and preliminary PV plant design will directly influence the bankability and feasibility of multi‑megawatt solar + storage projects. Your designs will shape interconnection studies, inform early‑stage bids, and reduce risk in hybrid renewable energy proposals. This role demands technical rigor, creative problem‑solving, and the ability to balance speed with accuracy in high‑stakes feasibility assessments.

Expect to collaborate with cross‑functional teams including electrical engineering, energy storage integration, project finance, and business development. You’ll be instrumental in driving Tesla’s growth in the utility‑scale solar market, working on cutting‑edge hybrid and collocated PV + Megapack projects that define the future of clean energy infrastructure.

This position is based in either Austin, Texas, or Palo Alto, California.

• Site Layout Optimization:
  Design and optimize utility‑scale PV plant layouts using industry‑leading tools, balancing land use, shading, topography, and equipment constraints to maximize energy yield and project economics.
• Module & Inverter Configuration:
  Specify and configure PV module/inverter/string architectures, evaluate tracker vs. fixed‑tilt systems, and conduct trade‑off analyses for different equipment selections.
• Energy Yield Modeling:
  Perform preliminary energy yield modeling and loss analysis using PVsyst, Helio Scope, or Rated Power to support feasibility studies and interconnection applications.
• Electrical System Design:
  Develop high‑level electrical single‑line diagrams, MV collection system plans, and preliminary power flow studies for solar plants and hybrid PV + BESS projects.
• Hybrid System Integration:
  Design conceptual integration schemes for solar and battery energy storage systems (BESS), including DC‑coupled and AC‑coupled configurations feeding MV networks and data center loads.
• Interconnection Support:
  Prepare technical documentation and preliminary studies for interconnection applications (FERC, utility ISAs), including short‑circuit analysis and voltage impact assessments using ETAP or SKM Power Tools.
• Feasibility Assessments:
  Lead quick‑turnaround, bankable feasibility assessments for early‑stage projects, providing data‑driven recommendations that inform bid/non‑bid decisions.
• Stakeholder
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Partner with business development, sales, finance, and construction/deployment teams to translate technical designs into actionable project proposals and cost estimates.
• Risk Mitigation:
  Identify technical and regulatory risks in early‑stage designs, propose mitigation strategies, and ensure designs comply with NEC, IEEE, and utility interconnection standards.
• Continuous Improvement:
  Stay current on emerging PV technologies, design software updates, and industry best practices; mentor junior engineers and contribute to standardized design workflows.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or equivalent experience.
• 5-6 years of experience in utility‑scale solar project development, EPC, or owner’s engineering.
• Expert‑level proficiency in PVsyst and Helio Scope or Rated Power for energy yield modeling and site layout optimization.
• Working knowledge of ETAP or SKM Power Tools for preliminary power flow, short‑circuit, and arc flash analysis.
• Hands‑on experience with interconnection applications and preliminary interconnection studies (transmission or distribution level).
• Strong understanding of PV system fundamentals: module/inverter technologies, tracker systems, DC/AC architectures, and performance modeling.
• Knowledge of hybrid solar and storage system design, including DC and AC coupling strategies and associated balance of plant equipment from MV to HV substation.
• Experience with…