Solar Technology Expert - Racking and Trackers - Jobs in Montréal, QC

Job Description

Local Unit & Position Description:Do you want to help the advancement of renewable energyDNV – Energy’s Renewables Advisory group is seeking a Solar Technology expert with a focus on racking and trackers to join our Solar Independent Engineering and Technology team.DNV is the world’s leading renewable energy consultant. DNV’s Solar team holds a substantial market position for due diligence and bankability services to support the financing and construction of solar projects and evaluation of existing and new technology, and our staff are viewed as experts and thought leaders in the industry. In this role, our team provides technical consulting services for solar equipment manufacturers, project developers, financial institutions, and investors who rely on our expertise and reports as part of their decision-making process. This solar technology team also takes a leading role in conference participation, participation in codes/standards committees, and in establishing internal and industry guidance on assessing technology risk for our teams in North America and globally. Renewables Advisory is a high-performing, innovative team that strives for equity, respect, and diversity.We prioritize flexible work environments including remote work from any location in Canada, and we have offices in major Canadian cities should you prefer to work in person including Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.As a member of the Solar Technology team, the successful candidate will be a thought leader at DNV in the field of racking and tracker technology, testing and operations, and will provide technical advisory and other consulting services associated with mounting systems used in solar projects. The work will include technical due diligence of solar PV trackers and mounting systems for use in pre-construction, construction, and operational projects on behalf of lenders and investors. This position will also provide technical support and advisory services to project developers and product manufacturers, including bankability studies, failure analyses, and support for RFPs and technical specifications. The role will include working with product manufacturers to opine on product design and expected reliability and managing relationships with applicable manufacturers and other stakeholders.Performing technical reviews requires the ability to assess detailed aspects of PV racking and tracker design including wind, seismic, and snow loading considerations, drive systems, control systems and tracking algorithms. The technical review will include evaluation with respect to relevant codes and standards. The successful candidate should be familiar with the major suppliers of PV mounting systems and with the primary technical differences between products and market segments.What You’ll Do

• Provide technical expertise concerning the design, manufacturing, testing, and/or modeling of solar PV racking and/or trackers via technical reports, presentations, and correspondence.
• Assess product design and manufacturing methods including aspects of structural adequacy, wind loading, drive systems and control systems.
• Review manufacturing facilities for compliance with quality/safety procedures and practices.
• Employ excellent English-language written and verbal communications skills to provide technical advice to customers including commenting on design, reliability, and cost aspects of solar PV trackers and mounting systems, and reviewing and commenting on engineering documentation relating to:
  • Materials specifications and impact on expected performance and reliability
  • Structural, civil, and mechanical details
  • Wind loading, including static and dynamic response
  • Wind tunnel testing
  • Reliability testing
  • Regulatory compliance (UL 2703/3703, IEC 62817, AHJ approvals etc.)
• Relate the results of the tracker and mounting system to broader technical due diligence scopes by making recommendations regarding commercial and technical risk mitigation and financial model assumptions for investors, lenders, developers and owners in a relatable manner.
• Manage stakeholder relationships to develop new business opportunities and promote complementary services from other parts of DNV, including preparing scopes of work for technical services.
• Work as a supportive team member in a collaborative environment, as well as on self-directed independent projects.
• Conduct occasional site or factory visits, including climbing ladders for roof-mounted solar installations, and carrying equipment for short durations.

Position Qualifications:What Is Required

• Bachelors degree from an accredited university in mechanical, structural, or civil engineering, physics, materials science, aerospace, or related degree.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the design, testing, and/or modelling of solar PV trackers and/or mounting systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with materials specifications and impact on expected performance and reliability.
• Knowledge of typical equipment technical specifications and common failure modes of roof and/or ground-mounted, fixed and/or tracking PV mounting systems.
• Working understanding of tracking system algorithms including backtracking and optimized tracking.
• Willingness and ability to pass a background investigation and drug test if required.

What Is Preferred

• A graduate degree.
• Experience with the drive systems or mechanical design of tracker systems.Familiarity with design standards, load calculations, and test reports used in the PV industry.
• Familiarity designing or evaluating products for compliance with UL 1703, UL 2703, UL 3703, IEC 62817, SEAOC PV-2, ASCE 7.
• Familiarity with reviewing wind tunnel test reports: static, dynamic, and aeroelastic.
• Familiarity with simulation tools/libraries such as PVsyst, SAM, PVLib.
• Familiarity with python or other programming languages.
• Some background in uncertainty, probability and statistics.
• Experience reviewing EPC and O&M contracts.
• General PV system design and factors that impact safety, and performance.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestic (10%) and/or International (5%).

**Immigration-related employment benefits, for example visa sponsorship, are not available for this position**What We Offer

• Generous PTO (Vacation, Sick Days, Company Holidays, Personal Days)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefit Plan
• Group retirement plan with company match
• Company provided life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability benefits
• Education reimbursement program
• Employee and Family Assistance Progra, with counseling, coaching, and support options
• Flexible work schedule with hybrid/remote opportunities

**Benefits may vary based on position, tenure, location, and employee election**How We Do ItWe Care, We Dare, We ShareDNV is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.Read more here:Diversity at DNVMeet our EmployeesAbout DNVCareers in DNVPlease visit our website at www.dnv.comCompany & Business Area Description:DNV is the independent expert in assurance and risk management, operating in more than 100 countries. Through our broad experience and deep expertise we advance safety and sustainable performance, set industry benchmarks, and inspire and invent solutions.We provide assurance to the entire energy value chain through our advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services. As the worlds leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, we help industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. We are committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement, and support all stakeholders to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.Quick Apply

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