This Performance Engineer role is responsible for managing and optimizing the performance analytics of a portfolio of operating solar and battery assets to ensure they achieve expected energy output and operational excellence.  The role focuses on monitoring and analyzing real-time and historical system data to identify underperformance, diagnose root causes, and drive corrective actions that optimize energy yield. A key objective is to prioritize and inform responses to alarms, repairs, and performance issues while maintaining a feedback loop between Engineering, Construction and Field Operations teams to address recurring or systemic challenges in the fleet. The position also supports the development of enhanced performance KPIs, reporting standards, and analytical tools, translating technical insights into actionable recommendations and business decisions. Ultimately, the role ensures continuous improvement of fleet performance through data-driven analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and targeted issue resolution.

 

Key Responsibilities

Performance Monitoring and Analysis

  • Monitor real-time and historical performance of solar PV and battery systems using DAS, SCADA, telemetry, and analytics platforms
  • Develop, maintain, and refine analytical tools that compare estimated performance models (with Assistance from Analytics team) against expected weather adjusted performance and actual performance.
  • Aid in the definition of long-term performance KPIs: performance ratios, availability, capacity factor, energy loss breakdowns, degradation, system availability etc.
  • Identify anomalies, trends, and deviations from expected performance; aid in the identification of root causes and the quantification of lost energy (soiling, shading, equipment degradation, inverter issues, AC/DC losses, MV issues, Grid events etc.)

Troubleshooting & Optimization

  • Investigate more complex fleet performance issues and lead root cause analysis
  • Propose corrective actions or system improvements to recover energy yield
  • Work with Asset Management, Commissioning, Engineering and Construction teams to implement performance repairs and introduce feedback loops of recurring issues to facilitate continuous performance improvement initiatives

Reporting & Communication

  • Create and review regular performance reports and dashboards (monthly, quarterly, annual) and present to internal stakeholders
  • Translate technical findings into recommendations, investment cases, or risk assessments
  • Participate in client meetings, technical reviews, and performance reviews

Process & Standards Development

  • Define and document performance engineering standards, workflows, and quality assurance checks
  • Support tool development, automation, and data integrity initiatives
  • Contribute to best practices, benchmarking, and continuous improvement of performance analytics processes

Stakeholder Collaboration

  • Collaborate with engineering, procurement, commissioning, and field service providers to ensure alignment on performance assumptions
  • Work with data/IT teams to ensure reliable and accurate data pipelines
  • Interact with external parties (e.g. independent engineers, consultants, OEMs) in performance testing, dispute resolution, and claims

 

Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Renewable Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field (Master’s preferred)
  • Experience in solar or renewable energy performance engineering, commissioning, asset management, or related roles
  • Experience with Commercial & Industrial PV and Storage systems, including performance modeling and analysis

Technical Skills

  • Experience with PV modeling and simulation tools (PVsyst, SAM, HelioScope, etc.)
  • Proficiency in SCADA systems, telemetry analysis, time-series data analytics
  • Strong data skills: Python, R, SQL or equivalent for handling large datasets
  • Proficient in Excel (advanced formulas, pivot tables, macros)
  • Visualization & reporting skills (Power BI, Tableau, etc.)
  • Understanding of electrical systems, power conversion, inverter behavior, module performance, loss mechanisms
  • Knowledge of relevant standards / codes (IEC, NEC, ASTM, IEEE, etc.)

Analytical & Problem-Solving

  • Strong troubleshooting skills with methodical root-cause analysis approach
  • Ability to dissect complex systems into component-level performance drivers
  • Drive Analysis to action-oriented Equipment targeted scopes of work to help drive performance improvement in the portfolio    

Communication & Collaboration

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to explain technical findings to non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to lead discussions, present findings, and influence decisions
  • Strong team player; comfortable working across disciplines

Other

  • Willingness to travel (~10-25 % or as required for site visits)
  • High attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities

Preferred  Qualifications

  • Experience with performance testing and commissioning (capacity tests, acceptance tests, performance ratio tests)
  • Experience with battery storage systems and degradation modeling
  • Experience with advanced analytics, machine learning, anomaly detection
  • Experience with large portfolios, asset management, or performance benchmarking
  • Certifications (e.g., NABCEP, professional engineer license)
 

Additional Eligibility Requirement DSD will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. 

 

Notice to Recruiters & Staffing Agencies Distributed Solar Development has an internal talent acquisition department and designated career site for individuals looking to join our team. Distributed Solar Development will not accept unsolicited resumes from any external recruiters, staffing firms, search agencies or any fee-based referrals. Any unsolicited resumes sent to directly to Distributed Solar Development, in any capacity will be considered property of Distributed Solar Development. This policy is applicable to all Distributed Solar Development locations and will be the responsibility of third parties and vendors to understand this policy. Distributed Solar Development will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.

 

DSD Renewables (DSD) is a renewable energy solutions platform enabling a more sustainable future by deploying and operating renewable energy solutions, making solar, storage, and EV charging infrastructure more accessible to commercial, industrial, and municipal partners. With in-house expertise, a broad scope of capabilities, and the proprietary DSD Connect Platform, our team provides resources to industry partners and customers across the US, accelerating the deployment and scale of renewable energy to meet aggressive sustainability and net-zero goals. To learn more, visit DSDRenewables.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

 

Distributed Solar Development is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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