Project Design Engineer
Canadian Solar Inc. is a global leader in solar energy solutions, dedicated to delivering clean, solar-powered electricity. The Project Design Engineer will support the development and engineering of Commercial & Industrial (C&I) energy storage and solar PV projects, focusing on system design, site assessments, and technical documentation.
Responsibilities
- Perform technical feasibility assessments, load and utility data analysis, and conceptual system design for C&I battery energy storage (BESS) and solar PV systems
- Develop preliminary system layouts, one-line diagrams, electrical calculations, and capacity modeling
- Conduct solar irradiance studies, shading analysis, and energy performance modeling
- Analyze interval utility data (15-min / hourly) to evaluate load profiles, peak shaving potential, and system sizing
- Review interconnection requirements, tariff structures, and utility programs (CPUC, IOUs, NEM, SGIP)
- Prepare preliminary bill of materials (BOM), equipment selection support, and cost assumptions for proposals
- Perform occasional site assessments and prepare technical site reports
- Coordinate with project development, sales, and construction teams to ensure technical alignment
- Maintain organized project documentation and support permitting & utility submissions as needed
- Assist in identifying BESS opportunities and portfolio design optimization
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Power Systems, or related field (or equivalent industry experience)
- Minimum 1–3 years of experience in distributed energy, solar, or energy storage design is preferred
- Understanding of electrical design principles (480V/277V, 208V/120V systems, transformers, DER interconnection)
- Knowledge of battery energy storage system design, safety, and project workflows
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent documentation and communication skills
- Ability to multitask and work cross-functionally in a fast-moving environment
- Willing to travel occasionally for site visits
- Experience with California C&I energy systems is strongly preferred
- Familiarity with California incentive & interconnection programs (SGIP, Rule 21, NEM/NBT/A)
- Experience with microgrid or hybrid BESS-PV systems is preferred
- Knowledge of NFPA 855, UL 9540, UL 1741, NEC Article 690 & 706 is preferred
- Experience with ESS enclosure vendors and inverter/EPC requirements is preferred
- PV & Energy Modeling: PVsyst, Helioscope (or Aurora Solar), SAM preferred
- CAD Tools: AutoCAD (2D), SketchUp or similar for layout
- Electrical Calculations: ETAP or equivalent preferred; NEC knowledge
- Data Analysis: Excel (advanced), VBA or Python a plus
- Utility Data & Tariff Tools: Utility API, Energy Toolbase or equivalent preferred
Company Overview
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