About this opportunity
Urban Grid lists this Lead Engineer, Performance & Optimization opportunity in houston, Texas. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Urban Grid is a leading independent power producer (IPP) delivering reliable, utility-scale solar and storage solutions to help meet America's unprecedented energy demand. We develop, own and operate projects that strengthen local economies through long‑term partnerships and responsible land stewardship. By integrating agrivoltaics into our land management practices, we enhance soil health, support local farmers and benefit the communities we serve.
With a strong focus on execution and integrity, we are committed to being a trusted domestic energy provider and responsible corporate citizen. Urban Grid is headquartered in Houston, Texas, and operates across the United States with a growing portfolio that includes 12,000 megawatts of development assets. We continue to maintain our optionality to co‑locate with battery storage based on customer demand, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness in our energy solutions.
Since becoming an IPP in 2023, we have successfully brought five solar projects online, begun construction on three additional projects and are actively advancing one gigawatt of capacity into pre‑construction. To learn more, visit
Urban Grid is a portfolio company of Brookfield, one of the world's largest owners and operators of renewable power and climate transition assets.
Job Summary
Urban Grid is seeking an experienced and motivated Lead Engineer, Performance & Optimization to serve as a technical leader within the performance engineering function. The successful candidate will have 8+ years of relevant experience in utility‑scale solar and/or energy storage performance engineering.
Responsibilities
Lead PV and BESS performance modeling efforts utilizing PVsyst and other tools to support business development, development engineering, project finance, asset management, and M&A activities
Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and defensibility of performance models and assumptions across all projects
Develop, review, and standardize methodologies for generating P50/P90 energy estimates and associated uncertainty analyses for both solar and storage assets
Support M&A and project acquisition activities by conducting technical diligence, reviewing third‑party energy assessments, identifying risks, and validating performance assumptions
Partner with Finance, Business Development, and Engineering teams to evaluate and optimize project designs to maximize financial returns and minimize risk
Provide engineering input into system design decisions, including PV modules, inverters, trackers, and BESS configurations, dispatch assumptions, and degradation profiles
Evaluate and optimize hybrid plant configurations (solar + storage) to enhance overall project performance and value
Engage with EPCs and external partners on all matters related to plant performance and modeling to support project execution through construction and into operation
Review and validate performance modeling inputs
Analyze project data and simulation results to quantify uncertainty and ensure high‑quality reporting that supports internal and external stakeholders
Coordinate with internal and external engineering and construction teams on commissioning, substantial completion, and capacity testing (including ASTM standards)
Support construction and operations teams in evaluating plant performance during commissioning and ongoing O&M phases
Stay current on advancements in solar and BESS technologies, performance modeling tools, and industry standards, and contribute to the development of new methodologies and tools
Develop and enhance internal analytical tools (e.g., Excel VBA, Python) to improve modeling efficiency, accuracy, and scalability
Provide technical support in resolving performance‑related issues, discrepancies, or disputes with internal stakeholders and external counterparties
Prepare and present performance analyses, methodologies, and recommendations to a wide range of audiences, including senior leadership
Perform ad‑hoc engineering analyses to support strategic initiatives, project evaluations, and continuous improvement efforts
Requirements
Minimum 8+ years of solar and/or energy storage industry experience in a performance‑related role
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering (preferred), Statistics, Physics, or other quantitative field
Strong knowledge of utility‑scale PV solar energy systems
Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS), including performance modeling, system design considerations, and operational characteristics
Advanced proficiency in PV performance modeling tools, including PVsyst
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel, Python, MATLAB, or related tools
Deep understanding of inverter operation, power conversion principles, and power electronics
Experience developing and reviewing energy yield assessments (P50/P90)
Strong organizational and project management skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast‑paced environment
Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and influence cross‑functional teams
Preferred
Advanced understanding of PV module technologies
Strong understanding of solar tracker systems and OEM differences
Experience with hybrid plant optimization (solar + storage)
Experience supporting project financing, lender reviews, or independent engineer processes
Experience with PV O&M and performance analysis
Experience supporting M&A or project acquisition technical diligence
Location
Houston, Texas
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, and health savings account
Flexible spending account
Company‑paid life insurance
Short‑term disability
Voluntary life
Long‑term disability
Paid parental leave
Retirement plan with matching
Full‑time position with a competitive compensation package, including bonus.
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Worksite address
houston, TX, 77246, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.