The Control Center Operator Lead is part of the QE Solar O&M department and will be responsible for real-time remote operations of renewable generating assets performed by the Control Center, assuring performance and reliability of photovoltaic powerplants and battery energy storage systems and adhering to all QE Solar, NERC, and Industry standards to maximize safety and productivity. The Control Center performs 24/7 operations. As such, the schedule for this position is a modified "DuPont" schedule comprising rotating day, night, and on-call shifts.
Travel Requirements: Reliable transportation to and from the QE Office/Control Center. Must live within 60 minutes (drive time) of Springfield, NJ.
Essential Duties & Approximate Commitment of Time
Operate PV and BESS Systems (30% of time)
Monitor and operate multiple power plant sites using SCADA systems, DAS platforms, alarm management, and other computer systems to maximize site production and battery energy storage
Coordinate with internal stakeholders (plant managers, field staff, Portfolio Leads, etc.), and external stakeholders (transmission and balancing authorities) to maximize system performance and assure contractual and regulatory compliance
Perform remote investigations, performance analysis & reporting, and provide technical support to our field technicians
Escalate concerns to ensure that projects maintain operations or availability; track and advise on progress against established project models or production targets
Leadership (30% of time)
Assist the Control Center Manager in scheduling and other operational administrative tasks
Provide guidance and hands-on training to control center operators
Assist in the development of SOPs and training modules for control center operations
Correspond with client representatives/asset owners to deliver requested goals and deliverables
Assure Compliance with NERC Regulations and Contractual Requirements (20% of time)
Maintain accurate logs, adhere to security requirements, utilize and document 3-part communication, and comply with all daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual NERC requirements
Assist with internal and external compliance audits and inspections
Assist with other centralized QE Solar Operations, as required (20% of time)
Assist with monitoring and dispatching for C&I solar sites
Assist with maintenance scheduling
Participate in initiatives to increase efficiency and effectiveness of QE Solar operations (examples: procedure development and review, special projects, data analysis, quality assurance)
Position Requirements
Education Required:
4-Year bachelor's Degree (STEM) preferred; Technical School Degree, or, an equivalent combination of education and experience considered
Experience Required:
Microsoft Office suite. Experience with transmission-scale PV power generation facilities. Experience with SCADA systems. Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). Previous control center experience in Energy/Utilities, Oil & Gas, and Biological Energy fields, a plus.
Experience Preferred:
Experience with BESS power generation facilities, preferably transmission-scale.
Specialized or Technical Knowledge Licenses and certifications Preferred:
NERC Certification
PJM and other ISO Certification
BESS OEM certifications/experience
Ability to read and understand electrical/mechanical diagrams, project design drawings, and other system construction documents
OSHA 30 Certification
Completion of NFPA 70E courses
CPR/First Aid
*Willingness to obtain certifications*
Functional Knowledge:
Understanding of ISO/TO/TOP requirements and rules of engagement. Functional knowledge of NERC and CIP standards. Knowledge of National Electrical Code and standard design/construction practices; Clear understanding of OSHA safe workplace practices and procedures;
Company/Industry Related Knowledge:
Electric & related utilities maintenance, PV and BESS performance (analysis and reporting), PV and BESS repairs, testing, commissioning, installation, maintenance & optimization
Physical Requirements:
Ability to lift 50 pounds regularly
Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods.
Ability to work on a 12-hour rotating shift (day, night, and on-call shift).
Job-specific Competencies
In addition to the specific work experience and skills, QE Solar also seeks someone with the qualities listed below:
Desire to learn, work hard, and grow with a young, entrepreneurial renewable energy and
engineering company
Comfortable working as a team player or independently if necessary
Exceptional work ethic, with strong values and principles
Ability to coordinate multiple activities while ensuring safety, quality, and schedule adherence.
Ability to take and provide direction; identify problems, develop solutions, and conduct analysis independently and in collaboration with others.
Ability to document work and communicate clearly and accurately via verbal and written methods.
Must be able to work all shifts, weekends, and holidays on a 12-hour rotation.
Able to supervise and coach others in a matrix work environment
Willingness to work irregular schedules to meet client/project deadlines
Exceptionally strong communication skills, both written and verbal, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
A firm commitment to client, team, and organization success
Flexible and accommodating and able to go above and beyond the basic expectations when required
High follow-up and organizational skills
Detailed-oriented, with attention to detail for tasks that have zero tolerance for errors