PV Module and Performance Engineer

We’re a team of friends bound together by a mission to preserve our planet for future generations through innovative energy solutions and modern infrastructure. In December 2025, Google announced an agreement to acquire Intersect, to enable more data center and generation capacity to come online faster while accelerating energy development and innovation. After close, we’ll continue doing exactly what we were built to do - develop, construct, and operate the most ambitious power and data infrastructure in the country.

Intersect’s operations will remain separate from Alphabet and Google under the Intersect brand. We’re on an aggressive growth trajectory and looking for people hungry to tackle the largest energy challenges on the planet. 

Intersect has been a fully flexible workplace since its founding in 2016.  We’ve been very intentional about the way we do things. We are not work-from-home, hybrid, or in-office - we are any and all of those options! Deepening social connections and offering shared experiences is a cornerstone of the way we work. We connect as a team at our Team Week experiences four times a year and at our recently established Hub locations - SF Bay Area, NYC Metro Area, NY; Denver, CO; Austin, TX; Calgary, AB; and Toronto, ON.

We are currently looking for candidates located within 60 miles of any of the listed hubs to foster more in-person connections while maintaining our flexible remote culture.

As part of Intersect’s Engineering team, you’ll lead and be accountable for PV module technology, energy modeling, plant performance, and production estimates across our utility-scale solar portfolio. This role connects deep material science expertise with system-level design, financing diligence, procurement strategy, and long-term operational excellence — ensuring our projects deliver durable, bankable performance from development through operations.

You’ll own thin-film CdTe technology strategy, capacity testing, energy estimation for PPA negotiations, and technical diligence during financing. Working cross-functionally with Development, Procurement, EPC partners, and Independent Engineers, you’ll guide technology selection, optimize system design for lowest LCOE, and ensure technical decisions align with contractual offtake and financial model expectations.

This is currently a sole contributor role without direct reports, with the opportunity to grow as the PV team expands.

This role is planned to start in mid-Q1, with a four-week training period to reach full productivity by mid-Q2.

This team plays a critical role in advancing Intersect’s mission to accelerate the clean energy transition by ensuring our utility-scale solar assets are designed, validated, financed, and operated to deliver long-term performance. Through rigorous engineering, thoughtful optimization, and strong cross-functional collaboration, the team supports projects across development, contracting, construction, and operations. Joining this group means shaping infrastructure that powers communities at scale while influencing technology strategy, cost competitiveness, and long-run asset value.

Own PV Module Technology Strategy

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  Lead and maintain ownership of thin-film CdTe PV module technology, including qualification testing such as performance, degradation, and hail stress testing.

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  Develop accelerated life test protocols and predictive test programs to evaluate module behavior under real-world conditions.

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  Manage external laboratories and testing programs, reporting results to guide procurement, design, and business strategy.

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  Translate material science insights into bankable performance assumptions and long-term degradation models.

Lead Energy Modeling & Production Estimates

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  Develop and validate advanced PV energy models using PVsyst, PlantPredict, or equivalent tools.

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  Integrate module behavior, MV infrastructure, balance of system design, trackers, and plant-level systems into cohesive performance models.

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  Lead technical aspects of energy estimation during PPA negotiations, ensuring optimized and constructible solutions.

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  Perform performance ratio analysis, degradation modeling, and maintain as-built models for long-term evaluation.

Lead DC Collection System Design, EPC Process & Support Operations

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  Lead technical discussions on DC collection systems with OEMs, EPC, and construction teams.

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  Assess reliability of DC collection systems and support operational troubleshooting.

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  Apply power systems engineering principles to implement data-driven corrective actions.

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  Translate complex findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

Drive System Design & LCOE Optimization

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  Own system sizing, equipment selection, and electrical modeling.

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  Lead optimization efforts to achieve lowest LCOE while maintaining performance and constructibility.

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  Evaluate trackers, DC systems, and wiring solutions based on technical and commercial trade-offs.

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  Apply advanced optimization techniques to improve production and lifecycle value.

Lead Technical Diligence, Financing & Procurement Support

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  Manage Independent Engineers and diligence processes through project financing.

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  Develop EPC technical exhibits, testing protocols, and vendor specifications.

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  Support procurement and contract processes with clear technical requirements.

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  Advise on module and tracker selection and vendor diligence.

Ensure Operational & Regulatory Excellence

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  Perform ASTM E2848 capacity testing and interpret results with rigor.

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  Analyze plant data to diagnose performance issues and identify root causes.

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  Maintain models to evaluate degradation, mismatch, and system performance trends.

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  Ensure compliance with codes and grid requirements while maintaining high safety standards.

Support Business Development & Emerging Applications

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  Provide energy modeling support for new business initiatives.

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  Develop simplified models for emerging energy applications.

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  Quantify technical risks and opportunities to support strategic decisions.

• BS in Engineering required; Master’s preferred; PhD in Engineering or Materials Science is a plus.

• 6+ years of experience owning PV performance and production estimates across project phases.

• Proven experience with ASTM E2848 capacity testing.

• Expertise in thin-film CdTe PV module technology and material science principles.

• Experience managing Independent Engineer deliverables through financing.

• Advanced proficiency in PV energy modeling tools such as PVsyst or PlantPredict.

• Strong background in MV systems, inverters, transformers, and ESS technologies.

• Proficiency in scripting or automation tools such as Python, MATLAB, or VBA.

• Deep understanding of PV technologies, system optimization, and lifecycle trade-offs.

• Strong familiarity with the full utility-scale project lifecycle.