About E3 Consulting
Founded in 1999, E3 is a leading technical advisor, providing reviews of complex capital-intensive projects for capital providers, project developers, owners, and regulators. E3 primarily provides independent engineering and advisory services for energy, industrial, and public infrastructure projects. E3 operates as an independent subsidiary of NAES, a large provider of O&M, engineering and environmental services in the power generation sector.
Why Work with E3 Consulting?
E3 has a culture of teamwork and mutual respect and places high value on work-life balance. We offer a small business feel, while working on interesting and oftentimes cutting-edge projects largely in the energy sector. With the continued energy transition, E3’s renewables business continues to be a focal point of our team.
Summary
The Executive Director – Solar will spearhead E3 Consulting’s efforts in solar and integrated solar+battery energy storage projects, driving business development and technical services for project financing and development support. Your leadership will be pivotal in shaping E3 Consulting's strategy in the solar sector, leveraging your extensive network and industry relationships to grow our business footprint.
In this role, you'll lead a consulting team of solar subject matter experts and field service specialists while collaborating closely with the team lead of E3’s energy storage practice to ensure that projects incorporating energy storage benefit from our specialized resources. Your responsibilities will encompass leading comprehensive due diligence efforts covering project design, technology review, resource modeling, electrical interconnection, construction contracts, revenue agreements, operations & maintenance, and cash flow modeling.
Beyond technical expertise, you will:
- Lead Independent Engineering, Owner’s Engineering and Field Engineering Services: Applying your subject matter expertise to provide strategic oversight and on-the-ground leadership, ensuring project execution aligns with our high standards and client expectations.
- Drive Business Development: Actively participate in identifying new opportunities, forging partnerships, and expanding E3’s market presence in solar. Your role will involve strategic planning, engaging with key industry players, and positioning E3 Consulting at the forefront of solar innovation.
The Executive Director – Solar will be supported by E3's cadre of subject matter experts, enabling you to focus on strategic growth while maintaining the quality and integrity of our services. Your leadership will not only influence our technical approach but also significantly shape our business strategy, ensuring E3 Consulting remains a leader in the renewable energy consultancy landscape.
Primary Duties
Project Management and Solar Technology Lead
- Manage client interactions and deliverable schedules
- Lead solar business development efforts
- Support E3’s solar team through continuous improvement and training opportunities
- Interact with NAES and Bay4 renewables team to support project collaboration and strategy synergies
- Ensure quality, consistency, and schedule deadlines of E3 deliverables
- Report to E3’s management team on solar practice efforts, opportunities for improvement in quality and workflow
- Mentor other team members in the solar generation space
Solar Resource Modeling
- Manage and review PVsyst and associated tools to produce solar resource estimates
- Interpret and analyze weather and other data pertinent to the resource analysis
- Review electrical and civil designs for resource inputs
- Report resource estimate findings to clients and resolve differences where applicable
- Review performance test data for coherence with resource estimates and verify satisfaction of contractual obligations and financial model inputs
Equipment and Design Review
- Manage the review of electrical and civil design documents to verify projects are designed according to industry standards
- Stay attuned to industry standards and trends for equipment selection, performance, bankability, etc.
- Maintain relationships with solar major equipment (e.g., modules, inverters, racking) manufacturers to discuss issues, stay abreast of industry trends and opportunities
- Compare warranty terms and conditions against other similar projects
Site Visits
- Coordinate or attend E3 visits to project sites to verify construction/commissioning progress or completion according to specified benchmarks
- Ensure the project site adheres to environmental guidelines
- Validate as-built construction against PVsyst resource modeling assumptions
- Witness commissioning and/or performance testing; review data and test reports
- Prepare completion milestone certificates following verification of EPC contract requirements
Production Data Review
- Review data from existing projects to offer opinions on whether projects are performing as expected
- Analyze and summarize possible causes of underproduction
- Troubleshoot on-site issues
Business Development
- Lead efforts to drive new business by attending conferences, contacting and/or visiting clients and developing proposals for projects
- Support solar focused marketing initiatives through active participation
Working Relationships
This position reports directly to the VP, Operations. This position could include direct reports. This position serves as a technology lead and will provide support to others on the E3 team.
Compensation
The initial compensation will range from $186,000 - $214,000.
Education and Experience:
- Education - Bachelor’s degree in a science-based field such as engineering, materials science, etc.
- Years of Experience - Five to ten years of experience working in a relevant industry (e.g., independent engineer, solar developer, project finance); Experience in the Independent Engineering field is a plus
Specific Skills and Knowledge
- Strong network of contacts from key project participants in the solar field (e.g., OEMs, EPC contractors, developers, lenders, tax-equity investors, etc.)
- Expert proficiency in solar resource modeling software applications such as PVsyst, Helioscope, etc.
- Strong knowledge of equipment fundamentals including modules, inverters, racking, transformers, control systems/SCADA, and metering
- Knowledge of interconnection agreements
- Experience with energy storage paired with solar projects
- Insight on current market terms for O&M and revenue agreements (PPA, FIT, etc.)
- Familiarity with tax credits and its implications on project costs
- Excellent attention to detail in reviewing financial model inputs
- Excellent report writing and communication skills
- Strong analytical skills and experience with MS Office, including strong working expertise with Word and Excel and other MS Suite applications
- The ability to work independently or as part of a team with expert organizational skills
- Willingness to travel for work (approximately 10-40 percent)
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Because the position requires both in office and on-site work, the physical requirements include the ability to sit for long periods of time, ability to communicate verbally, and in writing, and ability to handle long periods of screen time. In addition, travel may be required to meet client or project requirements. Work is performed on industrial sites when traveling, requiring protective clothing and equipment.
This is a full-time position that requires 40 working hours a week. We offer a flexible hybrid work schedule, including working remotely and/or in the office.
Extended hours will likely be required from time-to-time during business travel or to accommodate Clients’ project schedules.
Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.
