A day in the life of an AES Clean Energy Senior Reliability Engineer will include, but is not limited to:
Analyzing reliability and availability of Inverter hardware and components
Performing root cause analysis for equipment failures and developing recommendations to optimize asset reliability, coordinating remediation with external parties as needed
Leading and facilitating major repairs to operational sites
Evaluating operational sites for repowering and retrofit opportunities including cost benefit analysis
Implementing new practices to improve uptime and efficiency
Oversee the accuracy and integrity of asset master data within the CMMS/ERP system, including developing new asset hierarchies, bill of materials, and criticality assessments.
The Senior Reliability Engineer supports a larger operations team and serves as a domain expert for technical and engineering matters related to the reliable and available operation of PV+BESS Inverter systems. Excellent communication, task management and planning skills needed, in addition to technical breadth. The Senior Reliability Engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for driving the development and implementation of a comprehensive reliability strategy for all installed and operating assets, working independently with minimal supervision, while fostering teamwork and continuous improvement within their area of expertise, to achieve strategic objectives.
The role will focus on the mechanical and electrical operation of PV+BESS Inverters and related equipment/components. The successful applicant will be very comfortable with high-level review of all elements of practical system design.
The position is ideally located in Louisville, CO; other US AES offices are allowable with hiring manger approval. The position may include up to 10-15% travel to project locations and partner offices.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperations
Develop and implement asset reliability strategies: Develop and oversee the implementation of reliability strategies for a portfolio of PV+BESS Inverter assets, balancing operational needs with long-term asset performance goals. Establish standard processes for maintenance activities and hardware configuration to increase equipment reliability and availability
Gathers and examines reliability failure data from operating sites and the CMMS database, applying well-defined engineering techniques to correlate data for analysis.
Maintains an updated "bad actor" list and facilitates discussions with O&M management on fit-for-purpose recovery plans, highlighting requirements during the budget process.
Identify root cause of performance problems on operational projects, and facilitate recommended action plans
Collaborate with Operations and Engineering teams to troubleshoot existing projects and develop repair and remediation plans
Design solutions for modifications to systems, and coordinate between various AES subcontractors and vendors where needed
Lead the development and implementation of FMEAs for critical assets, ensuring proactive identification of potential failure modes and appropriate mitigation strategies. Facilitate continuous improvement to maintenance practices with internal operations personnel and 3rd Party vendors
Perform Job Safety Assessments and Safety Walks to identify job-site hazards
Implement new practices with technology such as electrical monitoring systems and thermal imaging to improve reliability
Scope and implement new tools and software for operations, leveraging SAP and work management processes.
Provide technical expertise and support during planned outages, ensuring the efficient and reliable execution of maintenance and repair activities.
Growth and Leadership
Participate in AES US Renewables' growth planning process by contributing to process improvement task forces and other strategic planning activities
“Keep a tight loop” between Operations and new project development by recording and presenting issues that can be mitigated through better design and equipment selection.
Perform life cycle cost modeling of project design to inform equipment and component selection. Provide reliability-focused feedback during design reviews to ensure new systems and equipment incorporate reliability principles and best practices.
Improve and develop processes for the execution of safe, quality and high-reliability projects
Educate team on changing trends in technology, standard methodologies and safety
Provide guidance, mentorship, and technical expertise to junior reliability engineers within the team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Skills and QualificationsPrimary Qualifications
Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in engineering or equivalent technical field
5+ years professional experience in engineering with a focus on measuring and maintaining equipment reliability, with an emphasis on high power electrical systems.
Experience in renewable power generation industry and familiarity with all aspects of PV+BESS Inverter technology, e.g. PCS, BESS, PV Generation, DC Wiring, Controls, grid interactions, and HVAC
Experience leading root cause and failure modes analysis methods (FMEA)
Experience with reliability metric calculations, MTBF, MTTR, Weibull, etc.
High proficiency with reading and understanding equipment/facility schematics
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office software suite
Experience in using results of data analytics and database tools
Experience with CMMS (SAP PM)
Experience with SCADA, and condition monitoring systems.
High degree of dedication to a quality safety culture and an incident-free work environment
Willingness to travel within the U.S. to support company’s portfolio of PV+BESS assets
Personal values consistent with those of the AES Corporation; Safety, Integrity, Excellence, Agility and Fun
“Plus” Qualifications
Professional Engineer qualifications, or on track to become qualified
Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) - Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP)
Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) - ASQ (American Society for Quality)
Master’s Degree or equivalent experience in Engineering
Experience with control logic and power electronic devices
Experience with renewables power production, utility interconnection practices, and contract terms.
Proficiency in Python or other “beyond Excel” analysis tools.
Proficiency in SQL programming to query and manage data from SQL servers.
Proficiency with CAD tools
Spanish language skills valued
The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $113,000 and $141,525/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
Apply by clicking the application link below and submitting your information. The deadline to apply for this role is