Performance Engineer

QE Solar is seeking a Performance Engineer in Boise, ID, responsible for monitoring and optimizing utility-scale solar and battery energy storage systems. Key tasks include performance data analysis, client engagement, contractual performance management, troubleshooting support, and continuous improvement initiatives. The role requires collaboration with various teams and direct client communication to ensure compliance with availability guarantees and accurate reporting.
Job Summary:

The Performance Engineer is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, and optimizing the performance of QE Solar’s utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) assets. This role ensures compliance with contractual availability guarantees, identifies opportunities to improve asset performance, and supports operations and maintenance (O&M) teams with data-driven insights. The Performance Engineer will also engage directly with clients to deliver performance reports, explain availability guarantee (AG) calculations, and provide clear, professional updates on performance issues and corrective actions. Collaboration with plant managers, field operations, QECC operators, and commercial operations is essential to reconcile performance data, validate contractual exclusions, and deliver accurate and timely reporting.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities - 35%

1. Performance Data Analysis & Reporting –

• In conjunction with the QE Control Center, monitor and analyze plant performance using SCADA, QEST, and other monitoring platforms.

• Develop and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly performance reports for internal stakeholders and clients.

• Prepare and deliver reports in client meetings, ensuring clarity in technical and contractual metrics.

• Reconcile production data against contractual guarantees, identifying and documenting underperformance events.

2. Client Engagement & Communication – 20%

• Present performance results and trends to clients during scheduled review calls and meetings.

• Explain AG calculations, contractual exclusions, and performance drivers in clear, client-friendly terms.

• Respond to client questions about site performance, outages, and remediation plans.

• Collaborate with commercial operations to ensure reporting aligns with contractual requirements and client expectations.

3. Contractual Performance Management – 20%

• Calculate and track contractual AG for each site.

• Identify and document qualifying contractual exclusions based on O&M agreements.

• Collaborate with operations teams to ensure accurate and timely entry of AGrelated events in CMMS.

• Maintain auditable records for AG calculations and support dispute resolution when required.

• Perform other Performance Reporting (Monthly, GADS, Etc.)

4. Root Cause Analysis & Troubleshooting Support – 15%

• Investigate recurring or significant performance issues and propose corrective actions.

• Collaborate with field teams to validate system faults, alarms, and outages.

• Work with OEMs, vendors, and engineering teams to resolve chronic

performance challenges.

• Support warranty and claims processes with data and analysis.

5. Continuous Improvement & Process Development – 10%

• Identify opportunities for process and system improvements to enhance performance tracking and reporting efficiency.

• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for performance engineering workflows.

• Provide feedback to software and CMMS development teams to improve data capture and analysis tools.

• Lead training sessions for operations staff on performance monitoring best practices.

Knowledge

• Utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and battery energy storage

systems (BESS) design and operation.

• Electrical and mechanical systems relevant to solar PV and BESS.

• SCADA, DAS, and CMMS platforms (e.g., QEST, Ignition, Power Factors).

• Availability Guarantee concepts, performance ratio (PR), and other key solar

KPIs.

• Data analytics, statistical analysis, and performance benchmarking principles.

• Client reporting protocols and stakeholder communication best practices.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Excel (pivot tables, complex formulas, data modeling)

and data visualization tools.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical

audiences, including clients.

• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong presentation skills and confidence in leading client-facing discussions.

Abilities

• Interpret complex contracts and apply contractual terms to performance

calculations.

• Explain complex technical concepts in simple, client-friendly language.

• Work independently with minimal supervision.

• Travel occasionally to remote utility-scale solar and BESS sites.

• Maintain high attention to detail while meeting strict deadlines.

Physical Requirements

This position primarily operates in an office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods of time while working at a computer.

• Operate a computer, phone, and other office productivity equipment using hands and fingers.

• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.

• Occasionally move about the office to access files, office equipment, and supplies.

• Lift and/or move up to 20 pounds occasionally.

• Maintain visual acuity to prepare and review documents in both digital and print formats.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related technical field; or commensurate work experience.

• Preferred: Master’s degree in engineering, Renewable Energy, Data Analytics,

or related field.

Required Experience

• 3+ years of experience in utility-scale solar PV or BESS operations,

performance engineering, or plant monitoring.

• Experience calculating contractual availability guarantees and reconciling performance data.

• Experience presenting technical performance data to clients.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with NERC compliance and utility interconnection requirements.

• Experience with Python, SQL, or other data analysis languages.

• Previous client account management experience in a technical field.

Preferred Certifications,

Licensures, Etc.

• NABCEP PV Technical Sales Professional or PV Installation Professional.

• OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety.

• Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent process improvement certification.

Work place Type: On-site

Salary Range: $100,000-$120,000 per year

Employment Type: Full-time

Location: Boise, ID, United States

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:

QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.