Sr. System Design Engineer (Solar PV & BESS)

UPower Energy Corp. is seeking a Sr. System Design Engineer (Solar PV & BESS) in Davao City, Philippines. The role involves leading electrical system design for solar and storage projects, from conceptual design to detailed engineering. Responsibilities include site assessments, energy modeling, DC/AC system design, equipment selection, and ensuring compliance with standards. The candidate should have over 5 years of experience in utility-scale solar projects.
UPower Energy Corporation is the Philippine subsidiary of UPower Energy, a US-based clean energy company founded in 2018 with a mission to bring renewable power back to the people.


UPower Energy provides the end-to-end energy solutions to community markets through greenfield project development, financing, construction, and operation. Since 2018, UPower Energy has been a trusted public-private partner, serving municipalities, rural communities, electrical coops, public utilities and industrial loads. Up to presence, UPower Energy has developed, invested and operated over 300MW projects in several counties.


UPower Energy Corporation in Philippines is in a rapid growth mode to catch up the renewable energy demand in Philippines.


Job Purpose:
We are seeking an experienced Sr. System Design Engineer (Solar PV & BESS) to serve as the technical anchor for our solar and storage projects in Philippines and US. This role focuses primarily on electrical system design, requiring a deep understanding of the integration between solar PV arrays, BESS, and MV grid interconnection.


You will own the engineering process from the early-stage conceptual design phase through to detailed engineering packages. You will collaborate closely with project managers, procurement teams, and external EPC partners to optimize system performance, cost-efficiency, and constructability.


Key Responsibilities
Conceptual & Preliminary Design
· Lead the initial technical assessment of project sites, including constraints analysis and layout optimization.


· Develop conceptual Single Line Diagrams (SLDs) and general arrangements for Solar PV and BESS projects.


· Perform preliminary energy modeling and yield analysis using PVSyst to validate project economics.


Detailed Electrical Engineering
· DC System Design: detailed string sizing, DC block design, cable scheduling, and voltage drop calculations to optimize the DC/AC ratio.


· AC System Design (LV/MV): Select and size inverters, pad-mounted transformers, combiner boxes, and switchgear.


· Interconnection: Design the Medium Voltage (MV) collection system and grid interconnection interface, ensuring compliance with utility requirements.


· Oversee the creation of detailed construction document sets, including 3-line diagrams, grounding plans, and trenching/conduit schedules.


Equipment Selection & Technical Support
· Evaluate and select major equipment (PV modules, inverters, racking systems, BESS containers) based on technical specifications and compatibility.


· Collaborate with the procurement team to review vendor submittals and manage Request for Information (RFI) processes during the bidding phase.


· Provide engineering support during the construction phase, addressing field changes and troubleshooting electrical issues.


Compliance & Standards
· Ensure all designs strictly adhere to the National Electrical Code (NEC), IEEE standards, UL safety certifications, and local AHJ requirements.


· Review interconnection study reports (ISR) and coordinate with utilities to meet technical requirements for grid synchronization.


Minimal Requirements
Experience
· 5+ years of direct experience in the design and engineering of utility-scale or large C&I Solar PV and BESS projects.


· Proven track record of taking projects from conceptualization to Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings.


Technical and Soft Skill Set
· Expert proficiency in AutoCAD.


· Advanced mastery of PVSyst or equivalent tools for energy production modeling.


· Experience with power system analysis software (e.g., ETAP, SKM Power*Tools, or DigSilent) for load flow, short circuit, and arc flash studies.


· Strong knowledge of NEC or IEC codes


· Strong analytical problem-solving abilities


· Strong communication skills to present complex electrical design and concepts to non-technical stakeholders


· Detailed-oriented with a focus on engineering excellence.


Preferred Qualifications
· Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or Renewable Energy Engineering. (Master’s degree preferred).


· Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) is the minimal requirement


· Professional Electrical Engineer (PEE) is high desirable (or the ability to obtain one within 12 months).


What’s in it for you?


Competitive compensation package with base salary and bonus. Well-being perks including comprehensive medical, personal and other benefits Challenging and enjoyable environments for the people who want to learn and grow very quickly in career.