System Design Engineer

Cordia seeks a System Design Engineer to support project development for microgrids and thermal energy networks. Responsibilities include developing load models, optimizing system designs, and performing economic analysis. The role requires knowledge of energy generation equipment and involves software modeling. This position is fully remote with occasional travel (about 10%) for site visits and meetings. Applicants near Cordia's locations may opt for hybrid or onsite work.
System Design Engineer

Summary

Reporting to the Thermal Engineering Manager, the System Design Engineer is responsible for providing engineering related support to Cordia’s project development team for proposed microgrids, thermal energy networks, distributed generation assets and cogeneration facilities. This individual will be responsible for developing estimated electrical and thermal load models, identifying potential generation equipment, calculating performance models and optimizing

conceptual system design for project screening and initial technical analysis. This person will utilize software packages and custom excel spreadsheets to model solutions that meet customer

requirements and generate high level economic analysis of various alternatives. This will require an understanding of how to estimate hourly heating, cooling and electrical loads from actuals or through calculations leveraging ASHRAE climate zones, building type and square footage.

Performance modeling will require an understanding of various generation equipment including gas turbines, reciprocating gensets, heat recovery steam generators, chillers, boilers, PV solar, thermal storage, battery storage and other equipment.

Modeling outputs will include estimated utility costs, budgetary capital costs (with support from Cordia estimators), operating and maintenance costs (with support from Cordia operations managers), and greenhouse gas emissions.

Additional responsibilities will include formal presentations to Cordia leadership and prospective customers, highlighting the results and benefits of proposed technical solutions. This position is fully remote, however occasional travel will be required (~10% or less) for site visits, internal meetings, and conferences.

>> If the applicant is located near one of Cordia’s plants or offices, hybrid or onsite work will be optional. <<

Principle Responsibilities/Key Results Areas

> Assist the Corporate Engineering and Development team to develop optimized technical recommendations for new greenfield or brownfield opportunities
• Initial data review and requests
• Identify key project objectives and customer requirements
• Develop estimated hourly 8760 load profiles for heating, cooling and electrical demand
• Select technical alternatives including system design and equipment selections.
• Work with outside equipment, system vendors and engineering consultants to validate equipment performance, reliability, lead time, and cost
• Complete performance models matching energy generation to estimated site loads

> Assist the Corporate Development team in preparing internal and customer-facing presentations outlining technical findings and key metrics

> Utilize various software packages to model performance and operational strategy, creating custom models where required.

> Participate in customer calls and in-person meetings to identify project objectives, gather required data, and present recommendations and proposals

> Support engineering efforts for existing regional systems including project management, engineering reviews, and technical support

> Support due diligence efforts for proposed acquisitions and development projects and provide oversight to 3rd party engineers

Requirements

Experience and Education

> Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics, physics or related fields.

> 5 - 7 years of experience working in one or more aspects of the design, construction or operation of utility, microgrid, power generation, or industrial process industry preferred

> 3+ years of process engineering or detailed design experience

> Direct experience in the areas of combined heat and power, central utility plants, and utility distributions systems a plus

> District energy or central heating and cooling plant experience a plus

> Strong background in Microsoft Excel required (ability to create custom macros preferred)

> Familiarity with utility rates (electric and gas) a plus

Knowledge and Skills

> Capable of contributing to a diverse team environment comprised of individuals within other Company departments as well as external consultants, vendors and contractors.

> The ability to work independently and make decisions independently as necessary.

> The ability to communicate effectively and efficiently with the project team and other internal and external stakeholders including senior leadership

> Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products specifically including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Project and SharePoint

> Experience with computer-based construction cost estimating software a plus

> Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities required