Job Description:
Responsibilities
Lead multidisciplinary R&D teams in solar technology projects, driving innovation in PV performance and the integration of emerging technologies such as energy storage and advanced control systems.
Conduct operational data analysis of complex PV systems, defining and monitoring performance metrics, and recommending optimization strategies.
Design, implement, and manage advanced instrumentation systems for PV plants, integrating environmental sensors (irradiance, albedo, temperature) with advanced electrical measurement technologies for high-precision monitoring of current, voltage, and related parameters.
Develop firmware and algorithms for dataloggers, ensuring robust data acquisition and long-term operational performance.
Oversee image-based monitoring solutions for PV plants, including system sizing and integration with SCADA/PPC environments.
Perform outdoor infrared thermography of PV systems according to IEC 62446-3.
Act as a key interface between multicultural, cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment between technical execution and strategic objectives.
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. International academic or professional experience is a strong asset.
At least 8 years of combined academic and professional experience in the solar energy sector.
Proven track record in solar PV projects, with a portfolio of 1000+ completed projects across distributed and utility-scale contexts.
Hands-on experience in at least one utility-scale solar power plant of 1000 MW or more.
Background in M&A technical due diligence, supporting portfolios of at least 1 GW.
Strong experience in solar R&D, including modeling, simulation, and experimental validation using advanced instrumentation.
Academic or professional exposure to hybrid and renewable systems (e.g., CSP, PV-biomass integration, hydropower, wind).
Active participation in national and international technical standards committees (e.g., IEC, ABNT, COPANT).
Hands-on experience with infrared thermography (IEC 62446-3) and familiarity with electroluminescence testing of PV modules.
Proficiency in PVsyst, pvlib Python, and Design of Experiments.
Expertise in monitoring and control systems (instrumentation, dataloggers, SCADA, PPC).
Familiarity with data science and computer vision applications for solar performance and AgriPV.
Strong knowledge of LCoE, CAPEX, and OPEX analysis.
Fluent in English and Spanish; native Portuguese speaker.
At Nextracker, we are leading in the energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar tracker and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.
For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations.