This has been a very busy month and year even for news on the solar energy industry.  With oil prices over $100 the US is following the world and waking up to the importance and necessity of renewable sources of energy.  Solar Energy is not the cure all, but it is part of the solution and so its no wonder that there are now a number of new innovations, investments and all the stories that cover them, some of which are provided below.

Everyone and there brother, sister and distant cousins are trying to find a solar power play from solar powered back packs to cars and more.  Its probably a matter of time before someone tries to come out with a solar powered festool chain saw or coal train even.

Description:
The Supplier Quality Engineer will lead and serve as the central point of accountability for the quality of supplied parts and components to BP Solar from North American suppliers. This position will report to the Global Supplier Quality Manager.

Requirements
• Responsible for remediation of all North American supplier quality issues (both current product and future) – process to include onsite verification of root cause and corrective actions, updates to FMEAs and control plans.
• Assisting in formalizing BP Solar APQP – (Advanced Product Quality Planning) process including PPAP, FMEAs, Control Plans, etc. for supply base.
• Implement the APQP processes at the supply base during development of new parts.
• Conduct PPAP on new parts that North American suppliers are making for BP Solar Globally.
• Verify suppliers’ ability to make quality parts at rate.
• Promote and ensure the control of Safe Work Practices and procedures – ensure all Occupational Health and Safety and Injury Management processes and policies are followed.
Requirements:
• Minimum of 10 years business experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in manufacturing or quality areas.
• Knowledge and experience with automotive Supplier Quality Processes – Experience with PPAP, APQP, DFMEA, PFMEA, Control Plans, 8Ds, quality audits, supplier assessments, supply chain management.
Key Competencies Desired
• Leadership – Experience with building teams, developing processes, and managing change. Effective at translating strategies into plans and actions.
• Communication – Excellent written and oral communications.
• Problem Solving – A track record of producing creative solutions; copes readily with ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Creativity – Challenges traditional thinking and helps others to do the same. Ability to think critically, make assessments and help management solve business problems.
• Networking – Creates a range of internal and external relationships.
• Team work – Ability to collaborate and communicate with all levels both internally and externally.
• Project management – Ability to manage projects and resources to meet deadlines.

Location:
Frederick, MD

Compensation:
Open

*Designing Hansgrohe faucets may help people brighten up their vanity, but helping to design systems and products for the solar industry can help brighten up the lives of everyone in the world.  Consider a job in the solar industry today.

If you are looking for work in an alternative energy field, have strong business skills, and six sigma experience, this may be a job that doesn’t require an engineering degree.

Description:
Direct all Wind farm operations at site for maintenance and repair, focusing on performance and profitability and within the framework of the Op Plan. Develop strategy for improved maintenance diagnostic and operation to provide additional customer value and reduce cost of service.
Direct the performance of Wind Field Operation within assigned contractual scope of responsibilities to customers. Present a positive professional face of GE in community and with the customer. Recruit, Develop, Retain and Manage personnel resources at sites driving professional standards and matrix development of personnel.
Responsible for all phases of timely financial reporting, elimination of contractual liquid damages, and availability of turbines. Integrate the operations perspective into all job proposal initiatives with the elimination of liquid damages and new revenue streams. Work closely with internal GE users to develop and implement Operation focused feedback for configuration, planned and unplanned maintenance, and financials. Implement Operation Safety Policy Instructions, conduct field work in compliance with OSHA and applicable regulations and encourage good employee safety practices. Participate and Lead Business Lean Six Sigma process.

Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or of Electrical / Mechanical Engineering from an accredited institution. Minimum 3 years professional field experience in leadership role. Fluency in English

Company
GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2006 revenue of $19 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Under ecomagination, GE will invest $1.5 billion annually in research in cleaner technologies by 2010, up from $700 million in 2004

Location

ND, TX, IL, WI, HI & CO

*There are other ways to go green without having to give up modern life or even vacation in Branson cabins. 

Description:
ET Solar is a global photovoltaic manufacturing company. We produce solar modules and solar tracker systems and have new products in the pipeline. We are looking for a dynamic and pro active Director of Sales and Market Development to execute our sales strategy in the USA. The director will source, develop and close large accounts and be a driving force from within our company as we expand into the USA during 2008 and the coming years.

Requirements
We will be looking closely at candidates with a proven track record and at least five years of experience in technical/engineering product sales and business development. We are looking for a seasoned, grounded, sales professional. Strong sales and business development skills are an absolute must. Some knowledge and experience in solar technology and installation and the renewable energy industry would be a big plus.
Our company is providing the technology for solar power plants and other large scale installations here in the USA. Knowledge of the energy industry is a definite plus and enthusiasm and understanding of the importance of Solar Energy a must.
We expect good communication skills, a professional and friendly attitude and a willingness to pitch in with whatever it takes to see this company expand into its full potential.
The new Director will be based at our Pleasanton, CA Office. Some travel will be expected.
Excellent compensation package based on experience, full health benefits, 401k

Location:
Pleasanton, CA

Compensation:
negotiable

*Other industries may try and dress up their work in sexy costumes, but working in the solar industry is sexy without all the make believe.

Description:
This role is responsible for product development to drive low solar system installed cost. This individual will be responsible for the system mechanical, electrical, and control requirements and for ensuring that these align with the module specification for commercial and utility scale system offerings.

Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an accredited institution. At least 5 years of solar systems engineering and design experience. At least 1 year experience in large scale renewable energy project development and installation planning. CAD proficiency and familiarity with ANSI standards.

Company
GE Energy (www.ge.com/energy) is one of the world’s leading suppliers of power generation and energy delivery technologies, with 2006 revenue of $19 billion. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, GE Energy works in all areas of the energy industry including coal, oil, natural gas and nuclear energy; renewable resources such as water, wind, solar and biogas; and other alternative fuels. Under ecomagination, GE will invest $1.5 billion annually in research in cleaner technologies by 2010, up from $700 million in 2004

Location:
Schenectady, NY

Compensation:
DOE; Partial relocation available

*** Care for addiction treatment is available from a top facility in Malibu, California.

The rest of the world may soon learn the same lesson that venture capitalists from New York to the Chicago Board of Trade to silicon valley have learned.  This is a very good time to invest in solar energy in the United States.

There are many factors making this a great time, but the two largest include the high price of oil (closed at almost $108 per barrel today) and the relatively cheap cost of American labor. 

American wages have held steady unlike European wages that have been fighting wage inflation.  Plus, the value of the dollar has dropped significantly such that foreign investors can now invest in American labor at very cheap prices today.

Plus, many Americans are looking to find ways to get into this new and growing industry.  They want to be part of the future, part of the solution and that is attracting some of the best and brightest talents to take positions working in Solar Energy.

The Silicon Valley investment capital is also going to be a major factor.  Silicon Valley has a lot of history making chips and working with semi-conductors and processes to improve chips and semi-conductors.  That deep seated know how is going to make it that much easier to advance solar energy now that venture capitalists are turning their focus to solar energy.

Politics are shifting in the US as well.  The days of zero Halliburton bid contracts and endless wars are going to have to give way to saving money and new power solutions.  If you are looking to invest, the time to invest in solar energy never looked better, especially if you are sitting on foreign currency.

Description:
The primary function of the PV Systems Engineer is to lead the design of and assist in the installation and commissioning of photovoltaic systems for commercial and industrial facilities. Activities range from site surveys and project conceptualization, to full design, to providing technical support to project commissioning and operations.
Duties include, but are not limited to the following:
• Design, layout, engineering, specification of commercial and industrial PV systems
• Estimating labor, materials, equipment, and capital resources required for each project
• Preparing technical proposals, budgets, and schedules based upon project requirements
• Produce drawings and documentation and interface with appropriate building inspection/planning departments to secure permits
• Develop (or lead the development of) construction drawings
• Conduct site surveys and inspections
• Coordinate the simultaneous design and development of multiple projects
• Define and recommend the appropriate technology and solution for each project to maximize customer satisfaction and profitability
• Specify and design representative systems including the balance of system components
• Work closely with suppliers, architects, and installers to resolve technical issues
• Provide technical and experience based support to product development, sales, and marketing especially in the areas of building integrated PV, mounting systems, and installation
• Consult with customers and suppliers
• Help standardize order pursuit and fulfillment process
• Travel as necessary to assist in the development, installation, commissioning or operation of PV projects
• Travel to other Alcoa BCS operations as required
• Practice and enforce Alcoa’s environmental, health, and safety policies to ensure a safe work environment
Excellent comprehensive benefits package.
No phone call please.

Requirements
Basic Qualifications
• B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical or Civil Engineering
• 3+ years direct experience with the design, installation, commissioning, and operation of solar PV systems – including solar cells, modules, mounting systems, inverters, monitoring systems and other balance of system components
• Ability to generate construction drawings in AutoCad and specifications and project cost estimates in Excel
• Working knowledge of building and electric codes and standards (NEC, UL, IEC, etc.)
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office (Exchange, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Microsoft Project
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Cooperative spirit and ability to work effectively with others
• Proven ability to take initiative in an environment of ambiguity
Preferred Qualifications
• 5+ years in an engineering role preferably with a solar PV systems integrator
• NABCEP certification
• Licensed Professional Engineer
• PV and BIPV product design experience
• Knowledge of PV market, module and component suppliers, and other relevant stakeholders
• Solar PV project development and management experience
• Familiarity with LEED Rating System and Sustainable Building Design

Company
Kawneer North America is a successful, stable company with over 100 years as a leader in the architectural building products industry, as well as being an Alcoa company with solid resources and commitment to sustainable solutions.

Relocation:
Within USA

Location:
Georgia

Compensation:
Salary range $65 – 80k

*If you are looking to build your own job opportunities, a solar franchise move might be next in your future.

Description:
Postdoctoral Researcher – Chemical and Biosciences Center
Requisition #: 2700-7199
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, is the nation’s primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. NREL’s Chemical and Biosciences Center has an immediate opening for a full-time (40 hours per week) Postdoctoral Research Fellow. The initial appointment is for one year, with possible renewal for up to three years.
Duties
The candidate will work with a group conducting computational modeling of cellulose and cellulase enzymes to understand the mechanism of processivity of cellobiohydrolase I (CBH I). This work focuses on the relationship between the structure of the different protein domains of this enzyme and their action on crystalline cellulose.
The candidate will be expected to conduct Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations of these protein domains to determine what role they play in processivity. Simulations will be conducted using existing MD software. The candidate must conduct the simulations, analyze results, report findings to the group, and write manuscripts for publication.
Responsibilities require compliance with NREL’s environmental, safety, and health policies and procedures, vigilance to working safely, maintaining showpiece laboratories, and continuously promoting a safe working environment.

Requirements
Minimum Requirements
A recent Ph.D. (less than 3 years) in Chemistry or Food Science. Candidate must have a strong background in MD computer simulations. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of the structures of cellulase enzymes and cellulose.
Preferred
Experience with enhanced sampling MD approaches such as umbrella sampling, replica exchange, and targeted MD.
——————————————————————————–
Pre-employment drug testing required.
Submit Your Resume
Qualified candidates should e-mail their resume along with phone number, e-mail address, and postal address of three individuals who can provide recommendation to:
Beverly Maestas
NREL, Human Resources Office
Requisition #2700-7199
1617 Cole Blvd.
Golden, CO 80401
beverly_maestas@nrel.gov
You will be contacted only if selected for an interview.
NREL is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and a drug-free workplace.

Relocation:
Negotiable

Location:
Golden, Colorado

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*Power your bathroom vanities with led lights and photovoltaic roofing systems.