Location: Düsseldorf, Berlin, or Hannover, Germany (Hybrid Setup)
Company: Uniper SE
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Category: Renewable Energy Engineering / Executive Leadership
Executive Overview: Transforming European Energy Infrastructure
As part of Uniper’s accelerated decarbonization strategy, the expansion of utility-scale solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) represents a primary pillar in driving Europe’s green energy transition. Uniper is seeking a highly qualified Head of Solar Development Engineering to oversee and direct engineering operations across project sites in Germany.
This role leads the technical evolution of greenfield PV projects and hybrid energy storage integration, ensuring that engineering standards, yield optimization, and grid integration strategies align with international utility requirements and regulatory frameworks.
Key Operational Responsibilities
1. Strategic Engineering Leadership & Technical Due Diligence
- Project Optimization: Lead multidisciplinary teams to optimize utility-scale solar PV plant layouts, balancing Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE), land utilization, and long-term asset performance.
- Risk Mitigation: Manage technical due diligence processes for high-capacity solar acquisitions and internal project pipelines, identifying structural, electrical, and environmental risks prior to Final Investment Decision (FID).
- Technology Standards: Establish core design standards for PV modules, centralized/string inverters, mounting structures, and high-voltage grid connections.
2. Grid Interconnection & Technical Stakeholder Alignment
- Grid Connection Strategies: Oversee grid feasibility studies and technical negotiations with transmission system operators (TSOs) and distribution system operators (DSOs) across Germany.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with Project Development, Procurement, Regulatory Affairs, and Construction teams to transition utility-scale projects smoothly into execution readiness.
3. Innovation, Digitalization & BESS Integration
- Hybrid Systems: Oversee the technical architecture of co-located Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) to increase grid dispatchability and revenue capture.
- Process Digitalization: Implement automated yield simulation workflows, advanced 3D topographical modeling, and digital twin monitoring frameworks to streamline front-end engineering design (FEED) phases.
Candidate Qualifications & Technical Requirements
- Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related technical discipline.
- Industry Experience: A minimum of 7+ years of progressive engineering experience in utility-scale solar PV design and development.
- Leadership Expertise: At least 3+ years in a supervisory role managing senior engineers, project design leads, and external engineering consultants.
- Technical Mastery: In-depth knowledge of PV design software (e.g., PVsyst, AutoCAD, Helios3D), high-voltage grid interfaces, and battery storage integration.
- Languages: Business fluency in English is required; fluency in German is highly advantageous given local stakeholder interactions.
High Paying Solar Jobs Abroad Opportunities
Why Join Uniper?
- Career Scale: Direct involvement in multi-gigawatt utility portfolios driving the European energy transition.
- Workplace Flexibility: Modern hybrid working models across key hubs including Düsseldorf, Berlin, and Hannover.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary package, annual incentive bonuses, company pension schemes, and continuous professional development tracks.
