What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Engineer position at Kiwa PVEL?
About PVEL:
We create data that drives the clean global energy transition. Our team pioneered extended reliability and performance product testing that unlocks investments in solar power. We are passionate about our work because it makes an impact – and we have fun doing it.
As the leading reliability and performance testing lab for solar project developers and investors, we develop independent reports on PV and energy storage equipment. Over the past decade, we’ve built a global network that connects manufacturers to 400 downstream partners who use our reports to guide 30 gigawatts of purchasing decisions each year. But that’s just the beginning. PVEL is on a mission for rapid growth because our work accelerates the adoption of solar power worldwide.
The Role:
As a Senior Engineer at PVEL, you’ll play a critical role in the performance and reliability testing of photovoltaic (PV) modules. You will be part of a collaborative team of experts committed to producing the data that drives global renewable energy investments. From test design and execution to troubleshooting and analysis, you will lead initiatives that ensure PVEL remains the industry’s trusted lab for bankability data.
This is an on-site role. This role is ideal for a hands-on problem solver who thrives in a dynamic environment. You will balance time between lab work, data review, process development, and operations support, contributing both technical depth and cross-functional collaboration.
What you’ll do:
Lead Module Testing:
- Drive execution of testing for PVEL’s Product Qualification Program (PQP)
- Design and validate test programs and ensure readiness of equipment and materials
- Review engineering scopes for non-standard projects, coordinate cross-functional inputs, manage and execute projects as needed.
Lab Operations Support:
- Troubleshoot issues with instrumentation, communication systems, and data acquisition
- Ensure lab equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operating to specification
- Serve as the primary point of contact for engineering-based equipment support
- Collaborate with lab staff to deliver accurate, high-quality test results
Data Management & Reporting:
- Review test data and results and take appropriate action to ensure data quality
- Collaborate with Technical Writers on reporting and write test reports for non-standard projects as needed
- Maintain accuracy in data logging, validation, and storage
- Contribute to the development of templates, scripts, and data review tools
Process Improvement & Training:
- Create, update and implement Work Instructions and Standard Operating Procedures
- Train technical team members and monitor training compliance
- Support quality documentation and corrective actions alongside the Quality team
- Work closely with quality to improve quality systems and documentation as well as resolve quality-related issues
Engineering Development:
- Support the design of new fixtures and test setups for lab execution
- Improve existing test set-ups, test processes to suit current needs
- Contribute to custom tool development using software such as LabVIEW or Python
Equipment Maintenance & Repair
- Provide primary support for equipment troubleshooting and Engineering-based maintenance events.
- Escalate and coordinate any required subcontractor support for repairs.
- Coordinate preventative maintenance events with subcontractors.
Other duties as assigned
Skills to be successful:
- 5 years of experience in test/process engineering, product development or equipment support role
- Strong problem-solving skills and hands-on technical expertise
- Ability to independently manage and execute technical work in a lab environment
- Ability to manage development projects independently and collaboratively for timely execution
- Experience in Mechanical Engineering, product development
- Experience with data analysis, instrumentation, and troubleshooting
- Excellent attention to detail and documentation habits
- Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, and quality teams
- Comfortable with both analytical work and practical, hands-on tasks
Preferred skills & experience to be a plus:
- Master’s in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field
- Prior experience in solar module reliability testing or certification
- Knowledge of solar module failure modes and environmental test chambers
- Proficiency with LabVIEW, Python, MATLAB, or statistical analysis tools
- Experience developing test fixtures and procedures in a lab setting
- Familiarity with PVsyst, Modbus, CAN protocols, and ISO 17025 lab standards