IPP Lead Operations Engineer

OverviewA leading U.S.-based clean energy platform backed by a major global infrastructure investor is seeking a Lead Operations Engineer to support the operational performance and reliability of a growing portfolio of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage assets across the United States.The business owns and operates a rapidly expanding fleet of renewable energy infrastructure projects, supporting the increasing power demands of hyperscalers, data centres, and large commercial energy users. With continued growth across ERCOT and other major U.S. power markets, the company is focused on operational excellence, asset optimisation, and long-term portfolio performance.This role is based in Dallas, Texas and offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, operations, and performance analytics within a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.Role OverviewThe Lead Operations Engineer will be responsible for supporting the operational performance, reliability, and optimisation of a utility-scale renewable energy portfolio. This is a highly technical, hands-on position focused on improving plant availability, resolving operational issues, and driving performance across multiple solar and energy storage sites.The successful candidate will act as a key escalation point for operational matters, partnering closely with Asset Management, Engineering teams, and third-party O&M providers to ensure assets operate safely, efficiently, and at peak performance.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational LeadershipLead technical oversight of utility-scale solar and BESS operations across an assigned portfolioServe as the escalation point for site performance issues, outages, and operational incidentsCoordinate with third-party O&M providers to ensure SLA and performance complianceSupport commissioning, testing, and operational handover of new assetsPerformance & ReliabilityMonitor plant performance metrics and identify optimisation opportunitiesConduct root cause analysis (RCA) for equipment failures and underperformance eventsImplement corrective actions to improve asset availability and long-term reliabilitySupport lifecycle optimisation initiatives across the operating fleetDay-to-Day OperationsAnalyse SCADA and performance monitoring data to identify inefficiencies and trendsSupport operational decision-making through data-driven analysis and reportingAssist with KPI reporting, asset health tracking, and operational performance reviewsCollaborate cross-functionally with engineering, asset management, and field operations teamsStandardisation & Continuous ImprovementSupport development and implementation of operational best practices across the portfolioContribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on reliability and efficiencyHelp standardise operational workflows, reporting structures, and performance processesStakeholder CoordinationSupport communication and reporting of operational performance to internal stakeholdersEnsure operational issues are resolved in a timely, structured, and transparent mannerMaintain strong alignment between field operations and asset management functionsTeam CollaborationWork closely with O&M providers, engineers, technicians, and asset managersProvide technical guidance and operational support across teamsAct as a key interface between field execution and portfolio-level operational strategyRequired Experience6–10+ years of experience within utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, or power generation operations/engineeringStrong experience in plant performance analysis, SCADA systems, and operational optimisationExperience managing or coordinating third-party O&M providersExposure to ERCOT and/or U.S. utility-scale power markets preferredTechnical Skills & CompetenciesStrong understanding of utility-scale solar PV systems, inverters, and grid-connected infrastructureExperience with performance analytics, operational diagnostics, and reliability improvementFamiliarity with SCADA systems and performance monitoring toolsStrong analytical and problem-solving capabilityAbility to interpret technical data and translate findings into operational actionAdvanced Excel skills; Python or other data analysis tools considered advantageousExcellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skillsCandidate ProfileThe ideal candidate will be:Direct, decisive, and execution-focusedComfortable operating within fast-moving, high-growth environmentsHighly organised with strong attention to detailTechnically credible with strong operational instinctsAble to balance field-level execution with portfolio-wide strategic thinkingCommitted to high standards, accountability, and operational excellence