Procurement Engineer (Electrical Commodity)

Hanwha Q CELLS USA Corp (“HQC US”) develops, invests, and delivers solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) projects through Engineering, Procurement, Construction (EPC) services in North America.

The company brings a decade of global leadership in solar PV to deliver utility-scale power generation plants customized for local and regional energy markets. HQC US offers the full spectrum of PV solutions – from the core technology of cells and modules to large-scale project development and investment. With proven capabilities across the solar and battery storage value chain, HQC US minimizes uncertainty and risk and helps customers achieve a higher return on their investment in renewable energy.

SUMMARY

The Procurement Engineer will serve as the lead technical representative for the Procurement organization for their assigned commodities. They will be responsible for performing the purchase process for major equipment (transformers, inverters, BESS, electrical BOS, etc.) from RFP to purchase order/contract execution in conjunction with other members of the team. Additional responsibilities will include identifying and assessing new vendors and emerging technologies, maintaining a database of current suppliers, supporting the pre-qualification process and monitoring supplier performance. Works closely with key suppliers that support the overall strategic objectives of the organization and ensure reliable support and supply of materials to projects. May be assigned other tasks as needed. This position reports to the Procurement Manager, or another management personnel that the President of the Company may designate. This position is remote eligible with required travel to Qcells HQ in Irvine, CA and other locations as needed. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 15%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position; and

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to optimize the procurement of materials and/or services;

• Manage key procurement processes in alignment with Companies overall strategic goals;

• Explore new technologies, lead the evaluation, and benchmarking of new products to determine the potential financial and performance value of the products and potential impacts if implemented.

• Act as liaison between Procurement and vendor and internal engineering teams.

• Administers the RFP process including, but not limited to the following:

• Prepare RFPs to qualified suppliers including working with other functional groups to gather all required documents and data;

• Determine and maintain bid schedules in accordance with project schedules;

• Coordinate responses to RFIs from bidders;

• Review, compare and evaluate supplier proposals with historical and market pricing to determine cost-competitive pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings;

• Support commercial negotiations for Equipment Supply Agreements, project specific orders, change orders, etc. with key suppliers in accordance with company policies and guidelines;

• Administer change order process for suppliers and other related contract management processes;

• Ensure prime contract flow downs are incorporated into subcontract documents as needed or applicable to scope of work/supply;

• Monitor supplier compliance to contract terms and project requirements;

• Support Project Management and Operations teams as needed with contract information and input to resolve supplier issues, such as under-performance or scope gaps;

• Evaluate vendor performance and develop improvement processes based on lessons learned;

• Evaluate vendor products, systems, and structure for quality and performance;

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, best practices, and requirements;

• Support Project Management Team as needed with urgent procurement needs;

• Maintain accurate and complete purchasing records in accordance with record retention procedures;

• Support qualification and onboard new vendors; and

• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Requires BS degree in Electrical Engineering

• 3-5 years of prior relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and directly related experience. General knowledge of supply chain management and procurement, as well as construction principles and processes.

• Minimum 2 years of experience in solar and/or construction field project at the project size of over $30M in procurement of equipment/material or subcontracting

• Experience in Solar or Renewable Energy.

• Knowledge of major electrical equipment used in the construction of renewable energy facilities (inverters, transformers, etc.).

• Knowledge of and ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.

• Knowledge of negotiated bids, lump sum, and Design/Build processes preferred.

• Working knowledge of PVSyst, AutoCAD, Microsoft 365 suite, Bluebeam, etc.

• Strong math and analytical skills.

• Knowledge of contract management.

• Ability to work autonomously in a fast pace, professional, team environment with minimal supervision.

• Ability to prioritize tasks appropriately and in support of project schedules and other deadlines.

• ·Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Confidence communicator and ability to interact with people at all levels of the organization.

• Experience in conducting supplier reviews and evaluation and maintaining good business relationships.

• Strong understanding of construction management software systems (Procore preferred).

• SAP Experience preferred.     

The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

·  Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day

·  Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk

·  Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds

·  Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations

·  Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far

·  Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors

·  Travel: review above travel requirement for this position

WORK ENVIRONMENT

·  Regular professional, office business setting

·  Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)

·  Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Q Cells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Q Cells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.  

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity. 

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