Technical Performance Manager

Birch Creek Energy is a rapidly growing utility-scale solar development company focused on mid-market projects across multiple RTOs. Recently recapitalized and ranked #3 on Inc. 5000's list of Fastest Growing Companies (2023), the Company is actively building its independent power producer (IPP) platform and executing meaningful project M&A. With a team of approximately 60 professionals, Birch Creek seeks self-starters who share its commitment to accelerating solar development across the United States.

Birch Creek is seeking a Technical Performance Manager to drive the technical oversight, performance optimization, and technical report management of our utility-scale solar and energy storage assets. This position plays a critical role in ensuring our operational fleet performs at or above expected technical benchmarks. The ideal candidate brings deep engineering expertise, strong analytical skills, and a data-driven mindset to drive performance excellence across our portfolio. This opportunity sits within the IPP Operations team.

Birch Creek is headquartered in St. Louis, with an additional office location in Los Angeles.  The ability to work from our STL or LA office is a plus factor, but remote-work candidates are also welcomed.

Key Responsibilities

Performance & Strategy

• Drive technical performance across the entire operating solar and storage portfolio.
• Develop strategies to optimize system performance, uptime, and longevity while minimizing operational risk.
• Collaborate with asset managers, development, and execution teams to ensure smooth handover of projects into operations.

Performance Monitoring & Optimization

• Oversee monitoring platforms (e.g., Power Factors, AlsoEnergy) and analytics tools to ensure real-time visibility into system performance.
• Identify underperformance trends, root causes, and drive remediation strategies with internal teams and O&M providers.
• Support technical due diligence for performance guarantees, warranties, and potential repowering.

O&M Management

• Manage and evaluate third-party O&M service providers to ensure service level agreement (SLA) compliance.
• Support and collaborate third-party O&M preventive and corrective maintenance programs to maintain an effective maintenance strategy.
• Track and enforce contractual obligations related to warranties, spare parts, and equipment servicing.

Data & Reporting

• Standardize and lead the generation of technical reporting to internal stakeholders and external partners (e.g., investors, lenders).
• Maintain comprehensive asset records including equipment specs, warranties, outages, and performance history.

Technology & Tools

• Evaluate and implement advanced monitoring, diagnostics, and asset management software.
• Lead automation and process improvements using data tools (Python, SQL, Excel, Power BI, etc.) to streamline reporting and analysis.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure assets operate in compliance with grid interconnection and regulatory standards.
• Support NERC compliance efforts and other applicable reliability or interconnection requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Renewable Energy Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in technical operations or asset management of utility-scale solar (storage a plus).
• Deep understanding of PV system components, grid-tied systems, monitoring platforms, and performance modeling.
• Familiarity with SCADA/DAS systems and analytics platforms.
• Strong technical reporting and data analysis skills (e.g., Python, Excel, SQL).
• Experience managing O&M contracts and enforcing technical warranties/guarantees.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• NERC/FERC knowledge is a plus.

Birch Creek Energy offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, and performance bonus, commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) with company match, and generous PTO. This role offers meaningful visibility and direct impact within a lean, high-growth organization. Occasional travel may be required for site visits.
 
Birch Creek Energy is an equal opportunity employer.