Sales Engineer, Solar

3 days ago
Full time role
Hybrid · United States... more

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is an energy transition partner built to accelerate the energy transition by transforming the built environment into a productive, resilient, climate-adapted extension of the grid. We do this by partnering with utilities and building owners to provide program management, project implementation, and financing services and capabilities to our partners' customers. Together, we are creating a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable energy future. 

Position Summary

Sparkfund is actively seeking an adaptable and motivated Solar Sales Engineer within our Sales Engineering team to support our growth and expand our market presence. This position is instrumental in delivering actionable insights from environmental and utility data, aiding in the deployment and management of comprehensive energy programs. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding and deep technical solar expertise to identify customer needs in order to effectively communicate technical solutions and provide tailored solutions.

Operating cross-functionally within the organization, this role collaborates across Programs, Commercial Solutions, and Value Chain Management to support various client-driven initiatives and promote Sparkfund’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. This individual will act as a liaison between the Customer Solutions team and the Project Development team, ensuring that technical solutions align with customer needs and expectations. 

Location

This is a hybrid role that will require around 25-50% travel, depending on proximity to customer sites located in both Colorado (CO) and Minnesota (MN). Additionally, we may expect you to travel to Washington, DC and / or other US cities for organized team and / or company gatherings to collaborate with other members of the team / company, learn the ins and outs of our business, and contribute to our company culture. 

Key Responsibilities

  • Data Collection & Analysis: Gather and analyze building-specific and portfolio-wide monthly data, including electricity, natural gas/oil, and, optionally, waste/recycling and water/sewer usage. Provide commentary on usage trends and variances.
  • Energy Savings Verification: Review data to validate energy savings from operational programs aimed at reducing energy consumption.
  • Benchmarking & Reporting: Compare collected data against industry benchmarks and prepare reports of findings for Sales Engineers to support client solution strategies.
  • Insights for Energy Optimization: Suggest ways for building owners and operators to contain energy consumption and costs based on data analysis.
  • Utility Bill Review: Examine non-telecom utility bills for accuracy, ensuring compliance with rates and tariffs.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Sales Engineers, Sales, Program Managers, and Customer Solutions staff across all organizational levels to enhance customer offerings.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Communicate Sparkfund's value proposition and energy solutions to all client stakeholders, reinforcing the benefits of our offerings.
  • Process Improvement: Develop new processes and tools to improve accuracy, reduce time, and increase energy savings in delivered solutions.
  • Support for Sales Engineers: Partner with Sales Engineers to review and validate customer utility data, develop solution recommendations, and analyze building performance trends.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field; or a 2-year technical school degree with relevant experience.
  • 3-5 years of experience in energy analytics, commercial building systems, or a related engineering field.
  • Strong technical knowledge of C&I solar.
  • Strong communication skills, with the ability to solicit and process information from various stakeholders.
  • Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting in utility and energy systems.
  • Ability to review and interpret real estate leases, property assessments, building management systems, utility regulations, and energy supply contracts.
  • General understanding of contract terms and/or language.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate technical concepts and topics effectively for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Proven track record of building and maintaining positive interpersonal relationships
  • Demonstrated ability to successfully navigate a fast-paced and rapidly growing company
  • Willingness to travel between 25-50% depending on location
  • Excellent attention to detail, organization, and time management skills.
  • Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting in utility and energy systems.
  • Eligible to work in the United States; this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

  • Background in technical sales or commercial real estate.
  • Certified Energy Manager (CEM) or LEED AP 
  • Demonstrable experience in solving complex engineering problems and improving existing processes
  • Competency in software and cloud-based information management tools – especially with Salesforce, Google Workspace, Slack, Asana, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or project management tools.
  • Dedication to what we’re building at Sparkfund and a passion for combating climate change.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation and stock option plans - we believe in shared ownership.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as disability and life insurance.
  • Flexible vacation policy and observance of all federal holidays.
  • 8 weeks gender-neutral paid leave for caregivers when they have a new addition to their families and an additional 4 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents.
  • A one-time, work-from-home stipend to help cover any equipment, hardware, etc. you need to set up your remote office.
  • A monthly allowance of $100 to help cover phone and WiFi expenses.

We Want You To Know

You can be a great candidate even if you don't fit everything we've described above. You can also have important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. We are dedicated to environmental stewardship, and recognize we need diverse perspectives to successfully tackle this massive challenge. To change the world, we must first change ourselves, which is why Sparkfund has created a space that sources viewpoints from people who look and think differently.
 
We are committed to diversity and building an equitable and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and experiences, and we're taking steps to meet that commitment. Sparkfund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Sparkfund will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records consistent with federal, state, and local legal requirements.