Application Guide

How to Apply for Development Engineer

at The AES Corporation

🏢 About The AES Corporation

The AES Corporation stands out as a global energy leader focused on innovative, sustainable solutions through collaboration and advanced technology. Their commitment to accelerating the future of energy through utility-scale solar and storage projects makes them an attractive employer for engineers passionate about climate impact. Working at AES means contributing to tangible renewable energy infrastructure that powers communities while being part of a company with a clear sustainability mission.

About This Role

This Development Engineer role involves designing utility-scale solar PV and energy storage projects from early to mid-stage development, creating preliminary layouts and energy models that directly support EPC pricing, RFP submissions, and permitting. You'll coordinate with internal teams and external consultants to ensure technical accuracy while driving design optimizations to reduce costs and improve reliability. This position directly impacts AES's project pipeline and contributes to their mission of delivering innovative energy solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves developing preliminary solar PV layouts using design software, running energy models to optimize system performance, and coordinating with project managers on design requirements for upcoming RFPs. You might review consultant design packages for technical accuracy, participate in team meetings to align on project specifications, and research emerging technologies that could enhance AES's solar and storage project designs while reducing costs.

🎯 Who The AES Corporation Is Looking For

  • Has 3+ years of hands-on solar PV system design experience including NEC requirements, equipment selection, and short circuit analysis
  • Possesses practical experience with medium voltage collector system design and can demonstrate specific project contributions
  • Can show examples of design optimizations that reduced costs or improved reliability in previous solar projects
  • Thrives in collaborative environments and has experience coordinating with both internal teams and external consultants

📝 Tips for Applying to The AES Corporation

1

Quantify your 3+ years of solar PV experience with specific project examples (e.g., 'Designed 50MW solar farm layout optimizing for terrain constraints')

2

Highlight any experience with energy storage system integration alongside solar PV, as AES specifically mentions energy storage projects

3

Mention specific software/tools you've used for PV system design and energy modeling relevant to utility-scale projects

4

Reference AES's sustainability mission in your application materials, showing you understand their 'innovative energy solutions' focus

5

Provide concrete examples of how you've supported EPC pricing or RFP submittals through your technical design work

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Demonstrate understanding of AES's focus on utility-scale renewable projects and their collaborative approach to innovation", "Provide specific examples of solar PV system designs you've created that align with the NEC requirements and equipment selection mentioned in the job description", "Highlight experience with medium voltage collector system design and how you've worked effectively in team environments", "Connect your background to AES's mission by showing how your technical work contributes to sustainable energy solutions"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Review AES's current solar and energy storage project portfolio, particularly their utility-scale developments in the US
  • Study AES's sustainability reports and their specific commitments to renewable energy growth and innovation
  • Research AES's collaborative partnerships and technology initiatives mentioned in recent press releases
  • Understand AES's position in the competitive landscape of utility-scale renewable energy developers

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your process for designing a utility-scale solar PV layout from initial concept to preliminary design
2 How have you optimized solar PV designs to reduce costs while maintaining reliability in past projects?
3 Describe your experience coordinating technical design packages with external consultants and internal teams
4 What emerging solar or energy storage technologies are you currently evaluating, and how might they apply to AES's projects?
5 How do you ensure NEC compliance in your solar PV system designs, particularly for utility-scale applications?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic applications that don't specifically address utility-scale solar PV and energy storage experience
  • Failing to provide concrete examples of NEC compliance and medium voltage system design in your work history
  • Not demonstrating understanding of how early-stage development engineering supports EPC pricing and RFP processes

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The AES Corporation!