Application Guide

How to Apply for Electrical Engineer (Solar Engineering)

at NEI Electric Power Engineering

🏢 About NEI Electric Power Engineering

NEI Electric Power Engineering specializes in innovative renewable energy solutions, focusing on comprehensive engineering for PV, battery systems, and wind collection. Their Lakewood, CO location positions them at the forefront of utility-scale solar projects in the Rocky Mountain region, offering engineers the chance to work on cutting-edge renewable energy infrastructure from design through implementation.

About This Role

This Electrical Engineer (Solar Engineering) role involves detailed design of utility-scale PV electrical power systems, including string sizing, array layouts, and one-line diagrams, along with performing critical power system studies like short circuit and arc flash analysis. You'll directly contribute to the development of large-scale solar plants, ensuring they meet safety standards and operational efficiency while troubleshooting field issues and reviewing equipment specifications.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day involves using AutoCAD to develop detailed electrical diagrams for solar arrays, performing computer-based power system studies to ensure grid compatibility and safety, and reviewing equipment specifications from suppliers. You might also prepare project schedules, troubleshoot field issues remotely or on-site, and collaborate with teams on integrating PV systems with battery storage or wind collection components.

🎯 Who NEI Electric Power Engineering Is Looking For

  • Has 3-6+ years of hands-on experience designing PV electrical systems, with specific expertise in medium/low voltage distribution, switchgear, and industrial controls
  • Holds a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering (electric power focus preferred) and is proficient in AutoCAD for creating detailed electrical diagrams
  • Demonstrates practical knowledge of performing power system studies (load flow, relay coordination, harmonic analysis) on utility-scale solar projects
  • Possesses field experience with troubleshooting, equipment reviews, and maintaining current understanding of electrical codes and standards applicable to solar installations

📝 Tips for Applying to NEI Electric Power Engineering

1

Highlight specific utility-scale PV projects you've worked on in your resume, quantifying system sizes (e.g., 'designed 50MW PV plant electrical systems')

2

Mention experience with both design (string sizing, array layouts) AND analysis (short circuit, arc flash studies) to show comprehensive solar engineering capability

3

Reference NEI's work in renewable energy solutions by noting your alignment with their focus on PV, battery, and wind systems in your cover letter

4

Include examples of reviewing equipment data sheets/manuals and providing field assistance/troubleshooting reports

5

Demonstrate knowledge of Colorado-specific solar regulations or utility interconnection standards relevant to Lakewood-area projects

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience with utility-scale PV system design and power studies (specify types: short circuit, load flow, etc.)', 'How your background in medium/low voltage distribution and industrial controls applies to solar engineering challenges', 'Specific examples of field troubleshooting and code compliance in previous solar projects', "Why you're drawn to NEI's comprehensive renewable energy approach (beyond just PV to battery/wind systems)"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • NEI's specific renewable energy projects in Colorado and their engineering approach to integrated PV/battery systems
  • Utility interconnection requirements and solar regulations specific to Colorado and the Lakewood area
  • The company's involvement in wind collection systems to understand their full renewable energy portfolio
  • Recent industry trends in utility-scale solar design that NEI might be implementing

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk through your process for designing a utility-scale PV array layout and performing string sizing calculations
2 Describe a challenging field troubleshooting situation you resolved on a solar project and how you applied electrical codes
3 How do you approach power system studies (like arc flash analysis) for a new solar installation?
4 What experience do you have reviewing equipment data sheets and testing reports for solar components?
5 How would you stay current with evolving standards (NEC, IEEE) as they apply to renewable energy projects?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Presenting only residential/small-scale solar experience without addressing utility-scale project requirements
  • Failing to demonstrate specific knowledge of power system studies (short circuit, load flow, etc.) mentioned in the job description
  • Not showing familiarity with medium voltage distribution or industrial controls relevant to large solar installations

📅 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 NEI Electric Power Engineering!