Electrical Engineer - Solar Power Systems

JOB SUMMARY:

The Electrical Engineer - Solar Power Systems is responsible for the professional engineering design, validation, and ongoing support of electrical systems used across Wanco's solar-powered mobile products. The role serves as the primary electrical engineering authority for solar charging, battery storage, DC power distribution, monitoring, and related controls, supporting new product development, production, field troubleshooting, and continuous improvement. This position works closely with the Solar Product Manager, who establishes project priorities based on product, customer, and business needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design solar charging and battery systems for mobile products, including array sizing, charge-controller selection, battery configuration, fusing, wiring, grounding, and monitoring.
• Specify, configure, and integrate Victron equipment, including MPPT charge controllers, BatteryProtect, SmartShunt/BMV, Cerbo GX, inverters, and related communication devices.
• Design and evaluate AGM and lithium-ion battery systems, considering capacity, charge profiles, temperature limits, BMS integration, low-voltage protection, and expected cycle life.
• Create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, bills of material, specifications, installation drawings, and commissioning procedures.
• Perform electrical calculations and ensure systems meet performance, reliability, safety, and applicable code requirements.
• Provide formal engineering review and technical validation of electrical designs, calculations, specifications, and product changes before release.
• Support component selection and qualification for batteries, solar panels, controllers, wiring, connectors, and other electrical components.
• Support prototype builds, production pilots, validation testing, manufacturing release, and ongoing production support.
• Troubleshoot production and field issues, identify root causes, and recommend corrective actions or design improvements.
• Develop clear service instructions, troubleshooting guides, and work instructions for production and field technicians.
• Work cross-functionally with Product Management, Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Service, Sales, customers, and suppliers on product development and improvement activities.

REQUIREMENTS OR QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited institution.
• Hands-on experience with off-grid, mobile, solar, battery-powered, or low-voltage DC electrical systems.
• Working knowledge of Victron solar charging and monitoring equipment, or comparable power-system products.
• Practical experience with AGM and lithium-ion battery systems.
• Ability to size and specify wiring, fuses, breakers, connectors, batteries, solar arrays, and charge controllers.
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and manufacturing documentation.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to work hands-on with prototypes and production equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical issues to non-engineers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with solar lighting, surveillance, message-board, traffic, or other mobile equipment.
• Experience with 12 V and 24 V DC systems and both AGM and lithium-ion battery technologies.
• Experience with Victron Energy products and system architecture.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE).
• Familiarity with CAN bus, Modbus, VE.Can, VE.Bus, VE.Direct, or similar communication protocols.
• Experience with remote monitoring or telemetry systems.
• Experience taking a design from prototype through manufacturing release and sustained production.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•  Mobility to work in both manufacturing/factory and standard office settings and to use standard office and engineering equipment.

•  Ability to safely work around batteries, electrical systems, prototypes, and production equipment. Some travel, training, supplier visits, customer support, or field troubleshooting may be required.

REPORTING: The Electrical Engineer reports to the Director of Engineering for technical leadership, engineering quality, design review, and product release. The Solar Product Manager establishes project priorities based on product, customer, and business needs.

Salary Range: $125,000-$145,000 annually, based on qualifications.

Benefits: Insurance (Medical, Dental, Life, 401k). Paid time off and holidays.

Wanco Inc. Address: 5870 Tennyson Street, Arvada, CO 80003 | wanco.com

Wanco is the industryʼs leading manufacturer of highway safety and traffic control products. Innovation and new product development have made us what we are, and will continue to carry our reputation forward, well into the future.

Wanco 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.