Chad Graham – May. 30, 2009
The Arizona Republic

Organization: Stirling Energy Systems Inc. Location: 4800 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 5500, Scottsdale.

Background: SES makes the SunCatcher solar dish, which uses a mirror technology to harness the sun’s heat and generate electricity. The company touts its system’s minimal water usage compared with the water used in thermal-energy-generating technology.
Opportunities: There are 10 positions open in the Phoenix area, and the company hopes to add 30 by year’s end. Open positions range from engineering to manufacturing, supply-chain management, information technology and administration.

“Renewable energy, particularly solar, is definitely a hot industry,” spokeswoman Janette Coates said. “We’ve gone from a technology that’s been tested and has undergone lots of research and development . . . and now that technology is ready to be commercialized and go into large-scale production.”

How to apply: Go to http://stirlingenergy.com/people.htm. Applicants can sign up for alerts when new positions open up.

The scoop: Candidates need to be able to thrive in a “fast-paced environment,” Coates said. “Even though the company has been around for years now, in essence, we’re in another kind of entrepreneurial startup mode.”

Applicants should make sure to match their skills with the job description. They should research SES and show how the position could fit into their career aspirations.
Industry stats: While solar power currently comprises a tiny fraction of overall energy use, the sector is projected to continue to grow and provide more high-quality career opportunities.

That’s especially true after February’s passage of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The Solar Energy Industries Association in Washington estimates the stimulus funds will create 110,000 solar-related jobs this year and next.