Project Engineer

Summary

The Project Engineer will support the Director of Engineering in overseeing the detailed engineering and design of renewable energy projects, with a primary focus on utility-scale solar PV and energy storage systems. This role involves coordination with utility companies, engineering firms, EPC contractors, and internal teams to ensure the timely, efficient, and accurate delivery of project designs.

The ideal candidate will have mid-level experience in civil engineering and serve as a single point of accountability for reviewing engineering designs, performing technical calculations, and providing guidance. Candidates are expected to fulfill the key responsibilities associated with project engineering. Those with a civil engineering background will primarily focus on civil-specific tasks while also supporting general project engineering functions. Travel to project sites and meetings with external stakeholders may be required approximately 20% to 30% of the time.

Key Job Responsibilities

Project Engineering:

• Lead and oversee the engineering and design processes for multiple renewable energy projects by managing the EPC Contractor’s engineering progress, coordinating with third-party Owner Engineers and Independent Engineering firms for reviewing and reporting, conducting on-site audits, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and company technical specifications and project electrical interconnection requirements.
• Responsible for management of the Owners Engineer, including tracking scope of work, coordinating RFIs, overseeing invoices and changing orders, and coordinate meetings with multiple stakeholders.
• Oversee and track engineering deliverables and submittals packages using Procore, maintaining schedules to ensure that project deadlines are met by contractors and third-party engineering firms.
• Review the EPC Contractor's deliverables, including submittals, material and equipment selections, construction plans, and procedures to ensure that all construction activities align with the project design documents and specifications.
• Collaborate closely with project development, design, interconnection, finance/accounting, and legal teams to ensure all project requirements are successfully met.
• Support project development efforts by coordinating quality assurance reviews and providing detailed feedback on engineering documents and drawings to ensure compliance with relevant codes, permits, standards, and specifications.
• Develop and nurture strong relationships with utility companies, engineering firms, contractors, and other key stakeholders to foster effective collaboration.
• Conduct design reviews in your area of expertise, providing detailed comments, recommendations, and guidance to ensure high-quality outcomes.
• Ensure designs fully comply with utility requirements as outlined in the Interconnection Agreement and Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
• Coordinate and facilitate calls with contractors, third-party engineering firms, utilities, and other stakeholders, documenting discussions, assigning action items, and ensuring timely follow-ups.
• Demonstrate a proactive and self-driven approach to project leadership, facilitation, and support roles while adhering to sound safety practices and delivering engineering value propositions.
• Perform other duties as assigned, contributing to project success through flexibility and initiative.

Civil Focused: 

• Coordinate the development and review of CSA (Civil, Structural, and Architectural) studies, including but not limited to Civil 3D-AutoCAD design, cut-and-fill calculations, stormwater management, fault identification, settlement analysis, soil disposal strategies, aggregate delivery planning, and pipe-rack pre-assembly or modularization studies.
• Develop and manage the geotechnical program in support of the development team, incorporating lessons learned to improve future projects.
• Provide technical guidance for implementing efficient construction techniques and scheduling to ensure readiness for early works and support timely project execution.
• Develop and oversee technical specifications to support the design, development, and implementation of CSA site works and facilities associated with the project.
• Evaluate the EPC Contractor's CSA engineering methods, procedures, and design criteria to identify opportunities for minimizing site work and reducing associated costs.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of site characterization strategies for a portfolio of utility-scale solar projects, ensuring alignment with project goals and best practices.
• Monitor and report project status to project management and development teams, advising on conditions or activities that could impact project progress, completion, or performance.
• Participate in project meetings, reviews, and workshops, conducting quality assurance reviews and inspections of CSA designs. Ensure adherence to safe work processes and procedures, guaranteeing safe design and installation practices.
• Provide technical input to support economic analysis and decision-making during project development.

Requirements

 Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Required Experience

• 4+ years of experience in engineering or related roles within the renewable energy or power generation industry.

Other Skills

• Strong understanding of grid interconnection processes, regulations, and technical requirements.
• Experience working with utilities, ISOs, permitting agencies, EPC contractors, engineering firms, etc.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in relevant software and tools (e.g., Smartsheet, advanced Excel, power flow analysis software, AutoCAD, Civil 3D).
• PMP or PE certification is a plus.

Physical Requirements

The Project Engineer may be required to endure the following physical activities, environmental conditions, and physical demands:

• Remain in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods,
• Moving about accomplishing tasks or moving from one worksite to another,
• Adjusting or moving objects up to 20 pounds in all directions,
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers, and
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.