Assistant Project Engineer Jobs in Plainfield, NJ

Position Summary

Radial Power is a leader in innovative renewable energy solutions, committed to delivering high-quality distributed generation and solar energy projects through engineering excellence and technical innovation. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a highly motivated Project Engineer to support the technical evaluation, engineering design, and execution of commercial and industrial solar projects.

The Project Engineer will play a key role in supporting project development and engineering activities from initial feasibility through construction. This position requires a strong understanding of structural engineering principles, solar racking systems, and applicable building and ASCE codes.

Key Responsibilities

Project Engineering

• Support engineering activities for commercial and industrial solar projects from development through construction.
• Coordinate with internal engineering, project management, development, procurement, and construction teams to deliver technically sound and cost-effective project solutions.
• Assist with engineering design reviews and technical evaluations throughout the project lifecycle.

Structural Engineering & Technical Review

• Review structural as-built drawings and provide preliminary assessments of existing roof structural capacities for rooftop solar installations.
• Evaluate structural feasibility for rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) systems.
• Prepare preliminary racking and structural assessment reports while ensuring compliance with applicable building codes, ASCE standards, and project-specific requirements.
• Review site geotechnical reports and evaluate foundation recommendations and structural designs for ground-mounted PV systems.
• Validate structural calculations and engineering assumptions supporting project feasibility.

Solar System Design Support

• Apply advanced knowledge of solar racking systems to evaluate mounting solutions for rooftop and ground-mounted projects.
• Collaborate with engineering consultants and equipment manufacturers to optimize structural and system designs.
• Assist in identifying technical risks and developing engineering solutions that improve project constructability and cost efficiency.

Process Improvement & Quality

• Support continuous improvement initiatives related to engineering standards, production workflows, and quality assurance.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, design standards, technical specifications, and standard operating procedures.
• Ensure engineering deliverables meet Radial Power quality standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

Data Analysis & Reporting

• Analyze engineering and production data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering summaries, and recommendations for management and project stakeholders.

Collaboration

• Work closely with internal departments, external engineering consultants, EPC contractors, and equipment vendors to resolve technical issues.
• Support cross-functional project teams by providing engineering expertise throughout project development and execution.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.

Structural or Civil Engineering background preferred.

Experience

• 2–4 years of experience as a Project Engineer, preferably supporting renewable energy, solar, or structural engineering projects.
• Experience with commercial and industrial solar projects is highly preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is a plus.
• Experience supporting distributed generation or utility-scale solar projects.
• Familiarity with structural analysis software and PV design platforms.
• Experience working with engineering consultants, EPC contractors, and AHJs.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of structural engineering principles and building systems.
• Advanced knowledge of rooftop and ground-mounted solar racking systems preferred.
• Ability to:
• Evaluate preliminary roof structural capacities using structural as-built drawings.
• Review structural feasibility for rooftop PV installations.
• Prepare preliminary racking reports.
• Review geotechnical reports and evaluate foundation and structural designs for ground-mounted solar projects.
• Working knowledge of:
• International Building Code (IBC)
• ASCE 7
• Applicable structural design standards and local building codes
• Familiarity with AutoCAD and engineering design software.
• Experience reviewing engineering calculations, technical drawings, and construction documents.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Collaborative team player capable of working across multiple disciplines.
• Commitment to engineering excellence, quality, and continuous improvement.