External Operations Manager Jobs in Canton, IL (NOW HIRING)

As a recognized leader in solar predrill and pile foundation installation for more than 25 years, SDI Services is now part of SOLV Energy—expanding our collective capability to deliver high‑quality infrastructure services to the power industry. By joining SOLV Energy’s comprehensive capabilities, SDI adds specialized expertise, expanded field capacity, and a robust fleet of drilling equipment to support exceptional project execution. Together, we’re improving performance across the full lifecycle through integrated solutions, reliable delivery, and proven experience serving utility‑scale solar projects. This position sits within SDI Services, a SOLV Energy affiliate company, and is posted on SOLV Energy’s careers site to connect great talent with meaningful opportunities. While you will apply through SOLV Energy, all day‑to‑day work, responsibilities, and decision‑making for this role will reside within SDI. The SDI Quality Control Manager leads quality control processes, programs, and activities for assigned utility‑scale solar construction projects. This role works with project teams to resolve quality issues, implement project quality plans, and ensure work complies with SDI standards, owner requirements, industry regulations, and customer expectations. The position requires strong organization, attention to detail, construction quality knowledge, and the ability to collaborate effectively with project leadership, field teams, subcontractors, and other stakeholders.

• Serve as the primary quality resource for SDI project and operations teams to support high-quality project delivery, customer satisfaction, and consistent execution of quality requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on complex project quality matters.
• Support with mentoring, coaching, and developing Quality team members.
• Ensure SDI quality control program(s), processes, and procedures are implemented effectively.
• Review and approve project specific quality control plans for partners/subcontractors; ensure compliance with SDI, client, and industry requirements.
• Evaluate quality management plans for compliance with owner contracts and company requirements, monitor implementation and team accountability.
• Partner with project teams to identify high-risk definable features of work, including pile installation, racking or tracker installation, module installation, electrical interface coordination, material receiving, and turnover requirements, and oversee quality implementation for those scopes.
• Review submittal documents to ensure compliance with contract documents.
• Partner with project teams to prepare for and document pre-construction/pre-installation meetings, first-work inspections, and material verifications.
• Perform inspections and witness tests applicable to assigned scopes of work to determine whether work meets contract documents, approved submittals, project specifications, and quality acceptance criteria.
• Conduct internal/external quality control assessments and coach teams on quality best practices.
• Conduct root cause analysis of quality issues, defects, or non-conformances, and partner with project teams to develop and implement corrective and preventive action plans.
• Oversee quality document management including inspection records, performance records, and findings to create reports for leadership and regulatory agencies.
• Track key quality metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and report on quality performance.
• Facilitate Quality Control trainings and educate teams on quality tools, best practices, and procedures.
• Attend necessary meetings, share lessons learned, quality updates, and case studies.
• Participate in conferences and industry-related events to remain up to date with industry regulations and standards.
• Ensure solar construction operations adhere to all relevant quality guidelines.

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, and/or 4-6 years experience in quality control inspection, solar/construction, operations, or relevant field; or equivalent combination of education/training and experience.
• Understanding and knowledge of solar construction means and methods.
• Understands specifications and can differentiate between product requirements, submittal criteria, and execution of work identified in each individual specification section.
• Proven experience as a quality control manager, quality control supervisor, or similar construction quality role, preferably on utility‑scale solar, renewable energy, civil, electrical, mechanical, or heavy construction projects.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, approved submittals, installation tolerances, tape measures, micrometers, and other measurement tools used to verify work quality.
• Familiarity with financial and project management principles.
• Knowledge of research and data analysis methods and estimation formulas.
• Good math and IT ability with an analytical mindset.
• Proficient in relevant software (Procore, Excel, Bluebeam, Sunscreen, Outlook, Word).
• Outstanding communication and negotiation abilities.
• Thoroughness and reliability.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

• Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance.
• Employees can enroll in our company’s 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.

Compensation Range: $100,931.00 - $121,118.00 Pay Rate Type: Salary

Job Number: J13714

SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We design, build and maintain utility scale solar, battery storage and high voltage substation facilities across the United States. Our teams support projects from early engineering through long term operations and maintenance, giving employees opportunities to contribute across the full energy lifecycle. Our mission centers on strengthening communities and advancing the energy workforce. We focus on delivering projects that support long term economic growth and create pathways for skilled careers across the country. That commitment guides how we work with customers and how we support one another, rooted in our core values of Safety, Quality, Innovation and Teamwork. As a national organization, we offer broad opportunities to grow your career. Whether you work in the field or in an office role, you’ll find space to develop your skills, explore new directions and build a career that makes an impact. No matter where you begin, you join a capable team driving energy forward and helping build the foundation for the next generation of power in the U.S.

SOLV Energy Is An Equal Opportunity Employer At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.