Freelance Solar Pv Design Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

GRIDWORKS

Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico (On-site)

Department: Engineering – Structural

Reports to: VP of Engineering

Employment Type: Full-time, Exempt

Discipline Focus: Utility-Scale Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

Gridworks is a self-perform EPC contractor delivering utility-scale solar PV, battery energy storage (BESS), substation, and transmission projects across North America. We design, engineer, procure, and build energy infrastructure that powers the grid of tomorrow. Our Albuquerque office is a hub for our structural engineering practice, supporting projects from feasibility through construction close-out.

We are seeking a Senior Structural Engineer with deep expertise in utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage systems to join our Albuquerque team. In this role, you will lead structural design, serve as Engineer of Record (EOR) on assigned projects, partner closely with our self-perform construction teams, and provide technical oversight when structural EOR responsibility is delegated to external engineering firms.

• Engineer of Record: Seal and stamp structural drawings and calculations for utility-scale PV and BESS projects, taking professional responsibility for design integrity, code compliance, and constructability.
• PV Structural Design: Lead structural analysis and design for fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker racking systems, foundations (driven piles, helical piles, drilled shafts, ballasted, micropiles, and ground screws), and module-level support structures.
• BESS Structural Design: Engineer foundations and supports for battery enclosures, inverter/PCS skids, MV/LV transformer pads, fire walls, and equipment platforms in compliance with NFPA 855 and project-specific fire protection criteria.
• Foundation Engineering: Perform geotechnical interpretation, foundation selection, pull-test program design and oversight, and corrosion mitigation in coordination with geotechnical consultants.
• Code Compliance: Apply ASCE 7, AISC 360, ACI 318, IBC, and applicable AHJ amendments for wind, seismic, snow, and ice loading; coordinate jurisdictional permitting and plan review responses.
• EPC Self-Perform Collaboration: Work hand-in-hand with construction, field engineering, procurement, and project management to deliver designs that are buildable, optimized for our self-perform crews, and aligned with project schedules and budgets.
• Site Engagement: Travel to project sites (estimated 10–20%) for kickoff walks, foundation pull-test witnessing, QA/QC, RFI resolution, and construction support.
• Vendor & Tracker OEM Coordination: Review and approve tracker, racking, and BESS OEM structural submittals; perform independent verification of vendor-supplied calculations.
• External EOR Oversight: On projects where structural EOR responsibility is delegated to a third-party engineering firm, serve as Gridworks technical lead, review external EOR calculations, drawings, design basis documents, and load determinations for solar PV and BESS scopes; identify gaps, code interpretation issues, and constructability concerns; track formal review comments through resolution; and represent Gridworks in design coordination meetings with the external EOR.
• Standards & Tools: Develop and maintain structural design standards, calculation templates, and QA/QC procedures; contribute to estimating support and proposal development.

• Annual performance bonus.
• Competitive relocation benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave.
• Professional development support, including PE/SE exam reimbursement, continuing education, and conference attendance.
• A high-impact role on projects that directly accelerate the energy transition.

Equal Opportunity

Gridworks is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 10–15 years of progressive structural engineering experience, with a meaningful portion focused on utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license; ability to obtain New Mexico PE within 6 months of hire and additional state licensure as project needs require.
• Demonstrated experience serving as Engineer of Record on utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Experience reviewing and providing technical oversight of external/third-party EOR calculations and drawings.
• Proficiency with industry-standard structural design software including RISA-3D, RISA Foundation, STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, RAM, and/or Tekla Structural Designer.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Civil 3D for drawing review and coordination.
• Strong command of ASCE 7, AISC 360, ACI 318, IBC, and NDS as applicable.
• Ability to travel to project sites within the United States as required (10–20%).

• Structural Engineer (SE) license.
• Master's degree in Structural Engineering or related discipline.
• Direct experience sealing and stamping drawings as EOR for both solar PV and BESS projects.
• Familiarity with NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A, and emerging BESS code requirements.
• Experience with PV-specific tools such as PVCase, PVFarm, or PlantPredict.
• Experience working in an EPC or self-perform construction environment.
• Working knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles and pile load testing programs.
• Experience supporting proposals, estimating, and constructability reviews.