Independent Contractor Prevailing Wage Solar Jobs

QE Solar is one of the nation's largest independent solar and BESS operations and maintenance providers, with over 15 years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi-hundred MW utility solar projects and large standalone BESS systems. We're pure-play O&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing: keeping solar and storage assets running well. Our technicians carry broad OEM certifications, and our in-house capabilities span MV/HV electrical, vegetation management, engineering, and capital improvements, to streamline asset management for project owners.
QE Solar is seeking a Prevailing Wage Manager to own and lead the company's prevailing wage and pay compliance program across all operations.
This role functions as the enterprise program owner for prevailing wage compliance, including strategy, execution, audit readiness, and cross-functional alignment.
This individual will be responsible for ensuring full compliance with Davis-Bacon and IRA prevailing wage requirements across:
• Direct Generation (construction, repowering, EPC-adjacent work)
• Utility Operations (repair vs. maintenance classification)
• Medium Voltage Services (skilled electrical work)
• Sub-Contractors
This role is critical to protecting tax credit eligibility, minimizing financial risk, and enabling scalable multi-state operations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Program Ownership & Strategy
• Own and lead QE Solar's prevailing wage compliance program end-to-end
• Interpret and apply Davis-Bacon Act and IRA labor requirements
• Establish company-wide standards for wage determinations, labor classifications, and covered vs. non-covered work
• Build scalable frameworks for multi-state operations
2. Process & Systems Development
• Build and implement SOPs for wage determination selection, payroll validation workflows, and documentation standards
• Recommend and collaborate with stakeholders on system design and improvements (QEST, Rippling, Tradeseal, or other PW vendors)
3. Certified Payroll Oversight (Hands-On)
• Working with the Payroll and Benefits Manager, own the review of certified payroll for internal employees and subcontractors
• Validate wage rates and fringe benefits, worker classifications, and hours vs. scope alignment
• Resolve discrepancies and enforce corrective actions
4. Subcontractor Compliance & Alignment
• Design and enforce subcontractor compliance requirements including contract language, payroll submission standards, and documentation expectations
• Partner with Procurement and Operations to ensure full alignment and enforcement
• Monitor subcontractor compliance performance across projects
5. Audit, Risk & Compliance Reporting
• Lead internal and external prevailing wage audits
• Maintain audit-ready documentation aligned with IRS and DOL requirements
• Develop and deliver compliance dashboards and risk reporting to leadership
• Act as primary point of contact for IRS inquiries and Department of Labor audits
6. Cross-Functional Leadership
• Lead cross-functional initiatives across Business Development, Operations, HR, Finance, Legal/Compliance, and Procurement
• Support externally-facing client relationships as needed
• Serve as the subject matter expert for all prevailing wage matters
• Drive alignment between field execution and regulatory requirements
7. Training & Enablement
• Develop and deliver training for Project Managers, field leadership, and HR and payroll teams
• Provide ongoing guidance on worker classification decisions and scope interpretation (repair vs. maintenance)
Qualifications
Required
• 5-8+ years of direct Davis-Bacon / IRA prevailing wage experience
• Proven experience owning prevailing wage compliance programs, not just supporting them
• Deep knowledge of certified payroll requirements, multi-state wage determinations, and subcontractor compliance enforcement
• Experience leading audits and compliance reporting
• Solar, renewable energy, or infrastructure experience
• Experience supporting IRA-related and Davis-Bacon projects
Preferred
• Experience with Tradeseal and/or Rippling
• Familiarity with tools such as LCPtracker, eMars, or similar ERP/payroll systems
Key Competencies
• Regulatory expertise (Davis-Bacon and IRA authority level)
• Program ownership mindset (builder and operator)
• Strong judgment in ambiguous compliance scenarios
• Cross-functional leadership without direct authority
• Audit rigor and documentation discipline
QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
This position is performed in an in-office environment at our designated Arizona location and requires:
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard, and standard office equipment
• Ability to view multiple monitors and analyze data for extended periods
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including participation in meetings and technical discussions
• Occasionally standing, walking, and moving throughout the office or facility
• Ability to lift and carry up to 15 pounds, as needed
QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:
100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA or HSA
Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
Learning & Development Opportunities
Discounted Life & Disability Insurance
Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:
QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.
The pay range for this role is:
105,000 - 120,000 USD per year (Scottsdale, AZ )
105,000 - 120,000 USD per year (Springfield, NJ)