Project Engineer Contract Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Location: Raleigh, NC 27612 (Hybrid / Onsite)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: $55,000 - $85,000 Annually Base + Commission

Benefits: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision package

We are seeking a driven, highly organized, and technically skilled Project Engineer to oversee projects from the final point of sale through to final installation and full-system activation. This role requires a strong technical aptitude for commercial electrical systems and hands-on solar PV system commissioning. You will be responsible for configuring solar inverter controls, working with common solar PV communications platforms, and diagnosing network interfaces using Modbus TCP, RTU, and SunSpec Modbus standards. You will serve as the primary bridge between our clients and our field execution teams, ensuring multiple parallel commercial projects are delivered safely, on time, and up to our industry-leading quality standards.

Project Execution & Scheduling

• Manage workflows on parallel commercial projects, keeping all timelines on track.
• Create, update, and transmit detailed project schedules using project management software (Basecamp) and internal accounting sheets.
• Identify inventory needs, verify onsite materials, and ensure timely equipment ordering (forklifts, boom lifts, dumpsters, etc.).
• Oversee projects seamlessly from contract signing to final closeout.

Electrical Systems & Solar PV Commissioning

• Lead the end-to-end commissioning process for commercial solar PV systems, ensuring all equipment operates safely and in accordance with design specifications.
• Perform electrical quality assurance (QA/QC), including pre-commissioning checks, string testing (Voc/Isc), insulation resistance testing, and phase rotation verification.
• Commission and configure commercial solar inverter controls and Data Acquisition Systems (DAS), ensuring seamless data flow to monitoring platforms.
• Diagnose, troubleshoot, and network system communications utilizing Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, and SunSpec Modbus map protocols to resolve device-level map discrepancies.
• Review commercial construction drawings, electrical blueprints, and technical specifications to advise on improvements.
• Supervise onsite 8MSolar teams and coordinate mechanical/electrical crews.
• Address punch-list items, attend final electrical inspections, and deliver final closeout documentation to clients.

Client & Financial Management

• Act as the primary, trusted point of contact for the client throughout the project lifecycle.
• Manage the Schedule of Values, billing clients promptly as project milestones are achieved, and track payment statuses.

• Education: 4-year technical degree required.
• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience in the solar industry with a strong focus on field execution and system startup.
• Electrical & Commissioning Expertise:
• Robust understanding of commercial electrical systems, including three-phase power dynamics, switchgear, transformers, and utility interconnection requirements.
• Proven capability in solar PV system commissioning, performance testing, and electrical troubleshooting.
• Technical, Networking & Comms Skills:
• Strong familiarity with common solar PV communication platforms and DAS hardware (e.g., AlsoEnergy/PowerTrack, manufacturer-specific portals like SMA Sunny Portal or SolarEdge, etc.).
• Proven capability configuring and diagnosing industrial communication protocols, specifically Modbus TCP/RTU and SunSpec Modbus specifications.
• Experience interfacing with site communication hardware including cellular gateways, dataloggers, and environmental sensor arrays (met stations).
• Blueprint Literacy: Comfort reading and interpreting electrical blueprints, schematics, three-line diagrams, and network communication diagrams.
• Physical & Field Requirements:
• Valid NC Driver’s License with a clean driving record.
• Ability to operate basic hand/power tools and basic mathematical proficiency.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs.
• Comfortable bending, climbing, squatting, and working onsite in varying weather conditions.
• Willingness to work overtime as project schedules demand.

• Week 1 (Certifications & Tools): Earn your OSHA-30 and forklift certifications. Get trained on SolarEdge, SMA, UNIRAC, Pegasus, and IronRidge racking guidelines. Master our internal tools (Basecamp, project engineering, and accounting sheets) alongside our leadership team.
• Week 2 (Field Foundations): Head onsite with a Senior Site Supervisor to learn our mechanical/electrical installation nuances and master job site logistics.
• Weeks 3-4 (Advanced Electrical & Commissioning): Focus deeply on electrical installation safety, site evaluations, configuring inverter controls, mapping SunSpec Modbus parameters, and executing full PV system commissioning workflows.
• Week 5 (Shadowed Management): Run a complete mechanical and electrical installation, attend inspections, and conduct client walkthroughs with a Senior Project Engineer right by your side.
• Week 6 & Beyond: Take the reins! Fully manage projects from contract signing to final closeout with the full backing of the 8MSolar team.

8MSolar is the highest-rated solar energy design and installation firm in North Carolina. We pride ourselves on delivering turnkey, high-quality commercial solar solutions. We offer a dynamic, collaborative, and relaxed workplace culture where employee growth is genuinely supported, safety is prioritized, and hard work is rewarded.