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Title: Civil Engineer – Level 2
Department: Engineering Center
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Remote

CIVIL ENGINEER - LEVEL 2

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Civil Engineer Level 2 is responsible for supporting detailed site development, grading optimization, hydrology modeling, and permitting compliance for utility-scale solar and BESS projects. This role requires hands-on experience in site design, foundation engineering, stormwater drainage, erosion control planning, and geotechnical assessments.

The Civil Engineer 2 will work closely with senior engineers, permitting teams, and construction managers to refine civil engineering strategies, optimize site layouts, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

This position offers an opportunity to expand technical skills in hydrology modeling, site grading, permitting approvals, and construction feasibility analysis, supporting project execution from development through construction. This position reports to the Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the company may designate. This position reports to the Irvine, CA office but will maintain a remote schedule of working out of their home office. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Civil Site Design & Development

• Assist in developing grading and drainage plans, ensuring cut/fill balance optimization for large-scale solar and BESS sites.
• Support stormwater management design, including runoff calculations, sediment control planning, and erosion prevention measures.
• Conduct geotechnical investigations, evaluating soil stability, compaction, and foundation feasibility for racking and battery installations.
• Assist in foundation engineering, working on pile designs, slab foundations, and soil-structure interaction analysis.
• Develop road layouts, access driveways, and site drainage solutions to support efficient project construction and operations.

2. Technical Engineering Support & Compliance

• Work with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS software to develop site layouts, topographic maps, and grading models.
• Perform hydrology calculations and drainage modeling, ensuring compliance with SWPPP, NEPA, and local permitting requirements.
• Support land permitting efforts, preparing documentation for stormwater permits, grading approvals, and environmental impact assessments.
• Ensure project compliance with civil engineering regulations, zoning laws, and environmental guidelines.

3. Project Execution & Coordination

• Collaborate with electrical and structural engineers to align site layouts with interconnection requirements and racking system placements.
• Support QA/QC reviews of civil engineering plans, ensuring designs align with EPC constructability and cost-efficiency requirements.
• Work with contractors and construction teams to resolve site challenges, refine grading plans, and adjust foundation designs based on field conditions.
• Engage with permitting agencies and environmental consultants to streamline project approvals and compliance reporting.

4. Leadership & Professional Development

• Provide technical support and guidance to entry-level engineers and drafters, assisting with best practices in grading design, site development, and stormwater modeling.
• Participate in industry research and training programs, staying up to date on advancements in site optimization, geotechnical innovations, and regulatory changes affecting large-scale solar and BESS projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience in civil site design, land development, and stormwater engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Experience with permitting processes, site grading, and foundation design for renewable energy projects.
• Software Skills:
  • AutoCAD, Civil 3D (Intermediate proficiency).
  • GIS tools for topography and hydrology analysis.
• Certifications:
  • NABCEP PV Associate, EIT, or FE (Preferred).

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 30% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.