Solar Civil Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Civil Engineer for Utility-Scale Solar / BESS Projects

Are you a detail-oriented professional motivated by the positive impact of renewable energy on our economy and environment? Do you thrive in a work environment that rewards insight, ability, and growth? Are you meticulous in designing detailed site plans including grading, drainage, utilities, and access points for utility-scale solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Civil Engineer to join our dynamic team! This is an in-office position based in Albuquerque, NM. This role is perfect for someone with a passion for sustainable energy solutions and a strong background in civil engineering with a focus on site design and development. This is primarily an office-based position with limited travel to sites required only as needed.

About the Company

Established in 2014, Gridworks is a leading EPC contractor for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. Primarily operating across the southwest, we are expanding into other regions. With 2 GW of solar and battery energy storage projects, we are well positioned for continued success in the rapidly growing clean energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of civil design packages for utility-scale solar and BESS projects, including site plans, grading, drainage, and permitting deliverables.
• Perform detailed civil design including site layouts, mass grading, drainage systems, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management.
• Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, including 1D and 2D stormwater modeling, and the preparation of stormwater and hydrology reports.
• Produce complete design packages including site layouts, grading plans, drainage plans, plan and profile drawings, and construction details.
• Utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D for advanced design tasks, including surface modeling, feature lines, grading objects, road corridors, and earthwork volume comparisons.
• Design site infrastructure for renewable energy facilities, including access roads, equipment pads, utility layouts, and drainage systems with a focus on constructability and cost efficiency.
• Prepare and contribute to permitting documents, including SWPPPs, SPCC plans, and agency submittals; respond to jurisdictional comments as needed.
• Apply knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliant design solutions.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, geotechnical, environmental, and construction) to integrate design requirements and resolve conflicts.
• Review submittals and design documents for conformance with project specifications and design intent.
• Perform QA/QC by checking the work of junior designers and drafters for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to standards.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff and support their development in design tools and engineering fundamentals.
• Incorporate survey data, geotechnical recommendations, and environmental constraints into design development.
• Support construction by responding to RFIs, reviewing field conditions, and updating drawings as required.
• Maintain design documentation, version control, and adherence to company, client, and project drafting standards.
• Coordinate with internal and external engineers from various disciplines to communicate project needs and constraints.
• Support permitting efforts by researching and documenting local, state, and federal site permitting needs and processes, interacting with AHJs and environmental consultants, and preparing and submitting permitting documents.
• Contribute to standard templates, checklists, and SOPs to improve efficiency and consistency across projects.

Qualifications

• Professional Engineering (PE) license required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field

Experience

• 8+ years of relevant civil site design experience
• Experience in land development, renewable energy (solar/BESS), or similar infrastructure projects highly preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including:
  • Surface creation and grading design
  • Feature lines and grading objects
  • Corridor modeling for access roads
  • Earthwork volume calculations and comparisons
• Experience preparing:
  • Site layout plans
  • Grading and drainage plans
  • Erosion and sediment control plans
  • Plan and profile drawings
  • Construction details
  • 2D rain on grid H & H models and reports
  • SPCCs
  • SWPPPs
• Working knowledge of:
  • Procore
  • Bluebeam
  • Geotechnical reports

Regulatory & Industry Knowledge

• Familiarity with:
  • SWPPP and erosion control requirements
  • Stormwater design standards and permitting processes
  • Applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Understanding of civil engineering principles related to:
  • Grading and drainage
  • Site development
  • Road design and access

Coordination & Communication

• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, structural, environmental, geotechnical, construction)
• Ability to interpret and incorporate survey and geotechnical data into design
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Quality & Ownership

• Ability to:
  • Work independently on design tasks with limited supervision
  • Review and check drawings for accuracy and completeness
  • Manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines

Preferred (Not Required)

• Exposure to permitting submittals and agency coordination
• Current NCEES Record
• Previous experience supporting bidding and estimating efforts
• Experience supporting construction (RFIs, as-builts)
• Experience with GIS software