Solar Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Overview

The Civil/Structural Design Engineer will be responsible for facility level design and analysis of solar & BESS energy facilities along with review and revision of commercial and utility plan sets for photovoltaic (PV) and Battery Storage (BESS) system installation and site survey sketches. Plan sets include site plans, geotechnical reports, site surveys, erosion control, environmental impacts, foundation layouts, BOM’s, structural details, material take-offs, and equipment specifications. They will work closely with customers and other engineering and design team members and contractors to coordinate the overall design packages and requirements and then help transition the designs to the field where they will ensure the successful construction and energization of the project.

Company Overview

Since 1990, CSI Electrical Contractors, Inc. (CSI Electric) – a subsidiary of MYR Group Inc. – has been a leader in highly technical and innovative electrical design and construction. Our team of consultants, engineers, project managers, and professionals deliver the best solutions to our customers’ greatest electrical engineering and construction needs. We have the resources and expertise to manage any commercial, industrial, or one-of-a-kind challenge in aerospace, biotech/pharmaceutical, education, healthcare, entertainment, hospitality, manufacturing, and retail.

Our services include electrical construction, technology solutions, and alternative energy where CSI Electric is regarded as a premier provider of energy development, installation, and maintenance. Whether your project entails mission-critical power, energy production, or a simple space upgrade, CSI Electric offers unmatched expertise in electrical, energy, and technology solutions. We’re proud to celebrate more than 30 years of commitment to do all things with excellence for our customers, ourselves, and our craft. We Build Better.

Essential Functions

• Technical responsibility for organizing, reviewing, interpreting, researching, executing, coordination, and commenting on project pursuit and design packages by working closely with other engineering and design team members to coordinate overall design packages.
• Is responsible for all aspects of the design including grading, structure design verification, plan & profile drawings, foundation design, material & construction specifications, and all associated calculations.

The analysis of solar & BESS energy projects involves working across a range of responsibilities, including:

• Civil/Structural plant design understanding of power and distribution systems (Low, Medium and High Voltage) in order to provide reviews & comments.
• Analysis of applicable studies, including topography surveys, geotechnical reports, Alta Surveys, environmental impact surveys, corrosion analysis, hydrology reports, etc.
• Design development & optimization, field construction and installation means & methods
• Developing/contributing detailed design concepts for solar PV and BESS system design
• Provide long term detailed design, optimization, and constructability support
• Develop, update and use civil/structural engineering calculation tools to size equipment and material based on project requirements.
• Independent engineering report writing and evaluation
• Calculation reviews of pressures, loads, & stresses
• Reviews of commercial agreements including Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), Interconnection Agreements, Service Contracts, Facility Studies

This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Work alongside the Business Development, Estimating, and Engineering teams to create preliminary site layouts and landscape plans for project proposals.
• Provides engineering support for proposals, estimating, procurement and construction.
• Provides technical support to personnel/cross functional teams supporting the assigned project by performing advanced level engineering tasks, calculations, data analysis, and studies as needed to develop preliminary detailed scopes of work on large and small projects.
• Assess the equipment technology and expected use case of the proposed projects to optimize the system design with the optimal technology, material, augmentation, and asset mix
• Assist with design and optimization of BESS and solar PV systems to meet project requirements, minimize cost and propose value.
• Convey results and findings by means of discussions, graphic-based presentations, and project documentation.
• Demonstrate familiarity with the mounting and installation of various typical pieces of equipment used in the proper design and installation of renewable energy projects.
• Assistance with planning and/or obtaining permits and regulatory approvals.
• Review and approve material specifications and equipment vendor drawings on major equipment from manufacturers.
• Conducts project detailed design and QA/QC reviews for completeness and accuracy of internal and external design documents that align with our customer requirements, CSI’s standards, and industry best practices.
• Perform site visits as needed to verify that construction is in agreement with engineering design drawings, including preparatory meetings, and QA/QC.
• Prioritize, multitask, and follow through on assigned tasks and projects with minimal supervision.
• Assure proper documentation of technical data generated for the assigned projects and/or tasks are consistent with engineering best practices and policies.

Other Duties:

• Works independently with direction from Director of EPC Engineering.

• Coordinate with other engineering disciplines, Project Managers, Directors and Operations personnel to successfully deliver design projects.

• Create and update database of design records and equipment for future reference.

• Attend mandatory training sessions on new products, installation methodology, and safety.

• Initiates and maintains contacts with key engineers in other companies, suppliers and industry associations to maintain their technical expertise.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

• Preferred graduate of four-year college or university with Bachelor of Science in Civil/Structural Engineering or related Engineering program. Strongly preferred the degree is from a school of engineering with at least one curriculum accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) as a professional engineering curriculum.
• Possess a minimum of 5 to 10 years of related work experience (Can be a combination of trade & relevant work experience).
• Competency with civil/structural system sizing at all levels, experience with Utility and/or Commercial scale renewable EPC projects, independent engineering and nuances of design, and analysis of operational project data and performance.
• Experience in utility-scale solar/PV projects, highly preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Advanced understanding of discipline specific technical designs, engineering principles, business standards, practices, procedures, and product / program requirements.
• Experienced in the practice of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations.
• Ability to apply engineering theories and principles to review and evaluate civil/structural drawings to determine if the design meets the contractual requirements, construction best practices and budget.
• Has a firm understanding of the principles of Project Management.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite of products, AutoCAD 2D, Blue Beam, L-pile, Google Earth, Risa and other web-based software applications. Knowledge of PLSCADD a bonus.
• Proactive attitude, showing initiative and the ability to work independently as well as with a team.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and follow through on assigned tasks and projects with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in a fast-moving environment while maintaining a positive attitude in stressful situations and adapt to changing job requirements.
• Positive attitude, showing customer focus and the initiative and ability to work independently

Physical Demands

• Frequently works outdoors on uneven surfaces.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods of time.
• May be required to stoop, bend, and crouch.
• Ability to travel up to 30%.

Work Environment

• Works in a climate-controlled environment at least 50% of the time.
• When in the field, may work in varying weather conditions: hot, cold, and wet conditions.
• When in the field, will work in areas with large industrial equipment subject to high noise levels.
• May occasionally work in areas with hazardous chemicals.
• This position will require both office and field time with the ability to work remotely.

Qualifications

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary $85,000-$115,000/ year
  • Commensurate with experience, paid weekly. Posted salary ranges are made in good faith. CSI reserves the right to adjust ranges depending on the selected candidate's qualifications.
• Amazing Company Culture - We have a culture of trust, teamwork, performance, and commitment that drives our success.
• Competitive Salaries - We pride ourselves on offering above-average industry salaries based on talent and experience.
• Annual Paid Time Off starting at 15 days plus 9 paid Holidays.
• Generous 401(k) Plan with 100% match up to 6%. Immediate vesting and Annual profit-sharing potential.
• Company-paid life, and accidental death & dismemberment.
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP).
• Various voluntary plans are available, including short- and long-term disability, supplemental vision, accident, hospital and critical illness, and additional voluntary life insurance plans for employees and dependents.
• Company medical and dental insurance for you and your family. CSI pays 100% for Employee and 75% of dependent coverage premium for the selected plan(s)

This position will remain posted for a minimum of three days. The posting will remain active and automatically extend until the vacancy is filled.

Position may be subject to pre-employment screening, which may include background check and drug testing. Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process, contact our Employment Hotline at 1-855-635-1321.

MYR Group, Inc. and our subsidiaries are proud to be Equal Opportunity Employers. We promote diversity of thought, culture, and background, which connects our family of brands. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals and in which personnel processes are merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, or other protected characteristics. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

MYR Group does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

MYR Group, Inc. and our subsidiaries do not work with any third-party recruiters or agencies without a valid signed agreement and partnership with the Corporate Talent Acquisition Team.