Solar Power Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Oakland, CA

Full-time

First, the good news: The world now has over 2 terawatts of cumulative solar capacity and solar PV is the lowest-cost source of energy generation worldwide.

The challenge: The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize.

Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. We're expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators who want to accelerate that transition. Come take ownership of large parts of our product, company, and business development as we help power the world with 100% clean and abundant energy.

As Civil Project Engineer you will own design and engineering of the civil aspects of Planted Solar's projects, ranging in size from distributed generation (DG) to utility scale. You will support solar site design, specifically focused on the civil discipline, while balancing optimization of energy production, schedule, and labor and material costs. This role is a key interface with customers, independent engineers, and permitting agencies to ensure Planted projects meet all civil engineering requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to work closely with talented engineering and business teams with a high degree of empowerment and autonomy. We are looking for a technically excellent hands-on engineer with experience deploying solar at scale. You will be a key part of driving project outcomes.

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $115,000 - $150,000 plus stock options and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 3-5 years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review and validate site civil designs provided by customers' Engineers of Record (EOR) to ensure they are fully constructible and compatible with Planted Solar's array systems and installation methods.
• Analyze site topography to identify potential problem areas within the solar design (e.g., steep slopes, ditches, existing drainage features) and determine if any site grading or earthwork is required prior to array installation.
• Review, confirm, and provide design input for all temporary and permanent access roads, equipment pathways, and material laydown/staging areas to ensure safe and efficient construction logistics.
• Travel to project sites to perform thorough constructability assessments, verifying that proposed civil designs align with actual on-the-ground conditions.
• Manage and coordinate with external surveying and mapping subcontractors responsible for delivering topographic surveys and Digital Elevation Models (DEMs).
• Act as the primary civil engineering liaison among customers, external engineering firms, and local permitting authorities to ensure alignment on stormwater management requirements, SWPPP, and local civil ordinances.
• Advise on site vegetation requirements, including pre-construction clearing and seeding, and site stabilization.
• Work collaboratively with engineering teammates to produce holistic site designs.
• Champion improvements of the Planted system through critical feedback on hardware and software products
• Manage time efficiently across multiple projects
• Ensure compliance with company, industry, trade, and jurisdictional safety standards, practices, and codes

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, or other related discipline
• Experience with site civil design, land development, or construction-preferably within the utility-scale or commercial solar industry.
• Strong ability to read and interpret civil construction drawings, topographic maps, and grading plans.

• Ability to use design software to optimize site layouts based on geotechnical inputs.

• Experience with geotechnical analysis, digital elevation models, GIS, mapping, and coordinate frames.
• Experience estimating civil construction costs, including roads, fencing, grading, clearing and grubbing, and trenching.
• A track record of organization, adaptability, attention to detail, and project management skills
• Ability to communicate among construction, technical and non-technical personnel, both internally and outside the company
• Hands-on attitude, strong ownership mentality, and resourcefulness.
• Inquisitive and not afraid to speak up to get necessary information or input
• Eagerness to navigate ambiguity, reduce reasonable risks, and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge
• Strong record of safe field operations and ability to integrate safety into product design and project operations
• Desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment
• Located in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate for 100% in-person role

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional Engineering (PE) license.
• Experience with 2D CAD and 3D CAD tools, such as Civil3D or SolidWorks
• Geotechnical design experience with design of foundations, equipment pads, and/or utility trenches
• Field experience in a construction environment
• Experience with new product development

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• A mix of desk work using standard office equipment and field activities

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid in-office lunches
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• 401(k)
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate

• You want to solve challenging problems
• You are fiercely outcome-driven
• You are biased towards action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
• You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
• You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
• You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
• You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.