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Title: Senior Civil Engineer Level 4
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

SENIOR CIVIL ENGINEER LEVEL 4

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 Module, Development, 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 Senior Civil Engineer (Level 4) is responsible for leading the civil engineering design, site development, permitting, and construction coordination for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role requires advanced expertise in grading design, hydrology modeling, stormwater management, geotechnical assessments, and permitting compliance. 

As a senior-level engineer, this position involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, mentoring junior engineers, collaborating with EPC teams, and ensuring technical excellence in civil engineering deliverables. The Senior Civil Engineer is also expected to lead permitting efforts, engage with regulatory agencies, and drive process improvements for site development. 

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 Ankney, IA office but will maintain a remote schedule of working out of their home office and the Ankney, IA 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

Advanced Civil Engineering Design & Site Development Leadership 

• Oversee grading optimization strategies, site layout refinement, and cut/fill balance planning to minimize construction costs. 

• Lead detailed stormwater management and hydrology modeling efforts, ensuring compliance with NPDES, SWPPP, and local stormwater regulations. 

• Manage drainage and floodplain impact studies, designing effective retention basins, culverts, and erosion control systems. 

• Review and approve foundation designs, soil stabilization plans, and geotechnical analysis for racking and battery installations. 

• Optimize access road networks, land disturbance minimization strategies, and long-term drainage planning to support efficient operations. 

Permitting & Regulatory Compliance 

• Take full ownership of civil permitting processes, working directly with regulatory agencies, municipalities, and environmental consultants. 

• Ensure project compliance with federal, state, and local zoning, land use, and environmental regulations. 

• Develop and submit stormwater permitting applications, erosion control plans, and wetland impact assessments. 

• Conduct civil engineering risk assessments, ensuring mitigation measures are in place for hydrology, land grading, and flood zone constraints. 

Project Execution & Cross-Disciplinary Coordination 

• Lead civil engineering workstreams within multi-disciplinary project teams, ensuring alignment with electrical, structural, and construction teams. 

• Collaborate with EPC project managers, construction teams, and subcontractors to refine site development strategies. 

• Conduct site visits and geotechnical evaluations, validating grading assumptions, soil stability, and drainage effectiveness. 

• Drive quality control (QA/QC) for civil engineering deliverables, ensuring designs meet EPC execution and operational requirements. 

• Troubleshoot grading conflicts, hydrology inefficiencies, and foundation engineering challenges throughout project development and construction. 

Leadership & Mentorship 

• Manage and mentor a team of junior and mid-level civil engineers, supporting knowledge transfer and technical training. 

• Establish engineering best practices for grading design, stormwater modeling, and permitting strategies. 

• Act as a key technical advisor on site development methodologies, construction feasibility, and permitting pathways. 

• Participate in industry research, technology evaluation, and process improvement initiatives to enhance engineering efficiency. 
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 6+ years of experience in civil site development, grading design, hydrology modeling, and permitting for utility-scale infrastructure projects. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering; Master’s preferred.