Senior Development Engineer

Silicon Ranch Corporation is seeking a Senior Development Engineer to advance civil engineering for solar energy projects. Responsibilities include leading engineering tasks, conducting feasibility studies, evaluating project constraints, and collaborating with teams to ensure optimal design solutions. The role is remote and emphasizes innovative approaches in a diverse and inclusive workplace, reflecting the company's commitment to community partnerships and renewable energy solutions.
Silicon Ranch is a fully integrated provider of customized renewable energy, carbon, and battery storage solutions for a diverse set of partners across North America.
• We are known for putting community partnerships first, and are the only renewable energy company in the U.S. that owns and operates all of its solar ranches and has a 100% track record for successful delivery.
• We have the largest utility scale agrivoltaics portfolio in the country under Regenerative Energy®, our nationally recognized holistic approach to project design, construction, and land management. Our model incorporates regenerative ranching and other regenerative land management practices to restore livelihoods and soil health, biodiversity, and water quality.
• Through our subsidiary, Clearloop, we are able to help businesses of all sizes reclaim their carbon footprint with a direct investment in building new solar projects while also helping bring renewable energy and economic development to distressed communities.

By joining Silicon Ranch, you will be joining a team of experienced and dedicated individuals who have proven time and again that it is indeed possible to not only “make solar do more”, but to make the promise of carbon-free, renewable energy that benefits people right where it comes from a tangible, measurable, and replicable reality.

Silicon Ranch is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is reflective of the communities in which we work and serve. We are an equal opportunity employer and will consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

Job Description

Position: Senior Development Engineer

Location: Remote

Overview: As a Senior Development Engineer at Silicon Ranch, you will play a key role in advancing the civil engineering aspects of our solar energy projects during the development phase. This position offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment with a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions.

Main Responsibilities:
• Lead civil engineering tasks for the development of solar projects during the pre-construction stages, serving as a technical expert within the development engineering team.
• Conduct early feasibility studies to identify potential site constraints and design challenges.
• Evaluate prospective projects, identifying and mapping all land related constraints.
• Identify and document engineering constraints, risks, and cost adders.
• Hold regular check-ins with the project team to communicate and resolve issues early.
• Lead site design reviews to ensure optimal design solutions align with project goals and constraints.
• Solve complex site arrangement challenges creatively and effectively.
• Collaborate with consultants and third-party engineering firms on due diligence efforts and other engineering support tasks.
• Conduct and oversee site walks to inform site constraints, due diligence, and constructability.
• Drive innovative approaches to maximize value engineering opportunities.
• Ensure quality, accurate and complete documentation for all project-related work prior to transition to delivery engineering team.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or related field (required).
• Additional educational qualifications such as a Master’s Degree, a Professional Engineer (PE) license or other related technical certifications are desired.

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in related field

• Proficiency in AutoCAD C3D, including advanced grading and hydrology features, and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of GIS software such as ArcGIS and QGIS considered a plus.

• Strong knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, grading, and erosion control principles.
• Experience with civil engineering design for solar plants, substations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) is preferred.
• Ability to evaluate standard and non-standard costs.
• Ability to complete survey verification and zoning compliance.
• Ability to mentor and lead cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and driving project success.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills for working effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively.
• Experience with PV design software and energy modeling tools considered a plus.