Solar Engineer

Astyra Corporation is seeking a Solar Project Engineer in Richmond, VA, requiring 75% travel between sites. The role involves managing solar projects from 1MW to 150+ MW, overseeing contractor activities during construction, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates must have experience as a solar field engineer and with utility-level solar projects, along with strong communication and analytical skills. Preferred knowledge includes Virginia E&S/stormwater regulations.
Solar Project Engineer
• Local to Richmond, VA preferred
• This position requires 75% of travel between sites
• Description:The client is installing a 1,000MWac of solar generating capacity per year.
• The Solar Project Construction group manages the execution of solar projects from 1MW to 150+ MW through EPC contracts.
• The group is organized into several sequential teams: Development, Diligence, Pre-Construction, Execution, and Close-Out.
• Three Project Engineers are needed and will be assigned to Execution teams which oversee daily contractor activities during construction of new solar projects.
• These Project Engineers will work on teams lead by Construction Project Managers.
• Required Skills/Knowledge/Experience:MUST have prior experience working as a solar field engineer
• MUST have prior experienced with utility level solar construction projects
• MUST have detailed technical knowledge of renewable power generation, systems/equipment/operations, complex construction projects, and power distribution/transmission systems
• Strong oral and written communication skills (includes technical writing)
• Ability to think analytically and solve complex problems
• Equally effective working independently or in team environment building relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to process information quickly and effectively manage multiple tasks
• Soft Skills:Demonstrated computer skills, including MS Office products, SAP products, Adobe products, Bluebeam, scheduling software
• Ability to lead, collaborate, or work effectively in a variety of teams, including multi-disciplinary teams
• Preferred Skills:Knowledge of Virginia E&S/stormwater regulations preferred
• Prior experience scheduling and cost management
• Responsibilities:Support the solar project management team by managing specific portions of the project, particularly technical issues
• Coordinate with other internal stakeholders such as Site Owner's Representatives, Operations, Project Controls, Technical Services, Business Development, Tax, Real Estate, Environmental, Safety, and Supply Chain
• Coordinate with external stakeholders to include counterparts in the EPC's organization, permitting agencies, and Owners Engineers
• Work with cross-functional team that includes project managers, engineers, permitting specialists, construction oversight personnel, environmental compliance coordinators, contracts and financial analysts, real estate analysts, safety specialist, and operations personnel.
• Participate in status update meetings with EPC contractors
• Overseeing and monitoring construction progress, ensuring compliance with EPC contract requirements, technical specifications, and permitting requirements
• Participating in site walks with Environmental Compliance Coordinators to monitor permit compliance
• Managing project RFI and NCR logs
• Overseeing plant commissioning processes and participating in punch list/turnover walkdowns with Solar Operations
• Overseeing punch list completion, facilitating communication with operations, and reviewing contractor deliverables
• Preparing weekly reporting for internal project stakeholders
• Reviewing EPC deliverables, including specifications, performance test reports, and as-built design drawings for completeness and contract compliance
• Reviewing third party reports, usually environmental inspection reports to monitor EPC performance and providing recommendations to EPC
• Managing turnover documentation process at key project milestones
• Reviewing and providing technical input on contract Change Orders, Contractor Notices, Milestone Completion, Certificates, and other commercial documents
• Collaborating with peer Project Engineers to compare processes, procedures, and issues to ensure consistency across the project portfolio
• Performing other duties as assigned
• Will report to a Manager - Construction Projects and will be assigned to a tea led by a Construction Project Manager. Expect 75%+ travel via a temporary assignment on one or more solar project sites in Virginia.
• Required Years of Experience:5-6+ years of relevant engineering experience
• Education:MUST have a 4-year Engineering degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program
• Certification:Professional Engineer License Preferred