Solar Project Manager

Position:

Solar Project Manager

Employment type:

Full Time

Reports to:

Associate Director of Development

Location:

California

Renewable America

Office Location: Santa Clara, CA

About Renewable America:

Renewable America is committed to investing in end-to-end development of local community-scale solar+storage and multi-customer community microgrids projects. Through this infrastructure improvement we provide emergency power to vulnerable populations and critical facilities during grid outages. Dispatchable renewable energy can transform the traditional grid through decentralized generation and create Local Resiliency. Our vision is to lead the way to the future of Community Microgrids by developing projects in strategic locations while minimizing possible environmental impacts on the land.

Our extensive services include engineering, financing, construction, and maintenance. With every project, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our communities with economic development and renewable energy access. Renewable America has over 320 megawatts (MWdc) of solar and 680 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy storage projects under development throughout California. Our projects are strategically located to provide maximum benefit to the region, while also meeting the community’s demand needs.

Job Description:

We are seeking a detail oriented, results driven Solar Project Manager to lead late stage development and construction of commercial and utility scale solar PV and battery energy storage projects.

This role will lead projects from pre construction through commissioning, with a strong focus on quality, safety, and schedule adherence. The Solar Project Manager will be responsible for tracking and maintaining project schedules and milestones, coordinating with vendors and contractors, and ensuring that projects stay on time and on budget. You will work closely with the Associate Director of Development, other team members, and internal and external stakeholders to drive projects from notice to proceed through commissioning and handoff to operations. The position will be split between office work and regular visits to project sites within California.

Responsibilities:

·        Create, maintain and update detailed project schedules, including all major development, procurement, construction, and commissioning milestones.

·        Track critical path activities and flag schedule risks early, proposing mitigation strategies to the internal team.

·        Help develop, maintain, and execute project plans, ensuring alignment with timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

·        Coordinate with contractors, vendors, and consultants to ensure timely delivery of equipment, services, and documentation.

·        Collaborate with CEO, VP of Construction, development, mechanical, electrical, and commissioning teams, site supervisors, and subcontractors to meet project milestones and objectives.

·        Organize and lead regular project check in calls; prepare agendas, document meeting minutes, and track action items.

·        Review, compare, and evaluate supplier proposals, ensuring cost-competitive pricing. Lead commercial negotiations for supply agreements, RFIs, project-specific orders, and change orders.

·        Provide forecasting of material and logistic prices to inform future project cost estimates.

·        Serve as the point of contact for suppliers, managing communications and ensuring smooth coordination throughout the procurement process.

·        Ensure the timely delivery of engineered equipment and materials in accordance with project specifications and requirements.

·        Conduct regular site walks, QA/QC inspections, and progress monitoring on active project sites.

·        Implement quality control measures so that installations meet or exceed industry standards, owner expectations, and contract requirements.

·        Ensure compliance with company safety protocols and participate in site safety meetings; promote a strong safety culture on all job sites.

·        Coordinate with utilities, AHJs, and fire departments on schedule related items such as permit issuance, inspections, witness testing, and interconnection milestones.

·        Ensure compliance with NEC, AHJ requirements, and applicable fire safety standards for PV and BESS systems.

·        Assist with managing contracts, purchase orders, change orders, and invoicing in coordination with internal finance and construction teams.

·        Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used from inventory, and project progress, ensuring compliance with documentation requirements.

·        Maintain accurate records of project progress, key decisions, and approvals in the company’s project management tools (for example Asana).

·        Prepare and submit regular status reports to the VP of Construction, Associate Director of Development, and other stakeholders, summarizing schedule, budget, site issues, and key risks.

·        Support preparation of internal and external presentations, including schedule updates, risk logs, and milestone tracking reports

Qualifications:

·        Minimum 1-2 years of experience with solar PV systems and energy storage project management, preferably in commercial or utility scale projects.

·        Proven experience managing multiple project sites and cross functional teams simultaneously.

·        Strong knowledge of NEC, grounding and bonding, and fire safety considerations for BESS systems.

·        Familiarity with commercial or utility scale solar PV and battery energy storage construction workflows from pre construction through commissioning.

·        Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, single line diagrams, and site plans.

·        Knowledge of construction safety standards and use of personal protective equipment.

·        Proficiency with project management and collaboration tools such as Asana, Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), and Microsoft Teams.

·        Excellent problem solving skills, attention to detail, and follow through.

·        Strong communication and documentation skills, both written and verbal.

·        Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross functional teams.

·        Willingness to travel to project sites within California as needed.

·        Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

·        OSHA 10 certification required, OSHA 30 preferred.

Preferred Skills

·        Experience managing schedules and milestones for EPC or self perform construction activities.

·        Strong knowledge of permitting, utility interconnection, and commissioning workflows for PV and BESS.

·        Familiarity with Asana, Microsoft Project or similar scheduling software.

·        Familiarity with Edwards EST4 fire alarm systems is a plus.

·        Experience with CAISO related systems and processes is a plus.

·        Background in commercial BESS or C&I solar projects is a plus.

Job Type:

Ful time

at various

job

sites.

Salary:

Competitive compensation, benefits, and growth opportunities.