Solar Sales Engineer

IN OFFICE ONLY - NO REMOTE OPTION

The Solar Project Engineer supports the engineering and design teams in creating Photovoltaic (PV) system layouts, electrical schematics, and permitting documents. This mid-level role focuses on building the fundamentals of solar system design while taking on more responsibility in project development, project management, drafting, and documentation. The role is ideal for someone with an engineering background who is looking to continue gaining hands-on experience in the solar industry.

Key Responsibilities:

Solar System Design & Drafting

- Assist in developing preliminary through final solar PV system designs using AutoCAD, Helioscope, Google Sheets, and/or other design software(s).

- Ability to drive financial modeling, storage and microgrid behavior in relation to ROI calculations. As well as grid resiliency and storage duration behavior.

- Create site plans, single-line diagrams, and electrical layouts for review by senior engineers.

- Conduct engineering calculations for conductor sizing, overcurrent protection sizing, conduit fill, and AC/DC voltage drop.

- Perform shading analysis and roof layout designs using tools like SolarGraf, SketchUp, or Aurora Solar.

- Create racking designs and Bill of Materials (BOM) with manufacturer design tools and online assistants.

- Generate panel placement drawings, conduit layouts, and equipment specifications based on site conditions.

Technical Support & Documentation

- Assist in preparing permit packages and submittals for AHJs and Utilities.

- Organize and maintain engineering drawings, templates, and documentation for future reference.

- Help compile BOMs for project components based on system designs.

- Review manufacturer specifications to ensure proper selection of inverters, modules, racking, and electrical components.

- Review and coordinate structural engineering parameters and racking design criteria.

Site Assessments & Data Collection

- Support field engineers in conducting site visits to gather measurements, verify structural conditions, and assess shading obstacles.

- Process drone imagery and site photos for use in design documentation and archiving information for internal team collaboration.

- Assist in recording as-built conditions after system installation for final design updates.

Interconnection & Code Compliance Assistance

- Apply basic National Electrical Codes (NEC), International Building Codes (IBC), State Codes, and UL Standards as they relate to PV system design.

- Support compliance efforts by researching local building, utility, and electrical codes for different project locations.

- Assist project management with interconnection paperwork and submittals.

- Recognize additional requirements for projects located in wetlands, on historic sites, and other special circumstances requiring extra attention when relevant.

Process Improvement & Learning

- Collaborate with the design manager to improve AutoCAD drawing templates, spreadsheets, filing systems, and workflow efficiencies.

- Stay up to date with solar technology trends, design best practices, and industry regulations.

- Participate in internal training sessions on topics such as electrical design, permitting, and energy modeling.

Cross-Departmental Internal & External Coordination

- Address design-related Requests for Information (RFIs) from project management during permitting, as well as from construction teams during installation.

- Assist sales & development with technical questions, electrical design criteria, and LOI Deliverables.

- Meet regularly with external stakeholders in order to coordinate timelines and deliverable expectations to minimize project delays and maximize collaboration. Also, to review and refine existing feasibility work to ensure that resulting drawings meet both internal and external party’s quality standards.

- Work with senior engineers and Engineer of Record (EOR) to address feedback on drawing packages and expedite stamped sets for permitting.

- Meet with utility field engineering on site to discuss interconnection methods and project optimizations in order to streamline the utility interconnection process.

Required Qualifications:

Education & Background

- Bachelor's degree in engineering (mechanical, electrical, civil, or renewable energy) or a related field.

- Limited experience in solar/electrical engineering is acceptable, but coursework or projects related to energy, electrical circuits, or sustainability are a plus.

Technical Skills

- Proficiency in AutoCAD, Excel, or Photoshop.

- Familiarity with PVSyst, HelioScope, Aurora Solar, or similar PV design software.

- Familiarity with manufacturers' design software such as SolarEdge Design Tool, IronRidge Design Assistant, Unirac U-Builder, etc.

- Understanding of basic electrical principles (circuits, voltage, current) and the ability to learn NEC solar design standards.

- Strong attention to detail for reviewing and generating technical drawings.

Soft Skills & Abilities

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting design challenges.

- Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams.

- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

- Willingness to ask questions, seek mentorship, and proactively develop technical knowledge.

- Proficiency in time management and the ability to prioritize action items quickly and efficiently while maintaining accuracy.

- Independent drive — ability to find resources, self-teach, create solutions, and complete complementary action items to further department priorities.

Certifications (Preferred, Not Required)

- NABCEP PV Associate Certification (or willingness to obtain within the first year)

- OSHA 10-hour Construction Safety Certification

- FAA Part 107 License (or willingness to obtain within the first year).