Job Description
The VP of Design and Cost Engineering leads technical design and cost estimation teams for utility-scale solar and storage projects, focusing on derisking development, maximizing project value, and managing cross-functional engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead HV Engineering, Development Engineering, and Estimating teams to de-risk project pipeline and maximize project value.
- Manage technical design and costing activities across the full development lifecycle, including HV gen-tie, substation, PV, and BESS design.
- Support project and site diligence through engineering studies, drawing packages, and assessments for permitting and LGIA processes.
- Develop engineering budgets and third-party scopes for studies and design work supporting project permitting and agreements.
- Create and maintain in-house estimating tools for automation, design, and pricing iterations.
- Identify value engineering opportunities and derisking strategies throughout project development.
- Manage relationships with external consultants and EPC contractors, including negotiations and contracting.
- Communicate technical considerations, risks, and opportunities effectively to diverse stakeholders.
- Delegate tasks and coach team members to drive value and ensure project success.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or direct experience at an engineering consultant or solar or BESS contractor
- Knowledge of engineering studies, codes and requirements, and best practices for solar design and EPC construction
- Highly cross-functional individual with the ability to manage project level details and align team to project and company goals
- Ability to assess and give pricing and design guidance at varying levels of site diligence, with understanding of uncertainty
- Working knowledge of commodity pricing, labor rates, and union rates
- Ability to interact and communicate well with individuals in all areas of the company and outside stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability to consistently take the initiative to lead discussions around unresolved issues, ensuring clear direction and correct resolution
- Competency with process improvement, relationship building, written and verbal communication, and critical thinking
- Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and perform job tasks independently in an unstructured remote environment with limited direction
- Ability to professionally manage highly confidential and sensitive information
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness
- Ability to work well under pressure with multiple competing deadlines
- Demonstrated advanced knowledge of Excel, Word, Power Point, and various other business applications
- Experience managing and overseeing technical design and costing needs prior to equipment selection and EPC contracting, including expertise in HV gen-tie and substation, PV, and BESS design and costing
- Ability to support project and site diligence, managing internal resourcing and external consultant strategy for engineering studies and drawing packages pre-EPC contracting in support of internal assessments, LGIA, or permitting processes
- Ability to create engineering-related project budgets and third-party scopes for engineering studies (hydro, geotech, etc.) and design work to support LGIA and permitting processes
- Ability to identify issues and gaps in processes and analysis, work with key stakeholders to align towards next steps and solutions
- Ability to develop and maintain in-house estimating tools across all technologies that are dynamic for automation and design and pricing iteration
- Understanding of cash flow considerations related to equipment and EPC contracting
- Ability to manage and coordinate with external engineering consultants, EPC negotiations, and contracting strategies
- Ability to understand and maintain historical data to inform future pricing work
- Knowledge of key design codes and requirements
- Ability to delegate and oversee a large team of diverse expertise, training and coaching team members to drive value into the project portfolio
Benefits & Perks
Competitive compensation with a salary range of $232,054 to $259,000 USD plus bonus
Flexible PTO
Comprehensive medical and dental plan options
401(k) matching
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