Assistant Estimator & Designer for Solar

CBI Solar; Red Deer; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in renewable energy seeks a dedicated Assistant System Designer to contribute to innovative solar projects. In this role, you will design and develop site plans for solar panel installations, collaborate with the senior system designer, and ensure compliance with grid regulations. Your expertise in PV system design and familiarity with AutoCAD will be essential in creating detailed construction-ready designs. Join a family-owned company committed to providing sustainable energy solutions and make a meaningful impact in the community. If you are passionate about renewable energy and eager to grow your career, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in similar position with field-level construction experience.
• Ability to design PV systems and knowledge of electrical code.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop site plans for solar panel installations.
• Coordinate with teams to meet client needs and internal deadlines.

Skills

PV system design

AutoCAD

Electrical design concepts

Attention to detail

Field-level construction experience

Education

Technical diploma in electrical engineering

Relevant education/experience combinations

Tools

Custom software tools for PV design

Computer aided design software

Inflow (inventory management software)

Job description

About CBI Solar

CBI Solar is a family owned and operated company dedicated to providing solar solutions and alternative energy sources for all Albertans. We have had a strong presence in Alberta since 1996 when its sister company Watts Projects Inc. opened its doors.

Hours

The expected work hours run 8:00am until 4:00pm, Monday – Friday. Overtime may be required according to business needs. You will be eligible for overtime in accordance with Provincial Legislation.

Job Responsibilities:

Design and develop site plans for solar panel installation. Working closely with the senior system designer and estimator, the assistant system designer will support the initial system concept ideas and help translate them into fully detailed construction ready designs. Coordinating with multiple team members and customers, the position balances the necessity of a customer solution with the efficiency of standard practices.

Duties:

1. Use custom software tools to design PV ground mounted and rooftop systems
2. Perform accurate system sizing calculations
3. Create electrical single-line diagrams, panel schedules, or connection diagrams for solar electric systems using computer aided design software
4. Develop optimal designs with SLD, PML, conduit and wire scheduling, routing and equipment plans, and conceptual 3-D renderings
5. Execute designs that adhere to grid compliance and permitting requirements
6. Building detailed bills of materials based on system specifications
7. Coordinate with management and support team to develop complete proposal packages
8. Work across functionally with sales, project management and installation teams to ensure clients’ needs and internal deadlines are met.
9. Trouble shoot design and construction issues in the field

Skills and Qualifications:

1. Ability to design PV systems at varying power levels
2. Knowledge of various PV design software and AutoCAD
3. Knowledge in electrical design concepts and electrical code
4. Should be prepared for field site visits.
5. A quality mindset and attention to detail are important.
6. Two or more years in a similar position
7. At least one year of field-level construction experience
8. Technical diploma in electrical engineering or related field
9. Other suitable combinations of education/experience will also be considered

Additional Responsibilities and Duties:

1. The pricing of grid-tie solar, off-grid energy, and related systems
2. Starting warranty/service issues
3. Interfacing as “point of contact” with commercial partners (ATCO, ENMAX, FORTIS, EQUS)
4. Administrative (e.g. phones, filing project documents in drive and as hardcopies)
5. Maintaining a web presence relative to job tasks (updating the website or social media, etc.)
6. Adding inventory to Inflow (inventory management software)
7. The execution of Permitting, Microgen applications, rebate / grant applications
8. The assistance, both logistically, and hands-on, with the development and construction of projects and innovations