Solar and BESS Director of Engineering and Preconstruction

McKinstry; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 165,800 - 252,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Comprehensive medical and dental benefits

Job summary

McKinstry is seeking a Director of Engineering and Preconstruction (East) in Richmond, Virginia. You will lead a team responsible for renewable energy projects, including solar PV and battery energy storage, overseeing everything from feasibility to construction handoff.

The ideal candidate will have 7-10 years of management experience, proficiency in relevant engineering tools like AutoCAD and Microsoft Project, and a four-year degree in engineering.

This role offers competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 401(k) and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of management experience in renewable energy.
• Ability to read and negotiate contracts.
• Experience in recruiting and mentoring teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams through project life cycles.
• Collaborate with business development for project strategy.
• Manage risk for project development effectively.

Skills

Management of engineering teams

Proficient in PV and energy storage engineering

Strong knowledge of project costing models

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Intermediate knowledge of pre-construction processes

Education

Four-year degree in engineering or related field

Tools

AutoCAD

PVsyst

Microsoft Project

Job description

About McKinstry

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet. Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy‑related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through renewables and energy services, engineering and design, and construction and facility services.

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a Director of Engineering and Preconstruction (East) to our growing Distributed Energy Resources division on the east coast. This role leads a team of engineers and pre‑construction managers across the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility and engineering through pricing and construction team handoff. It directs McKinstry's renewable energy design and pre‑construction operations in the Eastern division, ensuring projects are delivered in a timely, effective, and profitable manner. The Director collaborates closely with business development and construction teams to secure new work and deliver high‑quality designs aligned with customer requirements.

• Direct and manage engineers and pre‑construction managers through project feasibility, engineering, pricing, and construction handoff for solar PV, BESS, microgrid/resiliency, and EV infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with business development and sales teams to influence pursuit strategy, ensuring alignment between project delivery capabilities and client requirements.
• Oversee risk management for project development, including pricing, scope definition, contractual risk, and third‑party engineer/consultant contracting and management.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage team leaders and members across sales engineering, development engineering, pre‑construction, and development project management groups.
• Partner with the Construction team to ensure seamless project handoffs and drive continuous improvement in business processes, team performance, and financial outcomes.

What You Need To Succeed At McKinstry

• 7–10 years of management experience leading engineering teams in renewable energy (solar PV, battery energy storage, EV infrastructure).
• Proficient in PV, energy storage, and EV project engineering principles and tools: AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, and related industry software.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio); working knowledge of SharePoint preferred.
• Proficient in industry scheduling software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, and/or SureTrak.
• Strong knowledge of project costing models and estimating processes; skill in creating and interpreting pro forma, budgets, and revenue forecasts.
• Proficient in reading and negotiating customer contracts and subcontracts.
• Broad knowledge of major equipment supplier technology offerings and use cases across solar, BESS, and EV.
• Working knowledge of utility interconnection processes and requirements in core Eastern markets (MA, NY, PA, NJ, MD, IL).
• Intermediate knowledge of pre‑construction and costing processes; team management experience in pre‑construction preferred.
• Four‑year college degree in architecture, architectural engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering, or related field — or equivalent professional experience required.

PeopleFirst Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit‑sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out‑of‑pocket maximums

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefitsPet insurance
• “Building Good” paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $165,800 – $252,100 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

Drug‑Free Workplace

McKinstry is a drug‑free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Work Authorization

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer‑sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.