Design Engineer I

NextGenEnergyJobs; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Open paid time off policy

Hybrid work location policy

Parental leave

Job summary

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to design, review and entitle solar PV projects ranging from 3MW AC to 300MW AC. You will work with a team of design engineers, civil engineers, and project developers across multiple simultaneous projects.

The role emphasizes feasibility evaluations, site use permits, and bid-level drawings for permitting and IPP processes. A collaborative, flexible work environment is offered with opportunities for growth and professional development.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects concurrently.
• Experience presenting design concepts to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Design, review and entitle solar PV project designs (3MW–300MW AC).
• Collaborate with design, civil, electrical teams and project developers.
• Support feasibility analyses and site/permitting drawings for IPP bidding.
• Train colleagues on design standards and participate in process improvements.
• Manage permitting and bidding tasks and respond to inquiries from AHJ/bidders.

Skills

Communication

Multi-tasking

Team collaboration

Design review

Education

NABCEP credits (40)

Tools

AutoCAD

PV Case

PVSyst

Job description

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership.

Key Responsibilities

• The Design Engineer I will design, review and entitle designs for commercial, government and utility solar PV projects ranging in size from 3MW AC to 300MW AC. This role supports 15-25 projects simultaneously, and has broad visibility across the organization. In this role, you will work with a team of design engineers, civil engineers, and project developers.
• Work with the design team in evaluating and performing feasibility analysis on potential sites;
• Work with the project design, electrical, and civil engineering team in the design of site use permit plan sets and bid level (50%) drawings that will be used for permitting and the IPP bidding process;
• Design projects according to the New Leaf Energy Design Standards and train new employees on the standards;
• Complete the review process for each job through milestone drawing releases;
• Participate in our continuous improvement environment, specifically focusing on improving training materials;
• Handle administration of permitting and bidding as needed, including working with and advising the project team with respect to design/production modeling considerations as questions arise from the AHJ or bidding IPP;
• Contribute to the design of infrastructure and offer new perspectives. We are open to new views and want to leverage professional experience; initiative and recommendations are encouraged;
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• While no one individual will possess them all, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences, skills, and attributes. If you’re unsure of whether you meet enough of the qualifications below but believe that your experience and skill set is a good match for this position.
• 1-3 years’ experience preferred;
• Completion of at least 40 NABCEP credits preferred;
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and tasks;
• Solid written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to effectively communicate design concepts to other internal New Leaf Energy stakeholders including project developers and regional technical leads;
• Computer proficiency with AutoCAD, PV Case, PVSyst.
• New Leaf Energy’s success is driven by our collaborative, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. We offer a flexible work environment that places significant responsibility in independent teams and creates opportunities for innovation and personal growth. New Leaf Energy’s benefits are designed to appropriately recognize our employees’ contributions and enable a reasonable work/life balance. Our benefits include:
• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision;
• A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute);
• An open and self-managed paid time-off policy;
• A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week;
• A parental leave policy for both birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire;
• Professional development and education assistance.