Design Engineer I

New Leaf Energy, Inc.; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,900 - 94,019; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

401(k) with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Hybrid work policy

Parental leave

Professional development

Job summary

New Leaf Energy, a clean energy developer, is seeking a Design Engineer I to join our Design Engineering team. The role supports 3MW AC to 300MW AC solar projects across multiple sites and teams, with a hybrid work environment in Lowell/Boston, MA.

You will design, review, and entitle designs, coordinate with civil, electrical, and project developers, and help standardize design processes while advancing training materials.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of solar design experience.
• Completion of at least 40 NABCEP credits preferred.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to communicate design concepts to stakeholders.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, PV Case, PVsyst.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate feasibility of potential sites with the design team.
• Design site use permit plans and bid-level drawings (50%) for permitting and IPP bidding.
• Design projects per New Leaf Energy Design Standards and train others.
• Review each job through milestone drawing releases.
• Support continuous improvement, improving training materials.
• Assist with permitting and bidding administration and advise on design/production modeling.
• Contribute to infrastructure design and share new perspectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

1-3 years experience

Strong communication skills

Design concepts communication

Education

NABCEP credits (40)

Tools

AutoCAD

PV Case

PVSyst

Job description

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high-value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long-term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life.

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to join our growing Design Engineering team. This position may be filled out of our Lowell or Boston, MA offices. We value in-person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and are free to work from the office or from home on other days.

Position Summary

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.

Position Responsibilities

• 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.

Desired Qualifications

• 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.

Compensation

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. We use a data‑driven and transparent methodology to calibrate compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable, guided by the New Leaf Energy compensation manual, which is available to all employees.

Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range for this position in the Boston location is $80,900‑$94,019. The on‑target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 10% of base salary. Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience.

Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision.
• A 401(k) 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.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

New Leaf Energy values the diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and contributions of all employees. We want all our employees to feel like they belong and are empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. We’re actively committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment not only within our own organization but also within the clean energy industry.

New Leaf Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, New Leaf Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO M/F/D/V.