Designer 3

Strata Clean Energy; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Strata Clean Energy seeks a Designer 3 to analyze site and equipment constraints and develop detailed layouts for ground-mount solar farms. The role also administers AutoCAD Standards, QA/QC, and manages AutoCAD Vault including data governance.

You will support engineers, compile GIS data, and create PVFARM-integrated layouts using AutoCAD Civil 3D. The position blends office CAD work with on-site coordination and ongoing CAD process improvements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience with land development projects.
• Proficient with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to compile GIS data and existing boundaries to create base drawing files.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must produce high quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ready and eager to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Download and compile GIS data into an AutoCAD file.
• Analysis of USGS Quad Maps, FEMA FIRM Maps, NRCS Web Soil Survey, National Wetlands Inventory for site constraints.
• Develop array layouts with AutoCAD Civil 3D and become familiar with PVFARM and AutoCAD integration + inputs and outputs.
• Coordinate site layout with Civil and Electrical Engineers.
• Implement and manipulate digital surveys for use in site layout (surfaces, points, setbacks, etc.).
• Make follow up corrections to plans as required.

Skills

CAD standards

Quality control

Mentorship

Data management

Interdepartmental coordination

Team collaboration

Education

Minimum 7 years land development experience

Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and Excel

GIS data compilation ability

Excellent written and verbal communication

Fast-paced high-quality work

Willingness to learn new technologies

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

PVFARM

AutoCAD Vault

GIS data analysis tools

Job description

Summary

The Designer 3 is responsible for analysis and implementation of site and equipment constraints to develop detailed layouts for ground mount utility‑scale solar farms. This role also supports the engineering group by administering and maintaining AutoCAD Standards, Practices, and QA/QC, AutoCAD Vault - including user support, data management, and enforcement of CAD standards - accounting for approximately 20% of the position’s responsibilities.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Download and compile GIS data into an AutoCAD file


• Analysis of USGS Quad Maps, FEMA FIRM Maps, NRCS Web Soil Survey, National Wetlands Inventory for site constraints


• Develop array layouts with AutoCAD Civil 3D and become familiar with PVFARM and AutoCAD integration + inputs and outputs.


• Coordinate site layout with Civil and Electrical Engineers


• Implement and manipulate digital surveys for use in site layout (surfaces, points, setbacks, etc.)


• Make follow up corrections to plans as required

Solar Layout and Site Design

• Download and compile GIS data into an AutoCAD file


• Analysis of USGS Quad Maps, FEMA FIRM Maps, NRCS Web Soil Survey, National Wetlands Inventory for site constraints


• Develop array layouts with AutoCAD Civil 3D and become familiar with PVFARM and AutoCAD integration + inputs and outputs.


• Coordinate site layout with Civil and Electrical Engineers


• Implement and manipulate digital surveys for use in site layout (surfaces, points, setbacks, etc.)


• Make follow up corrections to plans as required

CAD Standards, Quality Control & Mentorship (~25% of role)

• Evolve and further develop Strata CAD standards and best practices, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the engineering group.


• Develop and refine quality control checkpoints throughout the project delivery process, including CAD audits and workflow reviews to identify and resolve issues before milestone submissions.


• Mentor junior designers in CAD best practices, workflow efficiency, and adherence to project and firm standards.


• Administer and maintain AutoCAD Vault (or equal) for the engineering group, ensuring data integrity, version control, and proper file lifecycle management.


• Manage user access, permissions, and project structures within Vault.


• Support CAD users with Vault-related issues, workflows, and best practices.


• Coordinate Vault standards, folder structures, and naming conventions across projects.


• Assist with Vault upgrades, configuration changes, and integration with AutoCAD Civil 3D.


• Collaborate with engineering leadership to continuously improve CAD data management processes.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Assist with Interviewing and with conducting peer reviews for the department.

Education And/or Work Experience Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of experience with land development projects.


• Proficient with AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Excel


• Ability to compile GIS data and existing boundaries to create base drawing files.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Must be able to produce high quality work in a fast‑paced environment.


• Ready and eager to learn new technologies

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Work is performed in the office and in the field. Work is performed in an office environment. Must be able to sit, stand, bend, twist and lift up to 20 pounds. May be exposed to weather elements when in the field.

About Us

Strata Clean Energy is a leading developer, EPC, and service provider for utility‑scale solar and storage systems in the United States. We control and self‑perform all processes from our nationwide solar and storage developments, to construction, O&M, and Asset Management.

Our employees are empowered to drive our business in a collaborative, creative, and passion‑driven environment that fosters long‑term professional growth. There is a lot to learn at Strata, but we’re here to help you give your best and have a good time doing it.

At Strata, you’re part of something big. We’re leading the industry in sustainable energy careers. We are driving innovation to make a difference for our customers, our employees, and our planet. Join us in powering the future.

Strata Solar is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Strata Solar is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.