Owner-Side Solar Pre-Construction Lead (Utility-Scale)

Birch Creek Energy; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Career growth opportunities

Job summary

Birch Creek Energy seeks a Solar Pre-Construction Manager to lead owner-side pre-construction for utility-scale solar projects. You will drive planning from late-stage development through NTP, coordinating with Development, Engineering, and EPC partners to validate cost, schedule, and risk. Travel and hybrid office options in STL/LA are available.

The role emphasizes ensuring de-risked, constructible, financeable projects ready for handoff to EPC teams and internal construction crews.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience delivering utility-scale solar projects or direct Pre-Construction experience.
• Strong background in pre-construction, construction management, and EPC oversight.
• Experience reviewing EPC schedules, estimates, and execution plans.
• Understanding of owner-side project development and financing processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-construction planning for utility-scale solar (and storage) projects from late-stage development through NTP.
• Act as the owner’s technical and construction representative during pre-construction.
• Coordinate with EPC partners to validate construction methodologies, logistics, and sequencing.
• Ensure alignment between development assumptions and executable construction plans.
• Complete site walks and constructability review of projects and outline risk and opportunities to successful project execution.
• Present risk and opportunities around new projects to company leadership.
• Review, validate, and challenge EPC cost estimates and schedules.
• Support development of Class 3 / investment-grade budgets and cost benchmarks.
• Identify cost drivers, contingencies, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Support financial models by validating construction inputs, cash flow, and milestone timing.
• Assist with lender technical advisor (LTA) and independent engineer (IE) reviews.

Skills

Owner mindset

Risk identification

Cross-functional communication

Financial literacy

Schedule literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Construction Management

Job description

Birch Creek Energy seeks a Solar Pre-Construction Manager to lead owner-side pre-construction for utility-scale solar projects. You will drive planning from late-stage development through NTP, coordinating with Development, Engineering, and EPC partners to validate cost, schedule, and risk. Travel and hybrid office options in STL/LA are available.

The role emphasizes ensuring de-risked, constructible, financeable projects ready for handoff to EPC teams and internal construction crews.