Permit Specialist, New Homes

Qcells USA Corp.; Irvine (CA); Remote; USD 87,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanwha Qcells America Inc. seeks a Permit Specialist to manage all permitting activities, ensuring timely approvals and regulatory compliance. You will prepare and submit permit applications, maintain records, and coordinate with AHJs to facilitate project execution.

Remote candidates may be considered based on location, with 5–7+ years in permitting and strong analytical and communication skills a must for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, operations, or related field with 5-7+ years of related work experience including 3+ years in permitting or admin support in construction or solar.
• Strong understanding of permitting procedures, municipal codes, and AHJ processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Proven track record of problem-solving and effective communication.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, compile, and submit permit applications/packages in compliance with municipal codes and AHJ requirements.
• Provide oversight of all permitting processes and track permit status to ensure seamless project execution and full permit issuance prior to construction.
• Collaborate with internal teams to improve workflows and streamline permitting operations.
• Monitor permit timelines and communicate status updates and delays to stakeholders.
• Assist with permit revisions, corrections, and resubmittals as needed.
• Maintain and update the AHJ database with current permitting requirements.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve permitting workflows and documentation.
• Mentor Permit Coordinators to support their professional growth and development.

Skills

Analytical abilities

Attention to detail

Critical thinking

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, operations, or related field

Job description

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Qcells New Homes is seeking a Permit Specialist to manage all aspects of the permitting process to ensure timely approvals and regulatory compliance. This role supports project teams by preparing and submitting permit applications, maintaining accurate records, and coordinating with internal departments and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to facilitate smooth project execution. The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with strong analytical abilities, exceptional attention to detail, proven critical-thinking skills, and excellent communication skills.

Remote candidates may be considered based on their location.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare, compile, and submit permit applications/packages (including design packages and as-built revisions) in compliance with municipal codes and AHJ requirements.

• Provide oversight of all permitting processes and maintain active tracking of permit status to ensure seamless project execution and full permit issuance prior to construction commencement.

• Collaborate with internal teams and management to improve workflows and streamline permitting operations.

• Monitor permit timelines and proactively communicate status updates and potential delays to internal stakeholders.

• Assist with permit revisions, corrections, and resubmittals as needed.

• Maintain and update the AHJ database with current permitting requirements.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve permitting workflows and documentation.

• Mentor Permit Coordinators to support their professional growth and development

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, operations, or related field with a minimum of 5-7+ years of related work experience including a minimum of 3+ years' experience in permitting, project coordination, or related administrative support within the construction or solar industry.

• Strong understanding of permitting procedures, municipal codes, and AHJ processes.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.

• Proven track record of problem-solving and issue resolution.

• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with internal teams and external agencies.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3+ years’ work experience in solar operations.

COMPENSATION:

In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, the anticipated annual base salary for this position is:

• Zone 1 (Bay Area, NYC): $95,000 - $112,300

• Zone 2 (CA, NJ, NY): $87,100 – $103,000

• Zone 3 (All others): $79,200 - $93,600

The applicable salary range is based on the employee’s primary work location. Individual compensation will be determined based on qualifications, relevant experience, education, skills, internal equity, and other business-related factors.

Hanwha Qcells America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Mobility

Standing

20% of time

Sitting

70% of time

Walking

10% of time

Strength

Pulling

up to 10 Pounds

Pushing

up to 10 Pounds

Carrying

up to 10 Pounds

Lifting

up to 10 Pounds

Dexterity(F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Typing

F

Handling

F

Reaching

F

Agility(F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Turning

F

Twisting

F

Bending

O

Crouching

O

Balancing

N

Climbing

N

Crawling

N

Kneeling

N

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.