Preconstruction Engineer - Utility-Scale PV & BESS

CoVolt Power; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CoVolt Power in Houston, TX seeks a high-impact Preconstruction Engineer to lead conceptual design and early-stage engineering for utility-scale PV and BESS projects. You will shape EPC estimates, coordinate with estimating, procurement, and field teams, and set projects up for downstream success.

Responsibilities include optimizing site layouts, PVcase-based designs, and Basis of Design documentation, evaluating design scenarios, and communicating risks and value engineering opportunities to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Architecture, or related discipline from an accredited university.
• 3+ years in solar EPC, developer, or engineering firm
• 2+ years planning, design, and engineering of utility-scale PV and/or BESS systems
• Familiarity with interconnection, site constraints, and permitting considerations
• Understanding of construction methods and cost drivers in utility-scale solar
• Strong commercial awareness balancing technical and financial drivers
• Proficient in AutoCAD, MS Word/Excel/Outlook; PVcase, Pvsyst, Procore preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop conceptual utility-scale PV & BESS system designs, including site layouts (PVcase), single-line concepts, and alignment with project specs, codes, and performance targets
• Review client dataroom, RFP requirements, and site constraints to create actionable design criteria, identifying risks and optimization opportunities early in the pursuit phase
• Evaluate and iterate multiple design scenarios to optimize cost, schedule, energy yield, and constructability, balancing technical performance with commercial competitiveness
• Develop material takeoffs, equipment selections, and technical inputs to support accurate and competitive EPC estimates
• Collaborate cross-functionally with civil, structural, electrical, procurement, and construction teams
• Engage with OEMs, subcontractors, and vendors to support technical evaluations and pricing
• Develop clear Basis of Design (BOD) documentation for handoff to detailed engineering
• Identify and clearly communicate design intent, tradeoffs, risks, opportunities, and value engineering recommendations to internal stakeholders, clients, and external partners
• Stay current with industry trends, technologies, codes, and best practices

Skills

AutoCAD

PV/BESS design

Systems thinking

Bid management

Communication

Team collaboration

Continual improvement

Positive attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Tools

PVcase

Pvsyst

Procore

SharePoint

AutoCAD

Job description

CoVolt Power in Houston, TX seeks a high-impact Preconstruction Engineer to lead conceptual design and early-stage engineering for utility-scale PV and BESS projects. You will shape EPC estimates, coordinate with estimating, procurement, and field teams, and set projects up for downstream success.

Responsibilities include optimizing site layouts, PVcase-based designs, and Basis of Design documentation, evaluating design scenarios, and communicating risks and value engineering opportunities to