Senior Field Engineer, Construction

Planted Solar; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 paid company holidays

Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-paid in-office lunches

Stock options

Medical, vision, and dental benefits

Job summary

Planted Solar in Oakland is looking for a detail-oriented Senior Field Engineer to manage the installation of solar arrays. You will oversee subcontractors, ensure quality and efficiency during installation, and maintain project reporting.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in the field and a strong understanding of solar construction. We offer a competitive salary of $130,000 - $170,000, stock options, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in clean energy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in field engineering and solar construction.
• Extremely high attention to detail and a keen eye for defects.
• Experience working with construction contractors and field labor.

Responsibilities

• Manage installation of commercial- and utility-scale solar arrays.
• Train contractors on array installation methods.
• Oversee subcontractors and report on project status.

Skills

Field engineering

Solar construction

Attention to detail

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Energy is the binding constraint on human progress. Solar and storage are the lowest cost sources of new generation, but the conventional project delivery model has not changed in 30 years and deployment cannot keep pace with demand.

Planted is the execution layer between a parcel of land and a powered facility. We digitize sites, optimize designs, and deploy robots to build the lowest cost and fastest new power systems at the speed of manufacturing.

We’re expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators who want to accelerate that transition. Come take ownership of large parts of our product, company, and business development as we help power the world with 100% clean and abundant energy.

About The Role

Planted Solar is seeking a detail-oriented and execution-focused Senior Field Engineer to manage the successful installation of Planted’s commercial- and utility-scale solar arrays. The Senior Field Engineer serves as Planted’s onsite technical authority, providing oversight and management of our subcontractors to ensure their execution aligns with our engineering designs. This role is key to project success, requiring someone with a high attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality project installation.

This role will be responsible for training Planted’s subcontractors on our array installation methods and ensuring project execution from project mobilization through testing and final completion. Throughout the installation process, the Senior Field Engineer will maintain a regular on-site presence and will work with Planted’s subcontractors to identify areas for efficiency, safety, and QC improvements. This role will act as Planted’s first-in-line point of contact for subcontractors while onsite. You will also be responsible for detailed reporting throughout construction and ensuring effective subcontractor reporting methods.

You will operate cross functionally, liaising with Project Managers, Engineers, and the Procurement team to ensure project execution that aligns with project schedule and engineering and material procurement specs.

The salary range for this full-time position is $130,000 - $170,000 plus stock options and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 5+ years of relevant experience.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain a high standard for installation excellence of Planted projects and ensure successful project delivery
• Train contractors and EPCs on Planted’s array installation, quality control methods, and specific reporting methods
• Observe installation processes and collaborate with contractors to address inefficiencies or safety concerns
• Collect, input, and report construction status and installation/QC data
• Utilize Planted software, along with spreadsheets and other methods, to maintain correct and up-to-date project status and data
• Work with contractors to identify more efficient ways to install Planted systems
• Create and update installation documentation including manuals, videos, QC checklists, and other reference material
• Plan and prepare Planted tools and equipment required for installation
• Work with supply chain team to identify and report material defects during construction
• Develop a deep understanding of Planted’s post installation machines, failure modes, and impact to array construction
• Act as Planted first-in-line point of contact for subcontractors while onsite
• Work with Planted’s Field Robotics Engineering (FRE) team and subcontractors to establish efficient build plan

QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years experience in field engineering and solar construction
• Understanding of mechanical and electrical concepts relevant to solar arrays
• Extremely high attention to detail. Keen eye for defects and discrepancies
• Experience working with construction contractors and field labor
• Willing to travel 75%, up to 2 week stays in field
• Experience interpreting and communicating information on construction drawings
• Strong foresight ability to predict and plan for potential issues that may impede construction, e.g. safety, quality, or efficiency
• Excellent communication and extreme organization
• Driven and outcome-oriented; able to navigate complex project dynamics
• Hands-on attitude, strong ownership mentality, and resourcefulness
• Inquisitive and not afraid to speak up to get necessary information or input
• Eagerness to navigate ambiguity and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge
• Desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment
• Located in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate. When not traveling, this role requires working on-site at our Oakland headquarters.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in utility scale solar construction management and oversight
• OSHA 10 or 30 Certification

*A note on qualifications: Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Travel: Willingness to travel to project sites up to 75% of the time, including overnight stays of up to two weeks.
• Mobility: Ability to stand and walk for 8+ hours a day on unpaved, uneven construction terrain. Requires frequent bending, crouching, and safely climbing ladders or scaffolding.
• Lifting: Ability to safely lift 50lbs, carry, and maneuver field equipment.
• Outdoor Environments: Capacity to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, direct sun, cold, rain) and within active construction zones involving dust and heavy machinery.
• Safety Compliance: Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including hard hats and steel-toed boots, for extended durations.

What We Offer

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid in-office lunches
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
• 401(k)
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate

This will be a great fit if:

• You want to solve challenging problems
• You are biased towards action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
• You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
• You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
• You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
• You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.