Senior Project Manager

Qcells USA Corp.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Project Manager to oversee the execution of large-scale solar and energy storage projects. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and strong leadership skills, ensuring that projects meet industry standards and safety regulations. You will be the primary liaison for stakeholders, fostering collaboration and communication throughout the project lifecycle. This dynamic position offers the opportunity to mentor a talented team while driving innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. If you're passionate about sustainability and project management, this is the perfect role for you.

Benefits

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

401(k) Plan

Paid Time Off

Flexible Work Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Remote Work Options

Employee Discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in project management for high voltage substations.
• Proven track record in managing complex capital projects.
• Relevant industry certifications like PMP are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of utility-scale solar and energy storage projects.
• Manage project stakeholders and ensure transparent communication.
• Foster a culture of continuous learning and mentor team members.

Skills

Project Management

High-Voltage Systems

Energy Storage Systems

Solar PV Projects

Risk Management

Team Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

MBA (preferred)

Tools

MS Office Suite

ProCore

Primavera P6

AutoCAD

Job description

Description

Title: Senior Project Manager
Department:Project Management
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: VP, Head of EPC Control
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time

Work Status: Hybrid

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

The Senior Project Manager will play a pivotal role in the planning, design, and execution of high-voltage substations, utility-scale PV, and BESS projects. This position demands technical expertise, project management proficiency, and a commitment to industry standards and safety. The Senior Project Manager will be the primary liaison for all project stakeholders, ensuring transparent communication and fostering solid relationships. Additionally, this role strongly emphasizes mentoring team members, promoting a culture of continuous learning, and identifying professional development opportunities. Proactive risk management, safety assurance, and regulatory compliance throughout the project lifecycle are integral to the position.

This position reports to the VP, Head of EPC Control, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. It is a hybrid position, working out of your home office and traveling to project sites. Working hours are Monday through Friday, ranging from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. As necessary, you may be required to work overtime and on weekends. Travel, up to 30% of the time, is expected.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead theplanning, design, and executionof utility-scale solar and energystorageprojects, ensuringprecision and adherencetoindustrystandards.
• Manage constructionprojectsof solar and energystoragesitesof 150MW ormore, with a deepunderstandingofcriticalequipment such as power inverters, batteryracks, and BMS systems, alongwithvoltage-specificrequirements.
• Manage E&C teamactivitiesforpreconstruction, construction, startup, and commissioningphases, includingscopesofwork (SOW), projectestimates, engineering design, technical due diligence, permittingactivities, and milestoneadvancement, providingstrategic and administrative leadership.
• Act astheprimaryliaisonfor all projectstakeholders, maintaining transparent and solution-focusedcommunication and collaboration, leadingprojectmeetings, providingtechnicalexplanations, addressingprojectrisks, facilitatingfeedback, and deliveringfinancialupdates.
• Prioritizeresources and makedecisionsbased on a profoundunderstandingofproject, financial, and milestoneobjectives.
• Proactively manage project-relatedrisks, ensuringthehighestsafety and regulatorycompliancelevelsthroughouttheprojectlifecycle.
• Foster a cultureofcontinuouslearningwithintheteam, identifying professional developmentopportunities and mentoringteammemberstoenhancetheirskills and capabilities.
• Manage subcontractors and equipment supplier obligations, workingcloselywithProcurement, includingcontractnegotiations, trackingdeliverables, schedules, cash flow, changeorders, and disputeresolutionwhennecessary.
• Coordinate, review, contributeto, and participate in detailedengineeringproject design reviewsfocused on voltage-specific and equipment-relatedaspects, includingelectricalengineering and energyassessment, toensurecompliancewith all standards, regulations, and requirements.
• Demonstrateproficiency in strategiccontract and financialmanagementforsourcing, contractnegotiations, and budgetmanagement.
• Collaboratewithsafety, QA/QC, and environmental teamstointegratetheirgoals and requirements, promoting a cultureofcontinuousimprovementacrossthesefunctions.
• Enforcesafetystandards and protocolstoensure a safe workingenvironmentfor all teammembers.
• Manage QA/QC requirementsrigorouslytoensurethehigheststandardsofworkquality on all projects.
• Coordinateactivities, schedules, material procurement, projectlogistics, and temporaryfacilityplanswiththeprojectmanager and fieldstaff.
• Review and approvematerials/equipmentforElectrical/Mechanical/Structuralsystems.
• Employexceptionalskills in workingwith and overseeingsubcontractorstoensuretheycompleteworktospecification, on time, and withinbudget.
• Scrutinizecontracts and technicaldocuments, emphasizingelectricalcodes and equipmentstandardsfor large-scale BESS sites, substations, and transmissionlines.
• Assist in developingestimatesforsubstations, transmissionlines, PV, and BESS projects, includingcostidentification and tracking.
• Preparecostreportsindicatingestimatedcosts, revenues, and projecttimelines.
• Adheretothecompany'sattendancepolicyas an essential jobdutyrequirement.
• Undertakeotherduties and specialprojectstheDirectorof Core Projects assigns.
• Collaboratewith an international teamofspecialists and activelyparticipate in projectdevelopment.
• Manage utility-scale battery energy storage systems, solar, substations, and transmission lines with demonstrated experience.
• Possess a deepunderstandingofenergymarkets, interconnectionprocedures, and regulatorycompliance.
• Exhibitcomprehensiveknowledgeofthetechnologiesemployed in high-voltagebatteryenergystoragesystems, solar farms, transmissionlines, and substations.
• Lead thedevelopment, design, and executionofconstructionprojectsinvolvingsubstations (69kV-500kV), BESS (40MW+), and solar PV (150MW+) projects.
• Demonstrate expertise in the installation of battery modules (LG, Samsung, CATL), power conversion systems (PCS) (SMA, Siemens, Power Electronics), medium voltage transformers, primary step-up transformers, GIS switchgear, STATCOMs, all with varying voltage ratings (69kV-500kV).
• Manage the Balance of Plant (BoP), encompassing all peripheral systems and components, including HVAC, fire suppression, grounding systems, electrical cabling, power transformers, auxiliary transformers, transmission lines, circuit breakers, switchgear, surge arresters, and electrical busbars.
• Lead theprocessforsubstations, large-scale BESS, and PV sites, ensuringsystemintegrity, safety, and compliancewith all relevant government and localcodes.
• Coordinate and execute Operational Acceptance Tests (OAT), Start-Up procedures, and Functional Acceptance Tests (FAT).
• Ensurestrictadherenceto relevant standards and electricalcodes such as IBC, NFPA 855 2020, CEC, CFC, IEEE, NABCP, NEMA, NEC, NESC, OSHA, and UL on all projects.
• Possess a strong understandingof SCADA systemsformonitoring and controllingenergysystems.
• Preferablyhaveexperience in power systemanalysis, distribution, fault calculations, protectioncoordination, and arcflashstudies.
• Monitor projectcosts and forecasts, providingregularreportstouppermanagement.
• Excel in developing and reviewingprojectschedules, costestimates, billsofmaterials (BOM), budgets, scopesofwork (SOW), and projectstandards.
• Inspire and guide teams while possessing excellent problem-solving skills and a proven track record of successfully executing complex utility-scale projects.
• Exhibitexceptional Leadership and managementskills, withtheabilitytodirect multiple teamsacrossvariousprojects.
• Develop and implementstrategicgoalsthatalignwiththecompany'svision.
• Manage a teamof Assistant Project Managers and Construction Managers.
• Actively support and mentorteammemberstoenhanceteamperformance, fostering a cultureofcontinuouslearning and professional growth.
• Identify training opportunities and facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions.
• Overseetheplanning, execution, and deliveryof large-scaleprojects, ensuringtheyarecompleted on time and withinbudget.
• Serveastheprimaryliaisonfor all projectstakeholders, includingequipmentsuppliers and regulatorybodies, ensuringclearcommunication and effectiverelationshipmanagement.
• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with complex utility-scale projects, prioritizing safety and compliance at all stages.
• Manage and nurturerelationshipswithsubcontractors, vendors, consultants, and partners.
• Implement and advocateforcontinuousimprovementstrategiestailoredtotheintricaciesofconstructionprojects.
• Collaboratewith Project Managers, Procurement, Engineering, Safety, QA/QC, Logistics, Suppliers, and otherteammemberstoensureseamlessprojectexecution.
• Prepare reports and communicate progress to Leadership as required and provide updates to project Owners during weekly meetings.
• Perform otherduties and specialprojects, asassignedby Management.
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related engineering science and an MBA is preferred with a minimum of 8 years of experience OR
• Possess a minimum of 15 years of experience managing high voltage substations, PV, BESS projects, or similar significantly complicated capital projects, with a proven track record of successfully completing projects. A minimum of 5 years of PV or BESS project experience is preferred.
• Hold relevant industry certifications or licenses, such as PMP or Professional Engineer (PE) license, which would be highly desirable.
• Have independently overseen multi-million dollar projects.
• Exhibit a proven ability to lead and mentor diverse project teams.
• Preferably, have international experience, including time spent abroad.
• Be assertive, adaptable to dynamic environments, a team player, and willing to travel.
• Showcase a demonstrated ability in project management, including development, planning, installation, and execution.
• Possess experience in permitting processes with local authorities.
• Fluent in written and spoken English; proficiency in other languages is a plus.
• Exhibit excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Be assertive, capable of handling pressure, and a team player.

• Master project management software and can oversee its organizational implementation for planning, documenting, and executing projects, including but not limited to MS Office Suite, ProCore, Estimation Software, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, AutoCAD, and more.

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 30% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at [e-mail].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

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EmployeeSignatureDate

This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

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