Solar Development Engineering Manager

-; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Independent Power Producer is seeking a Solar Development Engineering Manager to lead engineering efforts for utility-scale solar projects. This role involves managing project design, cost estimation, and interconnection analysis. Candidates should have strong technical and commercial experience in solar energy systems. The position offers a hybrid work environment and competitive benefits, including health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k) with matching

Employee Assistance Program

Flexible Spending Account

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Parental Leave

Attractive Bonus Potential

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years relevant work experience.
• Experience managing projects from design through construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering support for solar projects nationwide.
• Oversee technical evaluation and due diligence for project acquisitions.
• Prepare technical reports and conduct analysis for process improvements.

Skills

Project Management

Technical Expertise

Cost Estimation

Risk Mitigation

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

ArgGIS

PVCase

PVSyst

Job description

Job Description:

Overview:

Deriva Energy is a leading Independent Power Producer in the US renewables market, with over 6.5GW of operating or under construction wind, solar, and storage projects across the country. Formerly a division of Duke Energy, Deriva is now backed by Brookfield Renewable and is poised for dynamic growth across its wind, solar, and storage portfolios. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation, envisioning a future of energy independence through resilient, carbon-free generation. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving renewable energy industry. Deriva empowers customers with innovative clean energy solutions that strengthen communities and serve future generations.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Development Engineering, the Solar Development Engineering Manager is responsible for leading engineering and technical scope for greenfield and M&A solar projects. This role involves managing internal and external personnel to provide optimized plant designs, cost estimates, interconnection analysis, and schedules for utility-scale solar projects. Applicants are expected to have strong technical and commercial experience with utility-scale solar energy systems, along with a solid understanding of project estimating, project management, and utility interconnection.

Responsibilities:

1. Lead engineering support for solar projects modeling, construction, and interconnection for utility-scale non-regulated projects nationwide.
2. Lead capital cost estimating, contract structuring, permitting, interconnection, use-case analysis, and financial optimization of solar projects.
3. Oversee technical evaluation and due diligence for potential project acquisitions, ensuring thorough assessment and mitigation of technical risks.
4. Utilize knowledge of renewable energy facilities, utility interconnection requirements, control schemes, and energy contracting to evaluate, identify, and mitigate commercial risks associated with proposed project designs.
5. Coordinate with internal stakeholders including Development, Finance, Marketing, Project Management, Construction, Supply Chain, IT, and Health & Safety.
6. Manage third-party consultants across the full development process, including due diligence, site control, legal, interconnection, community and government affairs, permitting, marketing, construction support, and project finance.
7. Provide engineering and technical expertise to analyze and resolve complex problems at a corporate or industry level.
8. Ensure achievement of business goals through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling, and monitoring of activities.
9. Prepare technical reports, documentation, calculations, and sketches, and conduct analysis to recommend process improvements and standards.
10. Lead high-impact, complex projects, applying extensive technical expertise to manage and disseminate knowledge to enhance the company's competitiveness.

Basic/Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• Minimum of five (5) years relevant work experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Masters or P.E. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Civil engineering preferred.
• At least seven (7) years of relevant experience, including over two years in EPC for solar and/or energy storage projects.
• Experience managing projects from design through construction.
• Knowledge of project design, market trends, equipment suppliers, and costs.
• Understanding of project financing and independent engineer requirements.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating EPC contracts and technical exhibits.
• Proven ability to manage consultants and contractors.
• Knowledge of US and IEC equipment standards, codes, and practices.
• Experience with solar design tools like AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArgGIS, PVCase, and performance modeling tools like PVSyst.
• Experience with permitting processes with local authorities is preferred.

Working Conditions:

This role is based at the Deriva Headquarters in Charlotte, NC, with hybrid work arrangements and up to 15-25% travel.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with matching
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Parental Leave
• Attractive Bonus Potential

Additional Information:

Applicants must be authorized to work in the US; sponsorship is not available. We welcome veterans and promote diversity. Deriva is an Equal Opportunity Employer.