Utility Scale Civil/Structural Engineer

Knobelsdorff; Minnesota; On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental coverage

HSA contributions

Company-paid life insurance

401(k) with company match

Performance-based incentives

Paid weekly with competitive wages

PTO and holidays

Job summary

Knobelsdorff in Minnesota is seeking a Civil/Structural Designer to advance large-scale solar and BESS projects through design, review, and coordination. You will ensure constructability, quality, and alignment with project objectives.

Lead design progression from preliminary through IFC and construction, collaborate with engineering teams, and perform design reviews at 30%, 90%, and IFC milestones. The role demands hands-on problem-solving and clear communication.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Civil Engineering, or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of experience in solar or power systems design.
• Working knowledge of NEC and renewable energy standards.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, PVCase, and Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving history.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

Responsibilities

• Lead the progression of civil and structural design from preliminary through IFC and construction phases, ensuring deliverables are completed in sequence to support project schedules.
• Review and validate design outputs (grading, stormwater, foundations, racking systems, roads) for alignment with requirements, constructability, and cost expectations.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for civil and structural design and constructability, including grading, drainage, roads, foundations, and geotechnical considerations.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams, external engineering partners, and subcontracted engineers.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Preconstruction, Estimating, Procurement, and Operations teams to align design with execution.
• Conduct structured design reviews at key milestones (30%, 90%, IFC).
• Identify risks, gaps, and inconsistencies in design packages and drive resolution.
• Evaluate design decisions for constructability, installation efficiency, and cost impacts.
• Interface with customers, developers, AHJs, and external engineering firms to align on design approach and requirements.
• Support permitting and regulatory coordination by ensuring compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
• Identify and escalation design-related risks impacting schedule, cost, or constructability.
• Provide technical support during construction and support field issue resolution.

Skills

Strong communication

Organizational skills

Valid driver’s license

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Civil Engineering or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

PVCase

Microsoft Office

Job description

Working at Knobelsdorff

Along with building state‑of‑the‑art projects, we build meaningful careers, lasting opportunities, and teams of dedicated individuals who truly own their work. As a leading turnkey specialty contractor specializing in Automation, Electric, Energy, and Power Services, our team tackles challenging, cutting‑edge projects that provide opportunities to build new skills, confidence, and gain valuable hands‑on experience in a variety of different industries. We tackle industrial electrical installations, advanced automation systems, and renewable energy solutions.

Since our founding as a family‑owned company in 1988, we've grown while staying true to our core values. Starting your career with Knobelsdorff means joining a culture that values your contributions, moves quickly, takes calculated risks, and celebrates team members who step up and own their work.

If you're ready to join a team where your voice matters, your growth is supported, and your impact is celebrated, Knobelsdorff (KE) is the place for you.

Job Description

Purpose

Support the advancement of large‑scale solar and BESS projects through all phases of design by providing technical oversight, coordination, and review of civil and structural deliverables. Assurance of design quality, constructability, and alignment with project objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the progression of civil and structural design from preliminary through IFC and construction phases, ensuring deliverables are completed in sequence to support project schedules.
• Review andvalidatedesign outputs (grading, stormwater, foundations, racking systems, roads) for alignment with requirements, constructability, and cost expectations.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for civil and structural design and constructability, including grading, drainage, roads, foundations, and geotechnical considerations.
• Providetechnical guidance to internal teams, external engineering partners, and subcontracted engineers.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Preconstruction, Estimating, Procurement, and Operations teams to align design with execution.
• Conduct structured design reviews at key milestones (30%, 90%, IFC).
• Identifyrisks, gaps, and inconsistencies in design packages and drive resolution.
• Evaluate design decisions for constructability, installation efficiency, and cost impacts.
• Interface with customers, developers, AHJs, and external engineering firms toalign ondesignapproachand requirements.
• Support permitting and regulatory coordination by ensuring compliance with jurisdictional requirements.
• Identifyand escalation design-related risksimpactingschedule, cost, or constructability.
• Provide technical support during construction and support field issue resolution.

Qualifications

You’re someone who shows up ready to work hard, learn fast, and contribute to a team that takes pride in doing things right. Successful candidates typically bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or equivalent education/experience.
• 1–2 years of experience in solar or power systems design
• Working knowledge of NEC and renewable energy standards
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Bluebeam, PVCase, and Microsoft Office
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving history
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check

Additional Information

Pay Range

We believe in paying for the value you bring to the team, and we aim to be competitive in every market we hire in.

Pay Range: $100,000–$140,000 per year + bonus potential.

Total Rewards Statement

As a full‑time employee at Knobelsdorff, you'll have access to a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, wellbeing, and future.

• 100% employer‑paid health and dental coverage for employees
• HSA contributions to support your medical expenses
• Company‑paid life insurance and disability coverage
• 401(k) with competitive company match
• Performance‑based incentives
• Paid weekly with competitive wages
• PTO, six paid holidays, and education reimbursement
• Exclusive employee discounts through Working Advantage

We believe your work should be rewarded with more than just a paycheck. At KE, we invest in your total wellbeing.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

• Must be able to sit, stand, kneel, stoop, and walk for long periods
• Must be capable of working in hot, cold, or wet conditions
• Must be physically capable of lifting and carrying up to 80 lbs.
• Must be physically capable of digging and back‑filling trenches

Accessibility: If you need accommodations as part of the employment process, please contact Knobelsdorff Human Resources at 651-923-4970 or email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO)

Knobelsdorff (KE) is an EEO to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

• EEO is the Law (English/Spanish)

KE participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. For more information about E-Verify, please review the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

If you need accommodation during the hiring process, let us know and we’ll work with you.