Description

Title: Civil Engineer - Level 2
Department: Engineering Center
Location: Irvine, CA
Super visor: Manager of Civil / Structural Engineering
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full -Time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Remote

SUMMARY

The Civil Engineer Level 2 is responsible for supporting detailed site development, grading optimization, hydrology modeling, and permitting compliance for utility-scale solar and BESS projects. This role requires hands-on experience in site design, foundation engineering, stormwater drainage, erosion control planning, and geotechnical assessments.

The Civil Engineer 2 will work closely with senior engineers, permitting teams, and construction managers to refine civil engineering strategies, optimize site layouts, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

This position offers an opportunity to expand technical skills in hydrology modeling, site grading, permitting approvals, and construction feasibility analysis, supporting project execution from development through construction. This position reports to the Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the company may designate . This position reports to the Irvine, CA office but will maintain a remote schedule of working out of their home office. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Civil Site Design & Development

• Assist in developing grading and drainage plans, ensuring cut/fill balance optimization for large-scale solar and BESS sites.
• Support stormwater management design, including runoff calculations, sediment control planning, and erosion prevention measures.
• Conduct geotechnical investigations, evaluating soil stability, compaction, and foundation feasibility for racking and battery installations.
• Assist in foundation engineering, working on pile designs, slab foundations, and soil-structure interaction analysis.
• Develop road layouts, access driveways, and site drainage solutions to support efficient project construction and operations.

2. Technical Engineering Support & Compliance

• Work with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS software to develop site layouts, topographic maps, and grading models.
• Perform hydrology calculations and drainage modeling, ensuring compliance with SWPPP, NEPA, and local permitting requirements.
• Support land permitting efforts, preparing documentation for stormwater permits, grading approvals, and environmental impact assessments.
• Ensure project compliance with civil engineering regulations, zoning laws, and environmental guidelines.

3. Project Execution & Coordination

• Collaborate with electrical and structural engineers to align site layouts with interconnection requirements and racking system placements.
• Support QA/QC reviews of civil engineering plans, ensuring designs align with EPC constructability and cost-efficiency requirements.
• Work with contractors and construction teams to resolve site challenges, refine grading plans, and adjust foundation designs based on field conditions.
• Engage with permitting agencies and environmental consultants to streamline project approvals and compliance reporting.

4. Leadership & Professional Development

• Provide technical support and guidance to entry-level engineers and drafters, assisting with best practices in grading design, site development, and stormwater modeling.
• Participate in industry research and training programs, staying up to date on advancements in site optimization, geotechnical innovations, and regulatory changes affecting large-scale solar and BESS projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years of experience in civil site design, land development, and stormwater engineering.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Experience with permitting processes, site grading, and foundation design for renewable energy projects.
• Software Skills:
  • AutoCAD, Civil 3D (Intermediate proficiency ).
  • GIS tools for topography and hydrology analysis.
• Certifications:
  • NABCEP PV Associate, EIT, or FE (Preferred).

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)
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department

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.

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

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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