Job Description:

The Manager of Project Engineering will lead the technical development and execution of fully integrated distributed-generation solar projects. This IC4-level role applies advanced engineering knowledge and independent judgment to resolve complex design, constructability, product-interface, and delivery issues across multiple disciplines. The role will establish scalable engineering standards, guide project-engineering methods, influence cross-functional decisions, and develop the team and processes needed to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and constructible solutions.

The Manager of Project Engineering will be based in Fremont, California. In this position, you will report to the Manager of Project Engineering based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Here is a glimpse of what you will do
• Lead and develop a team of project engineers supporting fully integrated distributed-generation solar projects ranging from 5 MW to 30 MW.
• Provide advanced technical direction for tracker layouts, CAD blocks, mechanical design packages, electrical designs, eBOS designs, and construction plan sets.
• Independently evaluate site information, customer design inputs, technical requirements, codes, standards, and project constraints to determine appropriate engineering approaches.
• Lead the selection and configuration of products based on site conditions, constructability, project economics, performance requirements, and customer needs.
• Perform or direct topographic, hydrologic, geotechnical, civil, structural, and electrical interface reviews to support tracker placement and integrated project design.
• Resolve complex design interfaces among trackers, foundations, inverters, eBOS equipment, modules, civil works, and other system components.
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of engineering standards, design procedures, templates, technical guidelines, and review criteria for the OneSource™ program.
• Establish methods and procedures for new or nonstandard assignments and guide the application of engineering principles across projects and regions.
• Partner with structural, geotechnical, civil, electrical, product, manufacturing, construction, and operations teams to develop practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Lead value-engineering activities that improve project cost, constructability, schedule, reliability, and system performance while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Develop automation tools, engineering workflows, and data-quality practices to reduce manual inputs, improve efficiency, and shorten turnaround times.
• Establish and maintain quality-control processes, technical review procedures, validation requirements, and escalation paths for engineering deliverables.
• Influence product releases, product changes, design improvements, engineering tools, and process-development initiatives through analysis and technical recommendations.
• Coordinate with engineering and project leadership in other regions to align product standards, design changes, procedures, and department-wide initiatives.
• Prioritize engineering resources and assignments based on project risk, business impact, customer commitments, schedule, and team capacity.
• Define and monitor key performance indicators for workload, quality, productivity, responsiveness, technical risk, and professional development.
• Coach, develop, and provide performance feedback to direct reports; support hiring, onboarding, conflict resolution, and succession planning.
• Frequently advise project, product, construction, and functional leaders on complex engineering matters and communicate recommendations to audiences with varying technical backgrounds.
• Promote a culture of technical ownership, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Here is some of what you will need
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field, plus 8-12 years of related experience; or Master's degree plus 6-8 years of related experience; or PhD plus 3-5 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least eight years of progressive engineering experience, including substantial experience in solar, renewable energy, energy infrastructure, or a closely related industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading or coordinating multidisciplinary engineering activities for utility-scale, distributed-generation, or other complex solar projects.
• Experience managing, mentoring, or providing technical leadership to engineers or other technical professionals.
• Advanced understanding of solar project development and execution, including site constraints, tracker layouts, civil and structural interfaces, electrical systems, eBOS, construction documentation, and design deliverables.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement engineering standards, procedures, templates, quality reviews, validation criteria, or other scalable technical processes.
• Experience applying value engineering, constructability reviews, design optimization, risk assessment, and cost or schedule improvement methods.
• Ability to analyze complex issues involving variable factors, determine appropriate methods, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations with limited direction.
• Ability to influence decisions and gain alignment across engineering, product, manufacturing, construction, operations, project management, and geographically distributed teams.
• Thorough knowledge of applicable engineering, drafting, safety, quality, and documentation standards; experience interpreting applicable codes and customer requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Civil 3D; experience with engineering design, project-management, data-analysis, or workflow-automation tools is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, project-management, analytical, problem-solving, and presentation skills.
• Ability to adapt communication style, use persuasion, and explain complex technical matters to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment, manage competing priorities, and remain accountable for quality and delivery commitments.

Preferred Qualifications
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure.
• Experience with solar tracker systems, distributed-generation projects, integrated solar equipment, or the OneSource™ program.
• Experience with engineering automation, workflow standardization, data governance, or enterprise design platforms.
• Experience working with international teams, customers, suppliers, engineering consultants, or construction partners.

Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpowers benefits please view our company website at www.Nextpower.com.

Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, and other job-related considerations. The annual target total cash compensation for this position is $180,000-$200,000, which includes base salary and target commission. Actual compensation may vary based on sales target achievements. This role is also eligible for equity as part of the total compensation package. (Applicable to California)

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