Description

Title: SVP, Engineering

Department: EPC

Location: Houston, TX

Supervisor: COO

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

Work Status : I n-Office

SVP, ENGINEERING

SUMMARY

The SVP, Engineering provides executive leadership over all engineering functions within Qcells USA's EPC business, with accountability for civil, structural, electrical, and mechanical engineering design and delivery across a national portfolio of utility-scale solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role is responsible for engineering strategy, technical standards, design quality, and the performance of internal engineering staff and external engineering partners from project inception through construction completion and commissioning.

Working closely with the EPC leadership team, the SVP, Engineering drives continuous improvement in engineering processes, design efficiency, and technical innovation to support Qcells USA's growth objectives and project execution excellence. This role serves as the senior technical authority for the EPC business and interfaces directly with clients, partners, regulatory bodies, and the Hanwha Qcells global engineering organizatio n. This position is fully on-site, based in our Houston, TX office 5 days a week. standard working hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM local time. T his 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

• Define and execute the engineering strategy for Qcells USA's EPC business, aligning technical standards, design processes, and team capabilities with project portfolio goals and corporate objectives
• Lead, develop, and manage a multidisciplinary engineering organization encompassing civil/structural, electrical, mechanical, and commissioning engineering disciplines across all active projects
• Own overall engineering quality, design accuracy, schedule adherence, and budget performance across the full project portfolio; establish and enforce engineering governance and quality assurance processes
• Drive the development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, design templates, specifications, and best practices for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects
• Oversee the selection, contracting, and performance management of Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) firms, design subcontractors, and specialty engineering consultants
• Partner with Project Management, Procurement, and Construction leadership to ensure engineering deliverables are integrated with project schedules, procurement timelines, and field construction requirements
• Lead technical risk identification and mitigation throughout the project lifecycle, including design reviews, constructability assessments, value engineering, and lessons-learned processes
• Serve as the senior technical escalation point for complex engineering challenges, design conflicts, and field technical issues across active projects
• Support business development activities including technical proposal development, client presentations, due diligence reviews, and design-build scope negotiations
• Interface with utility interconnection authorities, permitting agencies, and third-party independent engineers on technical matters related to project design and regulatory compliance
• Oversee commissioning and startup engineering activities, ensuring systems are designed for safe, reliable, and efficient energy production in accordance with client requirements and applicable standards
• Collaborate with the Hanwha Qcells global engineering and module teams to incorporate proprietary technology, optimize system performance, and align design approaches with global best practices
• Develop and manage the Engineering department budget, including staffing plans, tool and software investments, and external engineering services
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, collaboration, and continuous professional development within the engineering organization
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline; advanced degree preferred
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; multi-state licensure preferred
• Minimum of 1 8 years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 7 years in a senior engineering leadership role within EPC, construction, or energy project environments
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering design and delivery for utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS projects from concept through commercial operation; experience with projects exceeding 100 MWDC
• Deep technical expertise in one or more of the following disciplines: high-voltage electrical systems, civil/geotechnical design for solar sites, BESS integration, or grid interconnection engineering
• Proven ability to build, lead, and develop high-performing engineering teams across multiple concurrent projects and geographies
• Strong experience managing external engineering firms and design subcontractors, including contract negotiation, scope management, and performance oversight
• Familiarity with NEC, NESC, IEC, IEEE, and other applicable codes and standards for utility-scale power generation and energy storage systems
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to present technical content and strategic recommendations to executive leadership, clients, and external stakeholders
• Strong business acumen with the ability to balance technical rigor with commercial priorities in a fast-paced project environment

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