Commercial Solar Designer
Austin, TX
Corporate – Design /
Full-Time /
On-site
Freedom Solar Power is one of the largest and fastest-growing solar installation companies in the United States. Founded in Austin in 2007, our residential business serves Texas, Colorado, Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia and our commercial business has a nationwide reach. At Freedom Solar Power, our strong reputation in the industry is based on our dedication to quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. The mission is to enable our customers to live more powerfully by harnessing clean, affordable, and reliable energy from the sun. We take great pride in living by these 6 core values:
Pride in Quality Craftsmanship
Go Above and Beyond
Put People First
Have a Humble Heart
Give a Damn
Shoot Straight
Freedom Solar Power is looking for a Commercial Solar Designer. The Commercial Solar Designer is responsible for designing solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems for commercial and industrial projects, typically ranging from 100 kW to 1 MW or larger PV system sizes. The Commercial Solar Designer will be responsible for developing detailed plan sets, specifications, and bills of materials to ensure the system is designed to be safe, reliable, and well-performing.
Essential Functions and Duties:
- Create and edit PV and energy storage system plan set drawings in AutoCAD, typically including a cover page, site plan, roof plan, stringing map, one-line and three-line diagrams, electrical calculations, warning labels, and spec sheets.
- Create bills of materials (BOM) for projects, including all materials needed for installation such as modules, inverters, racking, AC switchgear, monitoring equipment, etc.
- Work with 3rd party design and engineering firms for support with plan sets, structural and electrical engineering, and other support as needed.
- Review site assessment information including photos of the roof, electrical distribution equipment, and structure to design systems. Provide feedback to the site assessment team to continuously improve the process.
- Research AHJ and utility requirements for each project to ensure compliance with their requirements and minimize rejections during the permit and interconnection application process.
- Respond to AHJ and utility rejections when they occur in a timely manner. Able to communicate professionally and effectively with AHJ and utility plan reviewers and engineers and able to speak confidently on technical matters.
- Act as Engineer of Record where possible and support the operation team by providing technical expertise as a subject matter expert on all projects.
- Develop PV system engineering and design specifications in accordance with industry standards, regulations, and stakeholder requirements.
- Help maintain a positive relationship with third-party design and engineering firms; monitor for issues and initiate or report the need for corrective actions where necessary.
- Participate in continuous improvement activities for the Commercial & Industrial solar and storage design and installation processes.
- Report to Commercial Engineering Manager daily and weekly on various design stages.
- Other duties as assigned by Manager.
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s Degree in an Engineering discipline required.
- Minimum of 5 years of design experience in the solar industry; At least 2 years specific to commercial and industrial projects.
- Professional Engineering license preferred.
- NABCEP Board Certification preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Time management and organizational skills.
- Strong communication skills and responsiveness.
- Works with a sense of urgency.
- Likes to solve problems; is creative and resourceful in finding solutions.
- Positive and professional attitude.
- Ability to work well with others.
- Proficient in design, engineering, and calculation software (e.g., AutoCAD, HelioScope, Aurora, PVSyst, Scanifly).
- High level of integrity and ethics.
- Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.
- Ability to adapt to change as processes change to continuously improve.
Physical and Environmental Requirements:
- Light lifting, under 15 lbs; Light carrying, under 15 lbs; Straight pulling; Simple grasping; Walking; Standing; Sitting; Operating office equipment; Operating a motor vehicle; Ability to see; Identify colors; Hearing (with aid); Ability to write; Ability to count; Ability to read; Ability to tell time; Travel by car 10% of the time; Inside; Working closely with others; Working alone.
Freedom Solar Power recognizes that talented people are attracted to companies that provide competitive pay, upward mobility, and an exciting fast-paced culture. For this reason, we offer a growing Benefit Plan that includes the following:
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) Employer Matching
100% Company-Sponsored Short-Term Disability
Weekly Pay Dates, Paid time off, and Company paid holidays
Career advancement opportunities!
