Solar Development Engineer

Nenni and Associates • Remote (Open) • 11m ago

About Us:
Our group is an energy transition partner dedicated to accelerating the transformation of the built environment into a productive, resilient, climate-adapted extension of the grid. We achieve this by partnering with utilities and building owners to offer program management, project implementation, and financing services to our partners' customers. Together, we are shaping a more equitable, resilient, and sustainable energy future.
Position Summary:
Our group is hiring a solar engineer / subject matter expert to join our Project Development Engineering team as a Project Development Engineer. This role involves providing design, application, and consulting services to our Commercial Solutions team, utility partners, and customers throughout the project development lifecycle—from early conceptual designs to fully engineered drawings, scopes, and pricing. The chosen candidate will serve as our group’s solar SME, offering technical expertise and guidance directly to our partners, customers, and vendors through external meetings, presentations, engineering assessments, and feasibility studies. Additionally, they will support our Project Delivery team during and after project implementation.

This position reports directly to the Director of Project Development and collaborates cross-functionally with various internal teams, including Program Management, Commercial Solutions, Vendor Management, and Project Delivery. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and demonstrates strong communication and technical skills.
Location
Our group operates fully remotely nationwide, with applicants required to be based in the United States, preferably the continental US. This role involves up to 30% travel within the US to customer offices and project sites, with proximity to a major airport strongly preferred. Occasional travel to Washington, DC, and/or other US cities for team or company gatherings to foster collaboration, learn about our business, and contribute to our company culture is expected.

Key Responsibilities:

Consult on the design, development, scope definition, and pricing of solar PV and battery storage projects for commercial and industrial customers.
Collaborate closely with the Commercial Solutions team to understand project goals, challenges, and requirements, developing technical solutions to meet these objectives.
Generate high-level cost estimates to qualify early-stage project opportunities better—conduct site surveys or energy audits, analyze system designs and energy usage data, and make preliminary equipment selections.
Conduct feasibility studies on customer sites, evaluating energy audits and assessing the technical viability and suitability of solar PV installations.
Perform engineering assessments for proposed customer projects, ensuring that asset lifecycle meets their goals and budget.
Design and size solar PV systems as needed—review system layouts and site blueprints, equipment specifications, and perform engineering calculations to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Consult on the selection of asset vendors and subcontractors, providing technical and practical insight during the bid process.
Provide consultative engineering services to customers and utility partners, including preparing technical reports and supporting presentation materials.
Coordinate timely and accurate data handoffs among multiple internal stakeholders across Program Management, Commercial Solutions, Financial Solutions, Legal, and Delivery teams.
Support project implementation and post-implementation processes as required, providing historical data and technical consultations to Project Management, Construction, and Customer Experience teams.
Represent Our group and/or our partner in front of customers, facility managers, subcontractors, vendors, and other external parties, ensuring a positive and professional experience for all stakeholders.
Apply expertise and lessons learned to develop standard operating procedures, tools, processes, and other operations within Our group, contributing to our continued growth and success.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

3+ years of project development engineering experience in clean energy, resilience, and/or energy efficiency sectors, including knowledge of project risks, key stakeholders, market incentives, and customer value propositions.
Technical expertise in solar panels, battery storage, and thermal storage—specifically in commercial-scale and/or industrial-scale projects.
Experience in utility, ESCO, energy management, or construction industries.
Working knowledge of relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., ASHRAE, LEED, Energy Star).
Demonstrated analytical abilities with a keen attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to effectively translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences through written reports, documents, and verbal presentations.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously, with a demonstrated ability to switch contexts efficiently.
Skilled in making sound, defensible decisions with incomplete information.
Ability to build and maintain long-term, trusting relationships.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications:

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Energy Management, Environmental Science, or related technical field.
Experience with rooftop, ground mount, and carport Solar PV design and installation.
Relevant professional certifications, such as NABCEP PV Design Specialist (PVDS), PV Installation Professional (PVIP) Certification, or similar.
Proficiency in solar energy modeling software (e.g., PV Watts, Helioscope, Energy Toolbase, Xendee) and data analysis tools (e.g., Python, R, Excel).
Competency in software and cloud-based information management tools, including Salesforce, GSuite, and other project management tools.
Dedication to our mission at Our group and a passion for combating climate change.

Benefits:

Competitive compensation and stock option plans—we believe in shared ownership.
Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance, as well as disability and life insurance.
Flexible vacation policy encouraging ~4 weeks of paid time off, plus all federal holidays observed.
8 weeks of gender-neutral paid leave for caregivers and additional 4 weeks for birthing parents.
One-time work-from-home stipend to cover remote office setup needs.
Monthly $100 allowance for phone and WiFi expenses.