Solar PV Design Engineer

About the role : We are a rapidly growing community solar developer seeking a Solar PV Design Engineer to support the origination, development, and advancement of distributed generation and community solar projects across New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Maryland. This role is focused on development-stage engineering, conceptual design, energy modeling, and project optimization. The successful candidate will work directly with development, interconnection, real estate, and project execution teams to evaluate new opportunities, maximize project value, and reduce development risk. Unlike a traditional EPC engineering role, this position emphasizes site feasibility analysis, conceptual layouts, PVsyst modeling, utility coordination, and strategic project development support rather than detailed construction engineering. The ideal candidate is comfortable evaluating multiple sites simultaneously, making design recommendations with limited information, and supporting investment decisions throughout the project development lifecycle. This position is classified as remote, with candidates expected to work east coast (EST) business hours. Key Responsibilities: Site Feasibility & Conceptual Design Develop conceptual site layouts for community solar projects throughout the development process. Evaluate greenfield and brownfield sites for solar development suitability. Identify and quantify development constraints including environmental setbacks, wetlands, topography, floodplains, utility easements, zoning requirements, and access considerations. Create optimized layouts that maximize project economics while maintaining constructability and permitting viability. Support land acquisition and origination teams through rapid site assessments and technical due diligence. Energy Modeling & Project Optimization Develop and maintain bankable energy production models using PVsyst. Perform sensitivity analyses evaluating equipment selection, tracker configuration, terrain impacts, row spacing, and system losses. Support project financing and investment decisions through production forecasting and technical analysis. Continuously optimize project designs to improve energy yield, project returns, and overall portfolio value. Utility & Interconnection Support Support utility interconnection applications and technical reviews. Coordinate with utilities, consultants, and engineering partners throughout the interconnection process. Maintain familiarity with community solar utility requirements and interconnection processes across major development markets including New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Maryland. Development Engineering Provide technical support to development teams throughout the project lifecycle. Review surveys, environmental reports, geotechnical studies, and utility documentation. Coordinate with civil, structural, and electrical engineering consultants as projects advance through development. Support permitting efforts through preparation of technical exhibits, site plans, and engineering documentation. Assist with project budgeting, preliminary engineering cost estimates, and development risk assessments. Cross-Functional Collaboration Partner closely with Development, Real Estate, Interconnection, Finance, and Construction teams. Present technical recommendations that support project investment decisions. Support a growing pipeline of projects at varying stages of development. Contribute to continuous improvement of development engineering standards, tools, and workflows. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or related technical discipline. 1–5 years of experience supporting solar PV project design or development. Experience with community solar, distributed generation, or utility-scale solar projects. Strong proficiency in PVsyst. Working knowledge of AutoCAD. Understanding of utility interconnection processes and solar development workflows. Ability to evaluate sites and make design recommendations with limited information. Preferred Qualifications Experience supporting projects in New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, or Maryland. Experience designing AgPV projects. Knowledge of NYSERDA NY-Sun, Illinois Shines, Massachusetts SMART, and Maryland Community Solar programs. Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Why Join Us: This role provides a unique opportunity to influence project development decisions from the earliest stages of project origination through construction. The successful candidate will play a critical role in shaping a growing portfolio of community solar assets while working alongside experienced development professionals in one of the fastest-growing segments of the renewable energy industry.