Director of Engineering
Remote
Full Time
Senior Manager/Supervisor
Title: Director of Engineering
Location: Remote (East Coast hours preferred) | Travel to project sites as needed
About Lightstar Renewables:
Lightstar Renewables is a national leader in community solar development. We focus on creating clean, community-centered energy solutions that prioritize responsible land use, long-term partnerships, and access to affordable renewable energy for all.
Position Overview:
We’re seeking an experienced Director of Engineering with a deep knowledge of best design practices on civilly-challenging PV sites to lead and elevate our engineering operations. This is a player-coach role with one direct report, responsible for hands-on conceptual solar layout, production modeling, and third-party engineering oversight. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in assessing conceptual solar designs for civil/electrical buildability, solar industry experience (especially on the East Coast), and a collaborative, mentoring leadership style.
Key Responsibilities:
Location: Remote (East Coast hours preferred) | Travel to project sites as needed
About Lightstar Renewables:
Lightstar Renewables is a national leader in community solar development. We focus on creating clean, community-centered energy solutions that prioritize responsible land use, long-term partnerships, and access to affordable renewable energy for all.
Position Overview:
We’re seeking an experienced Director of Engineering with a deep knowledge of best design practices on civilly-challenging PV sites to lead and elevate our engineering operations. This is a player-coach role with one direct report, responsible for hands-on conceptual solar layout, production modeling, and third-party engineering oversight. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in assessing conceptual solar designs for civil/electrical buildability, solar industry experience (especially on the East Coast), and a collaborative, mentoring leadership style.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead conceptual solar layouts, production modeling, and verification of buildability (50%)
- Consult with Development Team to develop conceptual site layouts that balance buildability, potential incorporation of AgPV, and local requirements.
- Learn and maintain relevant knowledge of national codes and standards as applied to renewable energy system projects
- Read, interpret, and understand all project documentation, such as zoning and permitting requirements, local codes, and standards, to produce design solutions to meet the requirements
- Create conceptual plans that include project constraints and other applicable site data to use for design purposes
- Production of engineering plan sets and details using AutoCAD design software
- Production of Production Estimates in PVSyst
- Serve as primary interface with third-party engineering firms and diligence partners (30%)
- Understand Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs) and verify that 3rd Party deliverables follow local standards for land disturbance
- Perform CAD support in drafting, addressing markups
- Review reports conducted for projects to ensure compliance and determine impacts on the site design
- Manage, mentor, and support a small team while establishing best practices (20%)
- Manage and lead the civil engineering team, including assigning tasks, balancing workload, mentoring staff, and ensuring team performance meets project goals
- Train junior staff on design and plan creation
- Drawing and deliverables QA/QC
- Delegate work to civil staff to maintain all project schedules and balance workload
- 5+ years in solar engineering with a strong civil and buildability focus
- Expert in AutoCAD and PVsyst including in-depth knowledge of Production Estimate inputs and ability to defend assumptions
- East Coast solar build experience preferred
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder
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