Director of Engineering

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:

• 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

Requirements:

• 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