Senior Solar Project Development Engineer

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we're building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We're making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we're going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a Senior Solar Project Development Engineer to our growing Distributed Energy Renewables (DER) National division. In this position, you will mentor and manage direct reports while simultaneously taking the engineering lead on energy and retrofit development projects, identifying viable applications of Solar & Energy Storage. Additional responsibilities may include:

Team Management

• Demonstrates subject matter leadership in Solar and Energy Storage by staying on the forefront of the technology and working closely with others to deploy knowledge to other departments within the company such as project development, project management, sales and estimating, etc. Collaborates with, plans for, schedules, supervises, delegates, and provides feedback to members of energy engineering team.

• Trains and mentors energy engineering staff.

• Coordinates equipment selections with energy engineering team.

• Coordinates with Program Managers to develop the scope of work.

• Assists in planning and leading training sessions for design staff.

• Act as steward of McKinstry culture; communicate and influence policies and procedures.

Project Management

• Generate Solar and Energy storage conceptual designs that meet client needs.

• Determine potential performance enhancements and provide specific recommendations to eliminate system malfunction.

• Provide detailed systems analysis of complex systems

• Perform energy calculations, existing building baselining/logging, and identify opportunities to deploy renewable energy.

• Develop strategies, goals and objectives specific to project execution.

• Support other Energy Engineer's and Project Energy Engineer's in determining the right technical approach for evaluating complex renewable energy solutions.

• Encourage and facilitate innovation amongst the broader team in identifying renewable energy solutions.

• Work with the Program Manager and Project Director to establish budgets for the investment grade audit phase.

• Facilitate and structure Project Risk Reviews for Energy Calculations prior to presenting ROM or Final savings.

• Work closely with the Performance Assurance Specialist in developing the Measurement and Verification Process and Protocols to be used for performance validation.

• Establish Key Performance Indicators, and Key factors to be used in the Measurement and Verification Phase.

Business Development

• Develop new methods for improving energy calculation templates to increase efficiency and accuracy.

• Retrofit projects that target the existing mechanical system problems and improve comfort, maintainability, reliability and system longevity.

• Develop practical solutions based on sound engineering design principals.

• Work with the Business Development and Program Management staff to establish tactical solutions and strategic sales approach for project proposals

Communication

• Collaborates with national Renewable Energy platform and maintains design best practices including: Design Standards, Standardized Details and Standardized Materials processes.

• Prepare presentations to clients to convey technical information on findings, recommendations and solutions.

• Communicate with local utility representatives to assist in facilitation of utility applications, interconnection, rebates, and incentives.

• Provide sales support in meetings.

• Facilitate Peer to Peer outreach for relevant region.

• Act as the lead on communicating technical standards and process improvement on a local and regional level.

• Support the Energy Auditor, Energy Engineer, and Project Energy Engineer on technical decisions and processes.

• Work with Project Director, Program Manager, and Business Development Staff on resource planning and allocation.

• Participate in project ETC's and financial reviews.

Perform other duties as assigned

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite - Word, Excel, Outlook and Visio required; working knowledge of SharePoint preferred.

• Including, but not limited to, Helioscope, PVSyst, Energy Toolbase, CAD, PVWatts, NREL System Advisor Model.

• Must be familiar with industry standard calculation methods including, but not limited to, industry standard modeling programs, shade calculations, soiling calculations, snow soiling calculations.

• Thorough understanding of ESPC Contracting.

• Maintain good understanding of pertinent building and energy codes including National Electric Code, International Fire Code, International Building Code.

• Maintain good understanding of incentive programs and processes.

• 12+ years' experience with Professional Engineer license or 16+ years' experience without certification, at least eight (8) years must be Solar and/or Energy Storage Engineering experience.

• 2-7 years of solar or electrical design experience preferred.

• Working knowledge of estimating preliminary budgets for Solar and Energy Storage projects.

• NABCEP registration preferred.

• LEED AP registration a plus.

• Certified Energy Manger (CEM) certification a plus.

• Master's degree in Renewable Energy and/or Energy specialization a plus.

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you're driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $102,780 - $142,800 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.

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