Commercial & Industrial Solar Design Engineer

Location: Ashland, Virginia, United States

Workplace: on_site

Employment Type: full

Description

Solar Energy Solutions East LLC (SESRE)

Department: Engineering / Commercial Solar
Reports To: Engineering Manager or designated leadership
Employment Type: Full Time

Position Summary

The Commercial & Industrial Solar Engineer is responsible for supporting the design, engineering, and development of commercial and industrial solar energy projects. This position works closely with project management, sales, construction, and operations teams to develop technically sound, cost effective solar solutions that meet customer requirements, applicable codes, and project specifications.

The ideal candidate has experience with solar photovoltaic systems, electrical design, system performance analysis, and commercial or industrial construction projects.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Solar System Design and Engineering

• Develop and review commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic system designs.

• Evaluate project sites, electrical infrastructure, roof layouts, and ground mounted installation opportunities.

• Prepare or review electrical drawings, single line diagrams, site layouts, equipment schedules, and engineering documentation.

• Support system sizing, energy production estimates, equipment selection, and performance calculations.

• Assist with determining appropriate solar modules, inverters, electrical components, and mounting systems.

• Ensure designs align with project specifications, applicable building codes, electrical codes, and permitting requirements.

Project Development and Coordination

• Collaborate with commercial solar sales teams to evaluate project feasibility and technical requirements.

• Support preliminary engineering assessments, proposals, budgets, and project cost estimates.

• Coordinate with project managers, electricians, installers, subcontractors, and other stakeholders throughout project development and execution.

• Review project documentation and identify potential design conflicts, technical challenges, or constructability concerns.

• Provide engineering support during installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and project closeout.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Support compliance with applicable National Electrical Code requirements, local building regulations, utility interconnection requirements, and relevant industry standards.

• Review drawings and technical specifications for accuracy and completeness.

• Assist with permitting documentation, utility applications, inspections, and engineering approvals as needed.

• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, installation efficiency, reliability, and safety.

Technical Support

• Provide technical guidance to internal teams regarding solar system design and installation requirements.

• Evaluate equipment specifications, manufacturer documentation, and technical submittals.

• Assist with troubleshooting system design issues and resolving field-related engineering questions.

• Maintain organized engineering records, calculations, drawings, and project documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related field preferred.

• Experience in solar photovoltaic engineering, electrical design, or commercial and industrial energy projects preferred.

• Understanding of photovoltaic systems, inverters, electrical distribution, and solar system components.

• Familiarity with electrical drawings, single line diagrams, site plans, and engineering calculations.

• Knowledge of applicable electrical codes, permitting processes, and utility interconnection requirements.

• Proficiency with relevant engineering and design software, such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, HelioScope, or comparable tools, as applicable to the role.

• Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem solving skills.

• Ability to collaborate across engineering, sales, project management, and construction teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with commercial and industrial solar installations.

• Experience with rooftop and ground mounted photovoltaic systems.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or progress toward licensure, where applicable.

• Experience supporting system commissioning, performance analysis, and utility coordination.

• Familiarity with energy storage systems and integrated renewable energy solutions.

Key Competencies

• Technical accuracy and attention to detail

• Engineering analysis and problem solving

• Project coordination and time management

• Cross functional communication

• Safety and regulatory awareness

• Customer focused technical support

• Commitment to quality and continuous improvement

Work Environment

This position may involve office based engineering work, collaboration with field teams, and occasional visits to project sites, warehouses, or customer facilities. Site visits may require appropriate personal protective equipment and compliance with company safety procedures.

Performance Expectations

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Accuracy and completeness of engineering deliverables

• Timely completion of assigned engineering tasks

• Compliance with applicable technical and regulatory requirements

• Effective coordination with sales, project management, and construction teams

• Responsiveness to technical questions and project issues

• Contribution to project quality, efficiency, and successful execution

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related field preferred.

• Minimum 2–5 years of experience in solar engineering, photovoltaic system design, electrical engineering, or commercial and industrial energy projects preferred.

• Demonstrated understanding of commercial and industrial solar photovoltaic systems, including system design, equipment selection, and performance analysis.

• Knowledge of electrical systems, single line diagrams, construction drawings, and solar installation requirements.

• Familiarity with applicable National Electrical Code (NEC), local building codes, permitting requirements, and utility interconnection standards.

• Proficiency with engineering and solar design software such as AutoCAD, PVsyst, HelioScope, or comparable tools.

• Ability to perform technical calculations, evaluate project feasibility, and identify design or constructability issues.

• Strong analytical, problem solving, organizational, and communication skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with sales, project management, electricians, construction teams, and external engineering partners.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.

• Willingness to travel to project sites as needed.

• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record, if required for site visits.

• Ability to work safely in office, warehouse, and construction site environments and comply with applicable PPE requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing rooftop and ground mounted commercial solar systems.

• Experience with energy storage systems, battery integration, and electrical interconnection.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility for licensure, where applicable.

• Experience supporting inspections, commissioning, troubleshooting, and project closeout.