Solar Project Manager
Solar Foreman / Project Manager
You will serve as the primary on-site leader managing commercial and utility-scale solar PV installations nationwide. This hands-on role gives you complete site ownership to direct subcontractors, solve complex engineering challenges, and ensure high-quality execution from mobilization through commissioning.
The opportunity includes:
- Field & Project Management
- Serve as the primary on-site representative for solar construction projects.
- Manage daily construction activities from mobilization through substantial completion and closeout.
- Direct and coordinate subcontractors, electricians, equipment operators, testing contractors, and other trades.
- Develop and manage daily and weekly work plans to maintain the project schedule.
- Track manpower, production, equipment, deliveries, and overall construction progress.
- Identify schedule risks and field issues early and develop corrective action plans.
- Coordinate site activities with the Project Manager, engineering team, customer, utility, AHJ, and other stakeholders as required.
- Lead daily subcontractor coordination and planning meetings.
- Maintain accurate daily reports, progress photographs, manpower counts, and construction documentation.
- Review subcontractor work against contract scope and identify out-of-scope work or potential change-order conditions.
- Assist with project turnover, punch lists, commissioning, inspections, and final closeout.
- Solar Construction
- Supervise installation of commercial rooftop, carport, and ground-mount PV systems.
- Understand and oversee:
- PV module installation
- Ballasted and mechanically attached rooftop racking
- Ground-mount racking and foundations
- DC string wiring and wire management
- Combiner boxes and DC equipment
- Inverters and power conversion equipment
- AC collection systems
- Disconnects and switchgear
- Transformers
- Underground conduit and trenching
- Grounding and bonding
- Equipment pads and foundations
- Communications and monitoring systems
- Rapid shutdown systems
- Verify equipment installation meets manufacturer requirements, approved drawings, specifications, and applicable codes.
- Understand equipment clearances, mounting requirements, environmental requirements, conduit entry requirements, sealing, drainage, and equipment protection.
- Perform or oversee basic electrical and mechanical troubleshooting.
- Coordinate startup, commissioning, testing, and utility/PTO activities.
- Safety Responsibilities
- Maintain a strong safety culture and enforce all company and site-specific safety requirements.
- Conduct daily pre-task planning and Job Hazard Analysis/JSA meetings.
- Verify subcontractors are following approved safety plans and procedures.
- Identify unsafe conditions and immediately stop work when necessary.
- Understand electrical hazards associated with energized PV systems.
- Maintain appropriate OSHA documentation and site safety records.
- Coordinate LOTO procedures when required.
- Understand fall protection, excavation safety, equipment operation, electrical safety, and PPE requirements.
- Immediately document and report incidents, near misses, property damage, and safety concerns.
- Quality Control
- Inspect work continuously rather than waiting until project completion to identify deficiencies.
- Verify construction against:
- IFC drawings
- Electrical one-lines
- Equipment layouts
- Structural drawings
- Manufacturer installation manuals
- Project specifications
- NEC requirements
- Approved submittals
- Maintain project punch lists and ensure deficiencies are corrected promptly.
- Verify proper equipment mounting, torque requirements, grounding, wire management, labeling, conduit installation, weatherproofing, and sealing.
- Document concealed work before it is covered.
- Maintain photographs and records sufficient to document construction quality.
- Coordinate required testing and commissioning documentation.
Required Qualifications & Experience:
- 5+ years of commercial or utility-scale solar construction experience preferred.
- Previous experience as a Solar Foreman, Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent, Construction Manager, or Solar Project Manager strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of commercial PV electrical and mechanical installation.
- Ability to read and interpret:
- Construction drawings
- Electrical one-lines
- Three-line diagrams
- Site plans
- Equipment layouts
- Structural details
- Manufacturer installation manuals
- Project specifications
- Working knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) as it applies to solar PV installations.
- Understanding of AC and DC electrical systems.
- Knowledge of commercial solar inverters, disconnects, switchgear, transformers, racking systems, and monitoring equipment.
- Ability to identify improper installation methods and quality issues.
- Strong construction sequencing and scheduling skills.
- Experience managing subcontractors and field crews.
- Ability to manage multiple trades and work activities simultaneously.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to make sound field decisions while recognizing when engineering or management approval is required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to communicate professionally with customers, subcontractors, inspectors, engineers, utilities, and internal management.
- Comfortable using computers, tablets, email, Microsoft Office, PDF drawings, and construction/project-management software.
- Ability to maintain organized project documentation.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience:
- OSHA 30 certification.
- NFPA 70E training.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- NABCEP certification or solar-specific training.
- Electrical background or electrical license.
- Experience with commercial rooftop and ground-mount solar.
- Experience with SolarEdge, CPS, APS, or similar commercial inverter platforms.
- Experience with IronRidge, EcoFoot, Unirac or similar racking systems.
- Experience coordinating utility interconnections and commissioning.
- Experience operating or supervising operation of forklifts, telehandlers, skid steers, lifts, and other construction equipment.
Leadership Expectations
The Solar Foreman / Project Manager is expected to take ownership of the job site.
The successful candidate must be able to:
- Lead crews and subcontractors firmly and professionally.
- Hold subcontractors accountable for schedule, quality, safety, and workmanship.
- Anticipate problems instead of simply reporting them after they occur.
- Develop solutions to field problems and communicate them quickly.
- Keep management informed of project status, risks, delays, and major decisions.
- Protect completed work and owner property.
- Maintain an organized and professional job site.
- Understand when field changes require engineering approval.
- Represent the company professionally with customers and project stakeholders.
- Remain productive and organized while working independently with limited day-to-day supervision.
Travel Requirements
Extensive nationwide travel is required for this position.
- Candidate should expect to travel approximately 50-75% of the time, depending on project workload.
- Projects may require being away from home for multiple consecutive weeks.
- Overnight stays and extended project assignments are expected.
- Some weekend travel may be necessary based on project schedules.
- Must have a valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
- Must be comfortable traveling by vehicle and commercial airline.
- Must be flexible regarding project location and changing construction schedules.
Physical Requirements
- Ability