Lead Solar PV Design Engineer

About Equagen Engineers

Equagen Engineers is a rapidly growing, mid-sized engineering and manufacturing firm headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, specializing in power delivery, renewable energy, and critical infrastructure. We are expanding our solar engineering team and seeking an experienced technical leader to guide utility-scale solar projects across the United States.

This role combines hands-on engineering, equipment selection, multidisciplinary coordination, construction knowledge, and mentorship of junior engineers and designers

Key Responsibilities

Solar PV System Design & Engineering

• Lead electrical and multidisciplinary design of utility-scale solar PV projects, typically 100 MW to 500 MW or larger.
• Develop and review plant layouts, DC collection systems, inverter station arrangements, and medium-voltage collection systems.
• Perform DC/AC ratio optimization, string sizing, inverter selection, and equipment configuration.
• Prepare and review design criteria, single-line diagrams, electrical layouts, cable schedules, and technical specifications.
• Coordinate PV arrays, trackers, roads, grading, drainage, and equipment locations with civil and structural teams.
• Review cable sizing, voltage drop, grounding, electrical calculations, and equipment ratings.

Equipment Selection & Technical Evaluation

• Evaluate PV modules, inverters, MV transformers, trackers, cables, switchgear, and balance-of-system equipment.
• Review vendor specifications, submittals, and drawings; coordinate technical clarifications with manufacturers.
• Optimize equipment selection for performance, constructability, reliability, and cost.

Engineering Leadership & Design Management

• Serve as technical lead from concept through 30%, 60%, 90%, and Issued for Construction (IFC) design.
• Mentor junior engineers and designers; establish design standards, workflows, and quality reviews.
• Coordinate civil, structural, geotechnical, substation, protection and controls, and power systems disciplines.
• Lead technical reviews and verify compliance with project specifications and applicable codes.

Construction & Field Engineering Support

• Apply practical installation and constructability knowledge throughout design.
• Support EPC contractors during construction, testing, and commissioning.
• Resolve RFIs, equipment substitutions, field issues, and design changes.
• Incorporate field lessons learned into future designs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.PE license preferred.
• At least 8–10 years of relevant engineering experience, including substantial utility-scale solar PV design experience.
• Demonstrated experience with solar projects of 100 MW or larger.
• Strong knowledge of plant layouts, DC systems, inverter stations, MV collection, and balance-of-system design.
• Experience selecting major solar plant equipment and delivering design packages through IFC.
• Working knowledge of NEC, IEEE, NFPA, utility requirements, and relevant standards.
• Ability to lead clients, EPC contractors, vendors, and multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Practical understanding of construction methods, installation, and field engineering challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

• U.S. Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience with EPC contractors, owner’s engineers, or utility-scale solar consultants.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, PVcase, PVSyst, ETAP, SKM, or comparable tools.
• Experience with co-located solar and BESS projects, energy yield assessment, and electrical loss calculations.

Benefits:

• Base Salary: $130,000–$160,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
• Benefits: 401(k) retirement plan, annual bonus, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, and educational assistance and professional development support.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead major utility-scale solar projects exceeding 1000 MW.
• Technical leadership and career growth within a multidisciplinary power engineering firm.
• Exposure to integrated solar, BESS, substation, and power delivery projects.
• Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.