Project Engineer - Level 2
Description
Title: Project Engineer - Level 2
Department: Engineering Center
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Director of Project Engineering
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time
Work Status (Hybrid/Remote/In-Office): Remote
PROJECT ENGINEER - LEVEL 2
Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.
Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.
JOB SUMMARY
The Project Engineer Level 2 (PE 2) is responsible for supporting the engineering execution of utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role requires technical coordination, project management assistance, and stakeholder communication to ensure project deliverables are met on time and align with EPC execution plans. The Project Engineer 2 will work closely with senior engineers, procurement teams, construction managers, and permitting agencies, assisting in engineering design reviews, project tracking, and compliance documentation. This position reports to the Director of Project Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is (Remote) with the reporting office of Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Leadership & Execution
- Assist in the engineering execution of utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance.
- Track engineering deliverables, project schedules, and milestone progress.
- Support cross-functional coordination between engineering, procurement, construction, and permitting teams.
- Participate in interconnection applications, permitting documentation, and compliance reviews.
- Ensure all project designs comply with industry standards (NEC, IEEE, UL, NFPA, IEC) and regulatory requirements.
Project & Team Coordination
- Support engineering documentation tracking and control, ensuring all updates are logged and shared.
- Assist in QA/QC processes for design deliverables to maintain accuracy and constructability.
- Help coordinate with vendors, EPC contractors, and third-party consultants.
- Contribute to technical risk assessments and provide input on mitigation strategies.
Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
- Work closely with utilities, permitting agencies, and engineering consultants to support project approvals.
- Assist in vendor qualification, technical evaluations, and RFP reviews.
- Support procurement and construction teams with technical documentation and coordination.
- Ensure that engineering decisions align with financial modeling and project economics.
Risk Management & Compliance
- Assist in identifying and addressing technical risks related to solar PV and BESS installations.
- Ensure compliance with PPA requirements, permitting conditions, and interconnection agreements.
- Provide technical support during project commissioning and performance validation.
Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Support process improvement initiatives to streamline engineering workflows.
- Stay informed about emerging solar PV and BESS technologies to enhance project performance.
- Assist in research and development (R&D) efforts for improving engineering efficiency.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- 2+ years of experience in utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS project engineering.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical preferred).
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
- Experience as a Project Coordinator or Junior Engineer, supporting project execution.
- Knowledge of engineering workflows, scheduling, and cross-team coordination.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, PVSyst, Helioscope, SCADA systems, and power system modeling tools.
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
- Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
- Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
- Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
- Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
- Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
- Travel: up to 30% as needed
EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Regular professional, office business setting
- Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
- Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)
Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.
We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.
Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.
This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.