Job Description
Senior Civil Engineer for Utility-Scale Solar / BESS Projects
Are you a detail-oriented professional motivated by the positive impact of renewable energy on our economy and environment? Do you thrive in a work environment that rewards insight, ability, and growth? Are you meticulous in designing detailed site plans including grading, drainage, utilities, and access points for utility-scale solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects?
We are seeking an experienced Senior Civil Engineer to join our dynamic team! This is an in-office position based in Albuquerque, NM. This role is perfect for someone with a passion for sustainable energy solutions and a strong background in civil engineering with a focus on site design and development. This is primarily an office-based position with limited travel to sites required only as needed.
About the Company
Established in 2014, Gridworks is a leading EPC contractor for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. Primarily operating across the southwest, we are expanding into other regions. With 2 GW of solar and battery energy storage projects, we are well positioned for continued success in the rapidly growing clean energy sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of civil design packages for utility-scale solar and BESS projects, including site plans, grading, drainage, and permitting deliverables.
- Perform detailed civil design including site layouts, mass grading, drainage systems, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management.
- Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, including 1D and 2D stormwater modeling, and the preparation of stormwater and hydrology reports.
- Produce complete design packages including site layouts, grading plans, drainage plans, plan and profile drawings, and construction details.
- Utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D for advanced design tasks, including surface modeling, feature lines, grading objects, road corridors, and earthwork volume comparisons.
- Design site infrastructure for renewable energy facilities, including access roads, equipment pads, utility layouts, and drainage systems with a focus on constructability and cost efficiency.
- Prepare and contribute to permitting documents, including SWPPPs, SPCC plans, and agency submittals; respond to jurisdictional comments as needed.
- Apply knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulatory requirements to ensure compliant design solutions.
- Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, geotechnical, environmental, and construction) to integrate design requirements and resolve conflicts.
- Review submittals and design documents for conformance with project specifications and design intent.
- Perform QA/QC by checking the work of junior designers and drafters for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to standards.
- Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior staff and support their development in design tools and engineering fundamentals.
- Incorporate survey data, geotechnical recommendations, and environmental constraints into design development.
- Support construction by responding to RFIs, reviewing field conditions, and updating drawings as required.
- Maintain design documentation, version control, and adherence to company, client, and project drafting standards.
- Coordinate with internal and external engineers from various disciplines to communicate project needs and constraints.
- Support permitting efforts by researching and documenting local, state, and federal site permitting needs and processes, interacting with AHJs and environmental consultants, and preparing and submitting permitting documents.
- Contribute to standard templates, checklists, and SOPs to improve efficiency and consistency across projects.
Qualifications
- Professional Engineering (PE) license required
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field
Experience
- 8+ years of relevant civil site design experience
- Experience in land development, renewable energy (solar/BESS), or similar infrastructure projects highly preferred
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including:
- Surface creation and grading design
- Feature lines and grading objects
- Corridor modeling for access roads
- Earthwork volume calculations and comparisons
- Experience preparing:
- Site layout plans
- Grading and drainage plans
- Erosion and sediment control plans
- Plan and profile drawings
- Construction details
- 2D rain on grid H & H models and reports
- SPCCs
- SWPPPs
- Working knowledge of:
- Procore
- Bluebeam
- Geotechnical reports
Regulatory & Industry Knowledge
- Familiarity with:
- SWPPP and erosion control requirements
- Stormwater design standards and permitting processes
- Applicable local, state, and federal regulations
- Understanding of civil engineering principles related to:
- Grading and drainage
- Site development
- Road design and access
Coordination & Communication
- Experience working with multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, structural, environmental, geotechnical, construction)
- Ability to interpret and incorporate survey and geotechnical data into design
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Quality & Ownership
- Ability to:
- Work independently on design tasks with limited supervision
- Review and check drawings for accuracy and completeness
- Manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines
Preferred (Not Required)
- Exposure to permitting submittals and agency coordination
- Current NCEES Record
- Previous experience supporting bidding and estimating efforts
- Experience supporting construction (RFIs, as-builts)
- Experience with GIS software