Development Engineer I
Denver, Colorado
Engineering /
Full-time /
Hybrid
ROLE OVERVIEW
The Development Engineer I will engage in the design and engineering of solar PV and energy storage projects at the community and small utility-scale, ranging from 1MWac to 10MWac. Day-to-day tasks will include designing, drafting, energy performance modeling, utility coordination, and coordination with third-party engineering consultants. The Development Engineer I will support the development phase of projects up to ~30% designs. They will perform day-to-day responsibilities with close supervision and support to nurture their growth in the industry.
This position demands excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences. The position will include frequent interaction with external parties and require a high degree of professionalism. It will also include coordination of a high volume of projects, demanding outstanding organization and prioritization skills with a strong attention to detail.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual looking to advance their career in the growing renewables industry.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct environmental and constructability diligence reviews for prospective project sites.
- Coordinate with external 3rd-party design consultants to complete design deliverables needed to apply for interconnection with utilities.
- Complete early-stage layouts for community and small utility-scale solar PV and storage projects, incorporating civil, structural, and electrical aspects utilizing AutoCAD Civil 3D, PVCase, and other design tools.
- Generate single-line electrical diagrams for solar, solar + storage, and standalone storage projects.
- Generate performance analysis models utilizing PVSyst.
- Complete electrical calculations for early-stage designs
- Coordinate with internal grid integration, project development, and project management teams on design requirements and project scheduling.
- Create and maintain project documentation related to project design, development, and performance.
- Review and interpret utility and AHJ requirements for interconnection and zoning.
- Review and interpret technical reports and studies prepared by consultants to determine impacts on projects.
- Facilitate feedback and lessons learned to improve company and engineering team processes.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
- Four-year engineering degree from an ABET-accredited university; electrical, mechanical, civil or energy focus acceptable.
- A minimum of 1 year of experience with solar PV design, or associated college coursework
- Operational knowledge of AutoCAD
- Strong working knowledge of spreadsheets and word processing programs
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with an aptitude for building trust and rapport
- Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple projects and tasks
- Passion to learn new things through self-study and structured settings
PREFERRED COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of photovoltaic system design, National Electric Code, International Fire Code, and other relevant building codes
- Knowledge of 3-phase AC electrical system design
- Knowledge of utility MV distribution equipment and design
- Knowledge of utility processes and requirements for interconnection to distribution and transmission systems
- Operational knowledge of PVsyst, PVCase, and related PV design software
- Exposure to basic site diligence documents such as geotechnical reports, Environmental Site Assessments (Phase I & II), endangered species reports, ALTA and topographic surveys, and wetland delineations
- E.I.T. certification a plus
- NABCEP PV Installation Professional, PV Design Specialist, or PV Associate a plus
$80,000 - $90,000 a year
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
The estimated base salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000, depending on relevant experience, along with eligibility for the company’s substantial bonus plan, with a target bonus of 30% of annual salary (prorated in first year based on start date). Compensation will be based on factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Pivot Energy is dedicated to providing a great work experience for all employees, placing an emphasis on company culture, and a focus on our people. To that end, Pivot offers an outstanding benefits package that includes:
• Excellent health/dental/vision insurance benefits with up to 100% of premiums covered by the company
• Four weeks of vacation plus employment milestone bonus vacations
• Company paid life insurance and short- & long-term disability coverage
• Generous parental leave
• 401(k) matching
• Work from home stipend for new employees (IT Equipment Stipend)
• Public transit reimbursement
• PTO for volunteering in the community
• Charitable donation matching up to $500/year
• Professional development and educational reimbursements
A complete list of all the benefits Pivot offers may be provided upon request.
Recruitment Agency Notice:
We appreciate your interest in partnering with us; however, we are not seeking recruitment agency support for this role.
ABOUT PIVOT
Pivot Energy is a national renewable energy provider that develops, finances, builds, owns, and manages solar and energy storage projects that help decarbonize our nation’s electricity, increase equitable access to clean energy for local communities, and provide real cost-savings to American businesses and
families.
We are fiercely dedicated to accelerating the rapid transition taking place in the energy industry to a more decentralized and cleaner approach to power generation. We are committed to positively contributing to the local communities and people we serve with more than clean energy. We believe global warming poses an existential threat to our planet and that we have a responsibility to help mitigate the threat. Our portfolio includes projects that reduce energy burden for income-limited families, create workforce pathways for under-represented groups within the solar industry, and include robust community investment opportunities.
As a Certified B Corporation and one of Denver’s “Best Places to Work”, we believe that company success is driven by a healthy environment, thriving society, and workplace where all individuals are respected. We evaluate every internal decision on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to determine if our actions will result in a net positive impact on the community, our employees, customers, shareholders, and the environment. Learn more in our annual ESG Report.
At Pivot, our core values guide our work internally and externally:
· Impact – We hold ourselves accountable to having a measurable impact on our people, communities, and the planet
· Balance – Put family first; work hard/have fun
· Determination – Find ways to be successful no matter how difficult the challenge
· Professionalism – Impress everyone we touch, be a team player
· Honesty – Be truthful and transparent, externally and internally
· Kindness – Create an environment where kindness, empathy, and vulnerability are embraced
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION and JUSTICE STATEMENT
At Pivot, we are proactively developing and maintaining an inclusive culture, rooted in mutual respect, that supports a workforce of different generations, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, ability statuses, religions, and cultures to work collaboratively together for greater impact. We seek to build a team that invests in relationship building, celebrates each other’s successes, and makes space for the unique contributions and working styles people bring into Pivot.
Pivot invests in company-wide trainings, assessments, and programs to advance internal inclusion and equity practices, such as employee allyship building, cross-cultural communications, and equitable hiring and management protocols to increasingly recognize bias and ensure mutual respect and belonging.
EEO STATEMENT
Pivot Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce. We actively work to cultivate an inclusive culture that welcomes, empowers, and enables equitable career growth for employees regardless of background.
