Design Specialist (PV & Battery Storage)

Position Title: Design Specialist

Department: Operations

Reports To: Director of Engineering

Employment Type: Full Time

Pay Range: $31 - $36 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications

Position Summary

The Design Specialist is responsible for the design and development of renewable energy (RE) electrical drawing packages for solar energy projects, including photovoltaic and battery systems. This role utilizes hands-on design capabilities to ensure high-quality AutoCAD deliverables and adherence to project schedules. The Design Specialist works closely with engineering, project management, and field installation teams to support successful project execution. Ability to work within our Rocklin, CA or Wheeling, IL office preferred, but remote position may be considered, with periodic travel to one of our offices (typically quarterly) is expected.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Design & Drafting

• Design complete electrical PV drawing packages using AutoCAD, including site layouts, single-line diagrams, electrical plans, equipment layouts, and construction details.
• Develop and maintain AutoCAD detail libraries and standardized electrical installation details.
• Create and revise PV system drawings to meet project specifications, customer requirements, and applicable codes and standards.
• Review project designs for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and compliance with company standards.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to incorporate design changes and project updates.
• Manage daily workloads and project timelines to ensure design deliverables are completed on schedule.

Project Coordination

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, permitting teams, and installation personnel to support project execution.
• Participate in project planning meetings and provide design status updates.
• Assist in resolving design-related issues encountered during permitting, procurement, or construction.
• Comply with design standards, procedures, and best practices.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate degree in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, CAD Design, or a related field.

Experience

• Two (2) or more years of experience in renewable energy system design, electrical drafting, or a related field.
• Experience with commercial, industrial, or utility-scale solar projects.

Technical Requirements

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD.
• Working knowledge of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) design principles and electrical construction practices.
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements and applicable industry standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and project management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, CAD Design, Drafting Technology, or a related field.
• Experience designing Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
• Experience with commercial and utility-scale solar-plus-storage projects.
• Experience developing or maintaining AutoCAD standards, templates, and drawing libraries.
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary engineering or renewable energy environment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) components, layouts, and design concepts.
• Knowledge of electrical construction practices, applicable codes, and industry standards.
• Understanding construction documentation, design review processes, and project coordination activities.

Skills

• Strong AutoCAD drafting and design skills.
• Effective analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Effective written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to review technical drawings for accuracy, completeness, and constructability.

Abilities

• Ability to interpret engineering calculations, specifications, drawings, and technical documentation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, project management, permitting, procurement, and field installation teams.
• Ability to manage individual workloads and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to adapt to changing project priorities and schedules.
• Ability to identify design issues and recommend practical solutions.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining a high level of quality and accuracy.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in an office environment for extended periods.
• Occasional travel to project sites and home offices may be required.
• Ability to review technical drawings and work on computer-based applications for extended durations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Company-paid Life Insurance
• 401(k) with Company Match
• Paid Sick Time, PTO, and 6 paid holidays
• Cell Phone Reimbursement (working mobile device required)
• Team Building Events and Team Trainings
• Opportunity to grow within a thriving renewable energy company