Vice President of Engineering

Job Description: Vice President of Engineering – Utility Scale Solar Industry

Position: Vice President of Engineering

Location: Remote (USA)

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Department: Engineering

Position Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Vice President of Engineering to lead and manage the engineering division of our utility-scale solar operations. The VP of Engineering will play a critical role in driving technical excellence, innovation, and operational efficiency across all solar engineering projects. This individual will lead multidisciplinary engineering teams, ensuring the delivery of optimized solar energy solutions from concept to commissioning while maintaining a strong focus on safety, reliability, and profitability.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership:
• Define and implement the long-term vision and strategy for the engineering department in alignment with corporate goals.
• Oversee the development and execution of solar projects, including electrical, mechanical, civil, and structural aspects of utility-scale solar installations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and other departments to ensure projects meet financial, operational, and technical benchmarks.
• Project Development & Execution:
• Lead the design, engineering, and optimization of utility-scale solar PV systems, including DC/AC systems, MV/HV collection systems, and energy storage solutions.
• Manage technical evaluations, feasibility studies, and cost analyses for new solar projects.
• Drive project lifecycle development, including conceptual design, detailed engineering, permitting, procurement, and construction support.
• Team Leadership & Development:
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing engineering team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and performance metrics for team members.
• Ensure proper resource allocation and talent development within the engineering team to support growth and success.
• Technical Excellence & Innovation:
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in solar PV technology, energy storage systems, and engineering best practices.
• Lead efforts in continuous improvement of design processes, engineering methodologies, and overall project delivery efficiency.
• Drive innovation by exploring new technologies, design approaches, and digital tools that enhance solar system performance and reduce costs.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
• Collaborate closely with Project Management, Procurement, and Construction teams to ensure seamless project delivery from concept to commissioning.
• Interface with external stakeholders such as clients, regulatory agencies, and utility companies to ensure compliance and alignment with project goals.
• Risk Management & Compliance:
• Ensure adherence to industry codes, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead risk assessment and mitigation efforts related to engineering designs, construction, and operational challenges.
• Ensure proper documentation, quality control, and technical reviews are completed at all project stages.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field (Master’s or MBA preferred).
• 10+ years of experience in engineering, with 5+ years in a leadership role within the utility-scale solar industry.
• Proven track record of successfully delivering large-scale solar PV projects, including EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) experience.
• Strong knowledge of solar energy technologies, PV system design, power generation, energy storage, and grid interconnection requirements.
• Experience managing engineering teams across multiple disciplines (electrical, mechanical, civil, structural).
• Proficiency with industry-standard tools and software (e.g., AutoCAD, PVSyst, Helioscope, ETAP, etc.).
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with executive teams, clients, and external partners.

Preferred Skills

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or PMP certification.
• Experience with MET (Meteorological Stations)
• Experience with solar energy storage systems and hybrid PV/storage solutions.
• Knowledge of power purchase agreements (PPA), interconnection processes, and energy regulatory frameworks.