Vice President, Pre-Construction and Engineering

The Company Cypress Creek Renewables is powering a sustainable future, one project at a time. We develop, finance, own and operate utility-scale and distributed solar and storage projects across the country. Fostering a diverse group of innovative thinkers from all backgrounds, Cypress people are drawn to work in a purpose-driven organization. We hope you will join us.

The Role

The VP of Pre-Construction and Engineering will lead a team responsible for development engineering, cost-estimating, project scheduling, and pre-construction activities to support the company’s utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across the United States. This role involves overseeing the initial system design layout and project estimates from project feasibility through EPC award, working closely with the Development, Supply Chain, and Project Execution teams. The VP of Pre-Construction will ensure the team maintains industry-leading expertise in solar and storage engineering to advance high-quality projects that meet the needs of key customers. This role is critical in driving optimal project Net Present Value (NPV) through design innovation, risk identification, cost refinement, optimized energy production, and value engineering with EPC partners. The VP of Pre-Construction will report to the Executive VP of EPCM (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management).

Essential Functions/Responsibilities

• Establish strategic goals and objectives for the Pre-Construction team that align with CCR’s corporate goals and foster a culture of continuous improvement.
• Develop strategic plans for directing and controlling project development activities.
• Drive process documentation and improvement for the Pre-Construction team, ensuring seamless collaboration with adjacent stakeholder groups (Development, Supply Chain, Project Execution, Legal, etc.).
• Optimize project designs by working with Project Finance, Development, and Project Execution to achieve the highest NPV.
• Establish diligence requirements for each market pursued by CCR, creating market-based, code-compliant reference plants for standard cost/energy models.
• Collaborate with procurement on specifications & standards to drive future cost optimization.
• Ensure the Development Engineering team performs feasibility analyses, including site evaluations and preliminary system designs.
• Support site evaluation visits to gather information necessary for the design of utility-scale solar and storage systems.
• Manage a team of engineers and solar designers, as well as external consulting engineering companies, to meet project deadlines and milestones.
• Ensure quality delivery of team’s designs and products to achieve timely project completion and handoff to construction.
• Review design drawings of large-scale solar electric systems.
• Provide technical input for interconnection applications, utility approvals, and related business development incentive processes.
• Integrate new processes and methods to enhance department productivity and efficiency.
• Serve as the technical expert for engineering design decisions prior to EPC Award.
• Review and approve equipment specifications, focusing on AC equipment and interconnection equipment.
• Motivate staff, provide technical direction and guidance, and manage projects hands-on.
• Lead efforts to establish detailed and logic-based baseline project lifecycle schedules, incorporating appropriate durations for each team’s work.
• Serve as a key resource for Development, addressing upfront construction and execution-related issues early in the project life cycle.
• Provide input and review project schedules for investment approval.
• Establish alternative contract strategies considering market dynamics and project needs.
• Develop relationships with Tier 1 EPC/BoP contractors to ensure a de-risked execution strategy.
• Lead efforts to prioritize CapEx estimates and ensure timely input from relevant parties.
• Ensure project teams are trained and consistently use project tools for well-documented projects.
• Support consistent methods for project execution, including CapEx estimates, PSA/TSA execution, complete RFP and contract execution packages, and timely ordering of owner-supplied equipment.
• Manage the integration of development, procurement, and construction execution functions for committed projects.
• Guide engineering designs to achieve optimal technical solutions.
• Lead the RFP process and support negotiation of construction contracts
• Analyze budgets, costs, forecasts, and utilization against financial goals for pre-construction projects.
• Develop effective relationships with internal departments, contractors, suppliers, landowners, and other stakeholders.
• Solicit input from and support staff at all organization levels.
• Foster a team approach for projects and internal initiatives.
• Communicate relevant information effectively to superiors.
• Champion change and support new initiatives for improved execution efficiency.
• Perform additional duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or equivalent experience in construction, project planning, and execution of large utility-scale power plant projects.
• 7-10 years of experience in the renewable energy sector or industrial construction/capital project management, and in engineering and pre-construction for utility-scale solar and/or energy storage systems.
• Advanced knowledge of construction management, methods for large projects, contract management, procurement, supply chain management, environmental and building permitting, and transportation logistics.
• Basic knowledge of construction labor relations in the US.
• Expert knowledge of photovoltaic system design, electrical and structural design components, and manufacturers.
• Experience using energy modeling systems for photovoltaic applications.
• Working knowledge of standard utility processes for interconnection approval and design requirements.
• Strong organizational and scheduling skills.

Personal Characteristics

• Self-motivated, capable of performing tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and meet deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and multitasking ability.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and analytical problem-solving.
• Ability to create and implement programs/policies involving multiple departments.

Locations: Preference to be based out of a CCR office. Locations include Durham, NC, Santa Monica, CA, San Francisco, CA or Asheville, NC. Open for Remote but with regular travel to CCR offices and projects.

Benefits:

• 15 days of Paid Time Off, accrual up to 20 days, 11 observed holidays.
• 401(k) Match
• Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision and health insurance
• Wellness stipend, family planning stipend, and generous parental leave
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Phone Bill Reimbursement
• Fully expensed company travel, mileage reimbursement
• Company Swag

A note to Recruiting Agencies Cypress Creek Renewables Human Resources team does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. The Human Resources team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. We do not accept resumes from third-party recruiters unless authorized by the Human Resources team and if a signed agreement is in place. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered property of CCR and we are not responsible for any related fees. All communication related to recruiting partnerships should ONLY be directed to the Human Resources team.

Cypress Creek Renewables is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and values diversity, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.