Project Engineer

Harvest Solar, an equal opportunity employer, is a Michigan-based company that provides cost-effective renewable energy for agriculture, commercial, and utility customers yielding more energy independence by utilizing solar energy. We believe in energy independence and a sustainable future for our children and grandchildren. Our purpose is to empower people to create and use renewable energy by providing them with the bestinclass service, products, and experience.

Position Title and Purpose of Position

We are seeking a Project Engineer to overseeing commercial and utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) projects from development to pre-construction. The scope of work includes ensuring the projects are handed off to Project Management or completed correctly, on time, and within budget, to the satisfaction of both internal and external stakeholders. The position will work closely with Project Management to ensure successful project handoff for construction.

Salary

The salary range for this role is $80,000.00 to 110,000.00 USD, salary commensurate with education and experience. An Annual Bonus Target representing 5% of your annual base salary/annual wages is paid based on meeting both organizational and individual targets.

Major Responsibilities of Position

• Effectively communicate with customers, subcontractors, and internal teams to ensure a clear understanding of project goals and requirements.
• Manage the budget and schedule of assigned projects, from inception to handoff, while striving to achieve 100% customer satisfaction.
• Identify and qualify engineering design firms to increase approved subcontractor list
• Perform risk analysis and forecasting to minimize negative impacts on company objectives.
• Optimize delivery milestones to minimize costs.
• Oversee and negotiate with multiple subcontractors to ensure efficient project execution.
• Independently manage design and development of solar projects of various sizes and complexities, adhering to company processes and procedures.
• Understand and utilize project management processes and tools, including scheduling, financial reporting and reviewing contracts.
• Manage all financial aspects of projects through design, including budget tracking, financial reporting, and mitigation of changes.
• Address client and subcontractor concerns promptly and effectively.
• Facilitate and lead productive meetings to drive project progress.
• Works with utilities for interconnection requirements, applications, engineering and facility studies, and witness testing.
• Collaborates with local townships and counties for zoning and permitting requirements, assist Project Management with application.
• Prepare project baseline schedules for design and updates and utilize data to substantiate delays and impacts.
• Track subcontractor productivity and implement corrective actions to protect project timelines and budgets.
• Identify project impacts and delays, notify stakeholders per contract requirements, and prepare detailed documentation for claims submission.
• Proactively solve problems, understand root causes, develop solutions, and ensure implementation.
• Manage complex project concepts to achieve successful outcomes.
• Other duties as assigned.

T HE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY INDIVIDUALS ASSIGNED TO THIS POSITION. THEY ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS.

The successful candidate will have: (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Attributes)

• Ability to complete the major responsibilities of the position effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, employees, and the public
• An ability to take ownership of projects and ensure success, which may require going above and beyond the normal expectations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to self-direct work activities as well as be part of a team.
• Strong understanding of project management principles and tools.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills.
• Fluent use of Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.) and other company software.
• Maintain regular and acceptable attendance
• Willingness to travel as required, including overnight stays
• Willingness to pursue industry certifications and further education.
• Willing to work hours necessary to support the accomplishment of organizational goals

Educational and Certification Background

• Valid State Drivers License; non-restricted or suspended, is required.
• Bachelors degree in engineering or construction or eight years relevant experience in solar, mechanical electrical or plumbing (MEP) design, or project management
• Minimum of two years relevant experience (solar, MEP design, or project management), required. Experience in construction environments preferred
• Experience with design and construction software (i.e. AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, NetSuite, Procore), required.
• OSHA 30 certification, preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, preferred

Work Environment

• Travel Required Day travel up to 20% and overnight travel up to 10%. This position supports multiple departments within the company, including the Sales and Construction teams and therefore travel is required. Harvest values our associates work life balance scheduling overnight travel Monday through Friday. Hotel and transportations costs are covered. Additionally, $65.00 per day (taxable) food per diem is paid for overnight stays.
• Onsite Constructions Setting Up to 20% - Job site terrain and outdoor work both before and during installation with exposure to construction site hazards. Preconstruction sites may be undeveloped.
• Office Environment 80 to 90% of the time: Busy office with frequent interruptions and multi-tasking required; standard office equipment is available including Microsoft Office.

Benefit Offerings

Harvest Solar employees are eligible for the following benefits programs:

Immediately after Hire:

• Nine Paid Holidays per Year. Including: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve.
• Paid Vacation: Vacation time is accrued each week at a rate of .924 to achieve 48 hours in the calendar year. Unused vacation can be paid out and/or up to 40 unused hours can be rolled over at year end.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 72 Hours are available each year on January 1. PTO Is available to assist you in managing your time off work for personal appointments. PTO does not rollover, nor is it paid out at the end of the year, unused PTO is forfeited. In the first year of employment available hours are prorated based on your date of hire.

The First of the Month after the Date of Hire:

• Health Insurance. The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
  
  • Option 1: UnitedHealthcare, Choice Plus HSA 2000 Plan
    
    • Members can seek care from in-network and out-of-network providers.
    • Preventive care covered 100% when received in-network.
    • Tier 1 Providers provide members the greatest value.
    • HSA compatible health plan. An HSA is a tax-deductible savings account used in conjunction with the health plan. Contribution limits are determined by the IRS. Harvest Solar will make the following weekly deposit into your HSA account based on the coverage options: Associate: $10.64; Associate & Spouse: $27.25; Associate & Child(ren): $21.65; Family: $37.55
  • Option 2: UnitedHealthcare, Choice Plus 500 Plan
    
    • Members can seek care from in-network and out-of-network providers.
    • Preventive care covered 100% when received in-network.
    • Tier 1 Providers provide members the greatest value.
    • Not an HSA compatible health plan).
• Dental Insurance The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
• Vision Insurance: The premiums are a shared expense with 80% covered by Harvest Solar and 20% covered by the associate via a weekly payroll deduction. Premiums are based on level of coverage, i.e., Associate only, Associate & Spouse, Associate & Child(ren), Family).
• Group Life Insurance: $50,000.00 of group life insurance, with and Accident Death clause. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar
• Group Short Term Disability: 60% of your earnings, with a $1,000.00 weekly maximum, are available for injury or illness after a seven-day waiting period. Premiums are covered by Harvest Solar.
• Voluntary Supplemental Programs: Accident, Critical illness, and Hospital Indemnity are available at the associates expense. Plans are organized through Allstate and premiums are paid through payroll deduction.

The First of the Month After 90-Days of Employment:

• Harvest Solar 401k Plan: Associates are auto enrolled at a 3% deferral rate. The plan is administered by Vestwell. Auto enrolled contribution is invested in a Retire-On-Time plan. Once enrolled, the associate may make changes that include:
  
  • Increasing the Deferral Rate to the Applicable IRS Limits: A company match is available. When the associate defers 3%, Harvest Solar matches 3%. When the associate defers 4%, the Harvest Solar the first 3.5%. When the associate defers 5%, Harvest Solar matches the first 4%.
  • Changing the Account Type: Both a pre-tax and Roth account is available.
  • Changing the Investment Type: The plan offers standard plans to address risk or age of retirement, or the associate can customize their own investment.