Engineering Manager - Solar
Progressive · Houston, TX
- On site
- Full-time
- $140,000 / year
- Houston, TX
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Job highlights
- Lead solar, BESS, wind engineering projects.
- Manage internal teams and external partners.
- Oversee design from concept to closeout.
- Drive process improvements and collaboration.
- Ensure compliance with industry standards.
About the role
Engineering Manager Solar
We are seeking a highly capable Engineering Manager to lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts across utility-scale solar, BESS, and wind projects. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who can guide project engineering from early development through final design, construction support, commissioning, and closeout. The Engineering Manager will oversee internal engineering teams and external EoR partners, ensuring all deliverables meet contractual, regulatory, and industry standards. This leader will play a critical role in improving engineering processes, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and driving overall project success.
Key Responsibilities
Project & Technical Leadership
- Lead the planning, development, and delivery of engineering designs for solar, BESS, and wind projects.
- Oversee conceptual engineering, feasibility assessments, design milestones, and execution planning.
- Review site conditions, geotechnical data, environmental studies, interconnection requirements, and client specifications to support early-stage and detailed design.
- Direct conceptual and preliminary engineering efforts to support pricing, proposals, and commercial engagements.
Design Oversight & EoR Management
- Manage external Engineer-of-Record (EoR) firms responsible for detailed engineering packages.
- Review and approve 30% / 60% / 90% / IFC design deliverables including: Civil, structural, and electrical drawings, SLDs, cable sizing, grounding, relay/arc-flash studies, technical specifications, narratives, and permitting packages.
- Lead design coordination meetings with EoRs, clients, and internal departments to resolve issues and track progress.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop internal engineering personnel, promoting collaboration, technical excellence, and accountability.
- Assign workloads, manage priorities, and ensure adequate staffing for current and upcoming projects.
- Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and performance management for engineering team members.
Construction & Commissioning Support
- Provide engineering assistance during construction including RFIs, field clarifications, design adjustments, and site visits.
- Support commissioning activities and ensure accurate and complete as-built documentation for project closeout.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with Procurement, Operations, Estimating, HSE, and Quality to ensure engineering inputs are aligned with project needs.
- Review vendor technical submittals and major equipment specifications.
Standards, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
- Develop and maintain engineering standards, templates, and best practices aligned with U.S. renewable EPC norms.
- Ensure compliance with relevant codes and standards including NEC/NFPA 70, NESC, ASCE, ACI, AISC, UL, IEEE, IEC, and state/local building codes.
- Drive improvements in engineering processes, tools, and efficiency.
- Support Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) expectations and uphold company values.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, or related engineering discipline (Master's preferred).
- 6+ years of experience in engineering for utility-scale renewable energy or high-voltage infrastructure.
- Proven leadership experience managing engineering teams and EoR partners.
- Strong understanding of solar, BESS, or wind project design, construction, and commissioning.
- Ability to interpret and review technical design documents and studies.
- Excellent communication and client-facing skills.
- Familiarity with U.S. codes, utility interconnection requirements, and permitting processes.
- PE license preferred (not required).
Why This Role?
- Lead high-impact renewable energy projects at scale.
- Work across the full project lifecycle-from concept to commissioning.
- Significant influence over engineering standards, processes, and strategy.
- Opportunity to mentor a growing engineering organization.
- Collaborative and forward-thinking team environment.
Key skills/competency
- Engineering Management
- Solar Projects
- BESS Projects
- Wind Projects
- Renewable Energy
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Project Lifecycle Management
- Team Leadership
Skills & topics
- Engineering Manager
- Solar
- BESS
- Wind
- Renewable Energy
- EPC
- Project Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Leadership
- Utility-Scale
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your experience in utility-scale solar, BESS, and wind projects, emphasizing leadership and cross-functional collaboration. Quantify achievements whenever possible.
- Showcase technical expertise: Demonstrate a strong understanding of renewable energy project design, construction, and commissioning, including relevant U.S. codes and standards.
- Highlight leadership skills: Emphasize your proven experience managing engineering teams and external EoR partners, focusing on mentoring and development.
- Prepare for technical and behavioral questions: Be ready to discuss your approach to project leadership, problem-solving, and team development, referencing specific examples from your past roles.
- Research Progressive: Understand the company's mission, values, and recent projects in the renewable energy sector to align your application and interview responses.
Technical preparation
Review U.S. renewable EPC standards.,Study solar, BESS, wind design principles.,Understand interconnection and permitting.,Familiarize with NEC, NESC, IEEE standards.
Behavioral questions
Describe leading cross-functional teams.,How do you mentor junior engineers?,Share an example of process improvement.,How do you handle design conflicts?
Frequently asked questions
- What are the key technical skills for an Engineering Manager at Progressive?
- For the Engineering Manager role at Progressive, key technical skills include a strong understanding of solar, BESS, and wind project design, construction, and commissioning. This encompasses civil, structural, and electrical design, as well as SLDs, cable sizing, grounding, and relay/arc-flash studies. Familiarity with U.S. codes like NEC/NFPA 70, NESC, ASCE, ACI, AISC, UL, IEEE, IEC, and state/local building codes is essential, alongside experience with utility interconnection requirements and permitting processes.
- What is the expected career growth for an Engineering Manager at Progressive?
- The Engineering Manager role at Progressive offers significant opportunities for career growth. You will have the chance to lead high-impact renewable energy projects at scale, work across the full project lifecycle, and gain substantial influence over engineering standards, processes, and strategy. You will also have the opportunity to mentor a growing engineering organization, positioning you for future leadership roles within the company.
- How important is a PE license for the Engineering Manager position at Progressive?
- While a Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred for the Engineering Manager position at Progressive, it is not strictly required. The company values a strong technical background, leadership experience, and a deep understanding of renewable energy projects. If you have extensive experience and meet the other qualifications, you are still encouraged to apply.
- What type of projects will an Engineering Manager at Progressive work on?
- As an Engineering Manager at Progressive, you will lead multidisciplinary engineering efforts for utility-scale solar, BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), and wind projects. You will be involved in all phases of these projects, from early development and final design through construction support, commissioning, and closeout, contributing to the company's impactful renewable energy initiatives.
- What is Progressive's approach to continuous improvement in engineering?
- Progressive is committed to continuous improvement in its engineering practices. The Engineering Manager is expected to drive improvements in engineering processes, tools, and efficiency. This includes developing and maintaining engineering standards, templates, and best practices aligned with U.S. renewable EPC norms, and ensuring compliance with relevant codes and standards.
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