Civil Engineer - Level 2

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle, reducing uncertainty and risk while enhancing investment returns and contributing to a sustainable future.

This position reports to the Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering and is based remotely, with working hours Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. Travel up to 30% is expected. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

About the Role

The Civil Engineer Level 2 supports detailed site development, grading optimization, hydrology modeling, and permitting compliance for utility-scale solar and BESS projects. This role involves hands-on experience in site design, foundation engineering, stormwater drainage, erosion control planning, and geotechnical assessments. The Civil Engineer 2 collaborates with senior engineers, permitting teams, and construction managers to refine civil engineering strategies, optimize site layouts, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Civil Site Design & Development
  • Assist in developing grading and drainage plans, ensuring cut/fill balance optimization for large-scale solar and BESS sites.
  • Support stormwater management design, including runoff calculations, sediment control planning, and erosion prevention measures.
  • Conduct geotechnical investigations, evaluating soil stability, compaction, and foundation feasibility for racking and battery installations.
  • Assist in foundation engineering, working on pile designs, slab foundations, and soil-structure interaction analysis.
  • Develop road layouts, access driveways, and site drainage solutions to support efficient project construction and operations.
• Technical Engineering Support & Compliance
  • Work with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS software to develop site layouts, topographic maps, and grading models.
  • Perform hydrology calculations and drainage modeling, ensuring compliance with SWPPP, NEPA, and local permitting requirements.
  • Support land permitting efforts, preparing documentation for stormwater permits, grading approvals, and environmental impact assessments.
  • Ensure project compliance with civil engineering regulations, zoning laws, and environmental guidelines.
• Project Execution & Coordination
  • Collaborate with electrical and structural engineers to align site layouts with interconnection requirements and racking system placements.
  • Support QA/QC reviews of civil engineering plans, ensuring designs align with EPC constructability and cost-efficiency requirements.
  • Work with contractors and construction teams to resolve site challenges, refine grading plans, and adjust foundation designs based on field conditions.
  • Engage with permitting agencies and environmental consultants to streamline project approvals and compliance reporting.
• Leadership & Professional Development
  • Provide technical support and guidance to entry-level engineers and drafters, assisting with best practices in grading design, site development, and stormwater modeling.
  • Participate in industry research and training programs, staying up to date on advancements in site optimization, geotechnical innovations, and regulatory changes affecting large-scale solar and BESS projects.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in civil site design, land development, and stormwater engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Experience with permitting processes, site grading, and foundation design for renewable energy projects.

Skills

• AutoCAD, Civil 3D (Intermediate proficiency).
• GIS tools for topography and hydrology analysis.
• Certifications: NABCEP PV Associate, EIT, or FE (Preferred).

Physical Demands

• Frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sits up to 8 hours in a day.
• Infrequently bends, stands, stoops, and/or walks.
• Infrequently carries weight and/or lifts objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis.
• Frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects.
• Occasionally ascends/descends stairways to access office upper and lower floors.

Work Environment

• Regular professional, office business setting with low to moderate noise levels.
• Moderate to high noise levels if on a construction worksite.
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement based on business needs.

Pay

The salary range for this position in Irvine, CA is influenced by factors including internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties, and necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, along with medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.