Solar and BESS Director of Engineering and Preconstruction

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are adding a Director of Engineering and Preconstruction to our growing Distributed Energy Resources division on the east coast. The Director of Engineering and Preconstruction (East) leads a team of engineers and pre-construction managers across the full project lifecycle, from initial feasibility and engineering through pricing and construction team handoff. This role directs McKinstry's renewable energy design and pre-construction operations in the Eastern division, ensuring projects are delivered in a timely, effective, and profitable manner. The Director collaborates closely with business development and construction teams to secure new work and deliver high-quality designs aligned with customer requirements. Additionally, some responsibilities you will have include:

• Direct and manage engineers and pre-construction managers through project feasibility, engineering, pricing, and construction handoff for solar PV, BESS, microgrid/resiliency, and EV infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with business development and sales teams to influence pursuit strategy, ensuring alignment between project delivery capabilities and client requirements.
• Oversee risk management for project development, including pricing, scope definition, contractual risk, and third-party engineer/consultant contracting and management.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage team leaders and members across sales engineering, development engineering, pre-construction, and development project management groups.
• Partner with the Construction team to ensure seamless project handoffs and drive continuous improvement in business processes, team performance, and financial outcomes.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• 7–10 years of management experience leading engineering teams in renewable energy (solar PV, battery energy storage, EV infrastructure).
• Proficient in PV, energy storage, and EV project engineering principles and tools: AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, and related industry software.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio); working knowledge of SharePoint preferred.
• Proficient in industry scheduling software such as Microsoft Project, Primavera, and/or SureTrak.
• Strong knowledge of project costing models and estimating processes; skill in creating and interpreting pro formas, budgets, and revenue forecasts.
• Proficient in reading and negotiating customer contracts and subcontracts.
• Broad knowledge of major equipment supplier technology offerings and use cases across solar, BESS, and EV.
• Working knowledge of utility interconnection processes and requirements in core Eastern markets (MA, NY, PA, NJ, MD, IL).
• Intermediate knowledge of pre-construction and costing processes; team management experience in pre-construction preferred.
• Four-year college degree in architecture, architectural engineering, mechanical/electrical engineering, or related field — or equivalent professional experience required

PeopleFirst Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums
• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• Mckinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

Pay Range

The pay range for this position is $165,800 - $252,100 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

About the Role

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

Qualifications

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Current US Work Authorization

Skills

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training.

Benefits

• PeopleFirst Benefits

Pay & Schedule

• Base pay range: $165,800 - $252,100 per year
• Employer-sponsored VISA support not available