Commercial Solar Development Engineer/Estimator, Remote within the U.S at GRID ALTERNATIVES – California, California

About GRID Alternatives

GRID Alternatives is a national leader in making clean, affordable solar power and solar jobs accessible to low-income communities and communities of color. GRID is an entrepreneurial, high-growth non-profit organization that provides direct solar installation and project development; clean mobility options; workforce training and service-learning opportunities; and low-income solar policy advocacy.

Our Vision: a rapid, equitable transition to a world powered by renewable energy that benefits everyone.

Our Mission: to build community-powered solutions to advance economic and environmental justice through renewable energy.

What it's like to work at GRID…

At GRID, we care about each other and know that each employee has a whole self that includes life outside of work. Our culture supports learning, growth and well-being of all of our team members.

Summary of the role:

The Commercial Solar Development Engineer will play a key role in the development of solar PV and storage projects in the 25 kW-10 MW range. They will support project development with site analysis, pre-design, cost estimation, and proposal development. The position will work directly with the Commercial General Manager, Director of Commercial Business Development, and the Headquarters Design Team.

What you will be doing (essential responsibilities):

• Collaborate cross-functionally with project developers, project managers, procurement, design engineers, clients, and construction teams to define project specifications and develop accurate cost estimates for commercial solar PV rooftop, carport, and ground-mount systems, energy storage solutions (BESS), EV charging infrastructure, and associated electrical upgrades.
• Develop detailed project cost estimates using Excel, ConEst, or comparable estimating tools, incorporating labor, material, subcontractor, equipment, logistics, and contingency analysis.
• Utilize HelioScope, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam to create early-stage conceptual and preliminary designs to support feasibility analysis, proposal development, value engineering, and pricing accuracy.
• Support scope development, cost validation, and pricing analysis for change orders on projects under contract.
• Partner with Project Management, Design & Engineering, and Interconnection teams to ensure seamless project handoff post-contract, including documentation of assumptions, exclusions, and risk considerations.
• Serve as a technical resource to the Design and Project Development teams on electrical code, building code, fire code, utility interconnection requirements, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) standards.
• Participate in internal technical reviews to align early-stage design assumptions with constructability, permitting requirements, and utility standards.
• Investigate scope of work, drawings, and other RFP documents to develop a thorough understanding of RFP requirements
• Review data and plan sets to determine material and labor requirements and perform accurate take-offs.
• Manage relationships with subcontractors and vendors to obtain competitive quotes

Your areas of knowledge and expertise...

• 4+ years of solar PV industry experience including energy storage systems
• 2+ years of commercial estimating experience for both retrofit and new construction sites
• Demonstrated experience estimating commercial solar PV systems including rooftop, carport, and ground-mount applications, as well as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and associated electrical infrastructure.
• Proficiency in developing conceptual layouts and pre-construction designs using HelioScope, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam to support accurate cost modeling and proposal development.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to build and maintain complex cost models and scenario analyses.
• Experience using ConEst or similar electrical estimating software preferred.
• Strong understanding of NEC, CBC, fire code setback requirements, and utility interconnection standards as they apply to commercial solar and storage systems.
• Experience coordinating with procurement teams to align equipment selections with cost targets and availability.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple bids and development projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Strong understanding of contract documents and language to effectively mitigate risks
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills and attention to detail
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills
• Experience with Salesforce.com or other CRM database systems
• Experience with multifamily construction preferred

Benefits and how we take care of you

Compensation:

The compensation range for this fulltime position is $95,000-$100,000. The base pay that will actually be offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, location, experience and take into account internal equity.

Benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision/Eye Care insurance, 5 weeks paid time off (PTO),13 paid holidays, Commuter Checks, 403b Retirement Plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), STD, LTD, and AD&D insurance

Where you will sit & the places you may go…

The ideal candidate will sit in within the U.S, Remote. This position may require up to 25% out-of-town travel to regional offices and special projects such as org-wide celebrations, team building exercises, etc. Availability to work nights and weekends may very rarely be required. GRID Alternatives may provide vehicles for work travel and/or travel reimbursement for personal vehicle use. In this instance, applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and have a good driving record.

Important to note for California applicants:

**Hired CA candidates must be able to pass a screening for drugs that are illegal in the state of California, including: amphetamine, cocaine metabolite, opiates, and PCP.

Reasonable Accommodation for Job Seekers with a Disability:

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to: RECRUITING@GRIDALTERNATIVES.ORG

Ready to Apply?

Submit a resume describing your interest. Due to the high volume of inquiries, mailed and emailed applications are not accepted.

GRID Alternatives provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or genetics. Because we value EID at GRID Alternatives, we encourage folks from all backgrounds to apply, even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications. Every member of GRID Alternatives must be dedicated to participating in the organization's equity, inclusion, and diversity (EID) work.