3826 - Project Designer

The Project Designer-Ground creates site-specific designs for the deployment of SunPower Systems products, applying design guidelines and working with internal and external customers to define and meet unique project requirements for large -scale ground mounted solar arrays. Generates full sets of construction documents or oversees one or more drafters to execute construction drawings, and generates bills of material, specifications, and other documents in support of the in-house construction project management team. Manages external engineering sub-consultants; assists salespeople and construction Project managers with design related questions; responds to Requests For Information (RFIs) from the field during construction.

Job duties include the following:
•Leads in defining a project’s functional and spatial requirements. Estimates costs and develops schedules for the design of rooftop and ground mounted solar arrays.
•Prepares mechanical, electrical, civil and structural designs for free standing ground-mounted solar arrays
•Oversees one or more drafters who execute construction drawings
•Schedules and leads Design Review meetings; assists project manager in updating overall project schedule and budget
•Updates and maintains design schedule dates in Excel or MS Project. Creates new schedules as needed.
•Leads multiple project designs simultaneously; manages competing priorities and overcomes obstacles to successfully meet submittal dates
•Creates Scopes of Work for engineering consultants and modifies and updates the boilerplate scopes as needed
•Creates and updates CSI format specifications unique to project and site requirements
•Manages engineering consultants for calculations, drawing packages, professional stamps
•Meets with external customers and construction subcontractors to discuss design options, address concerns, and reduce costs
•Uses understanding of construction logistics, material and labor costs to optimize designs
•Is local expert to Salespeople and construction Project Managers with design related questions, responding to RFIs from the field
•Mentors more junior engineers
•Reviews and approves Bills of Materials for all product types;
•Effectively directs and utilizes administrative resources in repetitive tasks such as generating plots and updating schedules
•Assists in updating and maintaining drawing set templates based on updates from product design or other sources of new information

Education and Experience
•Bachelors degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or a Masters degree in Architecture
•5-7 years experience in the design field
•PE or equivalent foreign certifications are a plus; professional development is encouraged

Qualifications
•Excellent, demonstrated civil design skills
•Ability to delegate and prioritize work of drafters, technicians, and interns
•Strong AutoCAD skills and proven ability to generate accurate, highly-detailed construction drawings
•Strong familiarity with construction and electrical codes
•Proven ability to successfully procure, monitor, and assess subcontracted consultants
•Strong analytical skills
•Well-developed and professional interpersonal skills; ability to interact effectively with people at all levels of the organization, as well as outside customers and vendors.
•Ability to work in a team environment with a customer service focus.
•Sufficient organizational skills to manage time well, prioritize effectively, and handle multiple deadlines.
•Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
•Must be computer-savvy - strong knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Level descriptors:
•An experienced professional who has substantial understanding of the job and applies knowledge and skills to complete a wide range of tasks. As a skilled specialist, resolves a wide range of issues in resourceful and creative ways.
•Works on assignments requiring considerable judgment and initiative. Understands implications of work and makes recommendations for solutions. Builds productive internal and external working relationships.
•Normally receives little instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.

Please send resume to David.Sneed@sunpowercorp.com.