Civil Engineer - Level 2

Job Overview

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA) is a renewable energy company headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializing in utility‑scale modules, solar photovoltaic and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, EPC services, and turnkey solutions for solar and BESS projects nationwide.

Title
:
Civil Engineer – Level 2
Department
:
Engineering Center
Location
:
Irvine, CA (Remote)
Supervisor
:
Manager of Civil/Structural Engineering
FLSA Status
:
Exempt
Position Status
:
Permanent, Full‑Time

The Civil Engineer Level 2 supports detailed site development, grading optimization, hydrology modeling, and permitting compliance for utility‑scale solar and BESS projects. The role requires hands‑on experience in site design, foundation engineering, stormwater drainage, erosion control, and geotechnical assessments.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provide technical support and guidance to entry‑level engineers and drafters.
• 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.

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

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day.
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk.
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters.
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far.
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors.
• Travel: up to 30% as needed.

• Regular professional, office business setting.
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting).
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite).
• Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement, as determined by business needs and the Head of Department.