Design Engineer I - New Leaf Energy, Inc.

New Leaf Energy is an experienced clean energy developer that partners with landowners, policymakers, and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a world powered by renewable energy. We identify high-value sites, work with landowners and local communities to develop them, and partner with long-term asset owners to bring the most impactful clean energy projects to life.

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Design Engineer I to design, review and entitle designs for commercial, government and utility solar PV projects ranging in size from 3MW AC to 300MW AC. This role manages 15-25 projects simultaneously, and has broad visibility across the organization.

This position may be filled out of our Lowell, MA, Boston, MA, Troy, NY, Chicago, IL, or Oakland, CA offices. We value in-person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and are free to work from the office or from home on other days.

About the Role

In this role, you will work with a team of design engineers, civil engineers, and project developers. Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Work with the design team in evaluating and performing feasibility analysis on potential sites;
• Work with the project development, electrical, and civil engineering team in the development of site use permit plan sets and bid level (60%) drawings that will be used for permitting and the IPP bidding process;
• Design projects according to the New Leaf Energy Design Standards and train new employees on the standards;
• Complete the review process for each job through milestone drawing releases;
• Participate in our continuous improvement environment, specifically focusing on improving training materials; 
• Handle administration of permitting and bidding as needed, including working with and advising the project team with respect to design/production modeling considerations as questions arise from the AHJ or bidding IPP;
• Contribute to the design of infrastructure and offer new perspectives. We are open to new views and want to leverage professional experience; initiative and recommendations are encouraged;
• Other duties as assigned.

While no one individual will possess them all, the successful candidate will bring many of the following experiences, skills, and attributes. If you're unsure of whether you meet enough of the qualifications below but believe that your experience and skill set is a good match for this position, we invite you to apply!

• B.S. degree required;
• 1-3 years' experience preferred;
• Completion of at least 40 NABCEP Credits preferred;
• Strong understanding of all relevant codes, including demonstrated experience with utility networks across the country;
• Ability to work independently and effectively with project developers, clients, consulting engineers, design, and technical personnel, as well as manufacturing partners;
• Ability to be open minded, creative, and possess the ability to modify and expand theories to find creative solutions within the confines of the code;
• Ability to substantiate code interpretations and mathematically prove design concepts;
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple projects and tasks;
• Experience drafting or reviewing engineering services contracts;
• Solid written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to effectively communicate design concepts and lead meetings between clients, project engineers, code officials, and third party consultants
• Experience with cost estimation of designs;
• Intermediate understanding of design decision impact on project cost;
• Intermediate understanding of project scheduling and tracking;
• Computer proficiency with AutoCAD, PVSYST, MS Project, and MS Excel.  

Compensation

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership.  We use a data-driven and transparent methodology to calibrate compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable, guided by the New Leaf Energy compensation manual, which is available to all employees.

Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range for this position in Oakland, CA is $86,760 -  $100,830. The on-target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 10% percent of base salary. Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience. We value transparency and can share more during the interview process. 

Benefits and Culture

New Leaf Energy's success is driven by our collaborative, long-term relationships based on trust and transparency. We offer a flexible work environment that places significant responsibility in independent teams and creates opportunities for innovation and personal growth. New Leaf Energy's benefits are designed to appropriately recognize our employees' contributions and enable a reasonable work/life balance. Our benefits include:

• Competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision;
• A 401k plan with immediate vesting and a company match (100% of the first three percent of your pay; 50% for the next two percent you contribute);
• An open and self-managed paid time-off policy;
• A hybrid work location policy that supports working from home for part of the week;
• A parental leave policy for both birthing and non-birthing parents, available immediately upon hire;
• Professional development and education assistance.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

New Leaf Energy values the diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and contributions of all employees. We want all our employees to feel like they belong and are empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. We're actively committed to fostering diversity and creating an inclusive environment not only within our own organization but also within the clean energy industry.

We seek a diverse candidate pool in this–and every–search. New Leaf Energy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetics, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state, federal and local laws. In addition to federal law requirements, New Leaf Energy complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. EEO M/F/D/V.

A Note to Third-Party Recruiters

New Leaf Energy's People + Culture team coordinates all recruiting and hiring at our company. New Leaf Energy does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies. Resumes are only accepted from third-party recruiters, staffing firms, or related agencies if a signed agreement is in place AND if external recruiting assistance is authorized by the People + Culture team for a specific position. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of New Leaf Energy. New Leaf Energy is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.