Licensing Manager - Qcells

Title:  Licensing Manager
Department:  EPC Control
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor:VP of Project Management
FLSA Status:  Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-Time

Work Status: Hybrid

LICENSING MANAGER

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.  

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.   

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea. 

SUMMARY

The Licensing Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing all licensing activities related to engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects within the company. This role involves ensuring compliance with industry regulations, acquiring necessary licenses, permits, and approvals, and liaising with relevant regulatory authorities to ensure the smooth execution of EPC projects. The Licensing Manager will also be responsible for managing the licensing lifecycle, from initial application to renewals and modifications, and will work closely with legal, engineering, and project management teams.

This position reports to the Vice-President of Project Management, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is hybrid, working out your home and the jobsites. Working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 20%. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• License and Permit Management:
  • Ensure all necessary licenses, permits, and approvals are obtained for EPC projects, including environmental, construction, and safety-related authorizations.
  • Manage and track the status of required licenses and permits across various projects and ensure compliance with local, regional, and international regulations.
  • Developed tracking spreadsheets for all state registrations and licenses, related bonds andcertificates of insurance
  • Integrated of all Company’s licensing information in SharePoint and tracking spreadsheets
  • Facilitate timely submissions and renewals of licenses, tracking expiration dates and ensuring up-to-date compliance.
  • Replaced Qualifiers on Licenses, obtained new state licenses, cancelled orsurrendered many state licenses
  • Coordinate with applicants to clarify application details, correct errors, and obtain missing information.
  • Perform background checks and verify credentials to ensure applicants meet all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  • Interpret and ensure adherence to all applicable laws, standards, and regulations impacting the company’s projects.
  • Coordinate with regulatory bodies to understand and clarify licensing requirements.
  • Ensure the company is fully compliant with environmental, health, safety, and other governmental requirements specific to each project.
• Project Coordination:
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and legal teams to ensure that all licensing requirements are integrated into project planning and execution.
  • Provide licensing support to project teams to address any changes or modifications during project implementation.
  • Assist in risk management by identifying licensing and regulatory risks that may impact project timelines or costs.
• Documentation & Record Keeping:
  • Maintain accurate records of all licensing activities, including correspondence with authorities, application documents, and approvals.
  • Prepare and maintain detailed reports on licensing status for senior management and stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Communication:
  • Act as the primary liaison between the company and regulatory authorities, industry bodies, and other external entities.
  • Respond to inquiries from government agencies, ensuring timely and accurate information is provided.
  • Negotiate terms and conditions related to licenses and permits with authorities as needed.
  • Trained Licensing Specialists on State licensing applications and supporting documentation
• Strategic Guidance:
  • Advise internal teams on the implications of licensing requirements and their potential impact on project timelines and costs.
  • Stay informed on changes in local, national, and international regulations that may affect licensing and compliance for EPC projects.
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by VP of Project Managementand/or COO
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in law, Engineering, Business, or a related field. A master’s degree or professional certification in licensing or compliance is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in licensing, compliance, or regulatory affairs, preferably within the EPC industry or construction sector
• Experience working with government authorities and regulatory agencies.
• Knowledge of local and international standards, regulations, and environmental laws related to EPC projects.
• Strong understanding of licensing and permitting processes in the construction, engineering, or energy sectors.
• Experience in permitting processes with local authorities
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulations and legal documents.
• Experience in permitting processes with local authorities
• Ability to travel, up to 20% of the time
• Advanced knowledge and proficient in use of Microsoft office tools
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present and explain complex information clearly
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing licensing and compliance issues.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while maintaining high standards of accuracy.
• Team player with strong collaboration skills, but also capable of working independently.

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• 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; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations 

• 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: upto20% asneeded 

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT  

• Regular professional, officebusinesssetting 

• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting) 

• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite) 

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment. 

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.  

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.