Solar Design Engineering Manager

Description

Solar Design Engineering Manager

This position is based in our ArchKey office in San Jose, CA

About ArchKey

ArchKey is one of the nation’s largest privately held specialty trade installation and integrated facility service companies. We are a leader in designing, building and maintaining electrical, technologies and specialty systems. We’re the POWER behind making the improbable possible.

We’re electrifying the nation, energizing the future and bringing communities to life like never before. What we do today shapes the vision of tomorrow. Our work impacts lives long after the building is done. This means we are committed to building in ways that are not just technologically advanced, but sustainable, scalable and equitable by all. We’re not just energizing infrastructure, we’re energizing careers, communities, and the future.

Made up of the brightest minds in the industry, our team is our greatest asset bringing knowledge, skills, and experience to every project. This is more than a call to join us, it’s an invitation to be part of a visionary journey, to grow with us as we scale.

About the Position

The Solar Design Engineering Manager is responsible for managing the engineering design team for solar energy projects, ensuring that all designs are optimized for performance, cost-effectiveness, in alignment with all Company policies, procedures, key objectives and regulatory standards. This position requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership skills, and strategic vision to oversee the design and implementation of high-quality solar systems from conceptual design through final installation. This role works closely with the project management, business development and operations teams to deliver innovative, efficient, and scalable solar energy solutions.

Day in the Life

• Partners with the Project Director and senior leadership to develop the department’s growth vision and contribute to business development efforts.
• Leads, mentors, and develops a team of design engineers and technical staff to ensure high performance and professional growth.
• Manages team workflow, provides guidance, and sets clear project goals and deadlines.
• Promotes a collaborative work environment by encouraging knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Oversees the design of solar energy systems, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and other components to ensure they meet performance, cost, and quality standards.
• Leads efforts to develop cost-competitive designs for commercial and utility-scale solar projects.
• Ensures designs are optimized for efficiency, performance, and long-term durability.
• Works with internal teams to navigate permitting processes and meet regulatory requirements.
• Collaborates with local municipalities, utilities, and other stakeholders to ensure that project designs meet permitting and return on investment (ROI) standards.
• Communicates changes in industry regulations and new technologies to the team and other departments.
• Continuously reviews and improves design methodologies, ensuring the team follows industry best practices and innovative approaches.
• Leads efforts to integrate new technologies, such as energy storage, into system designs to enhance project value.
• Oversees the review of preliminary design drawings, project-specific submittals, and construction documents to ensure they meet quality and design standards.
• Participates in constructability reviews and identifies potential design improvements to mitigate challenges.
• Reviews issue-for-permit drawings before submission to the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Works with the Building Information Modeling (BIM) team to develop preliminary installation drawings and coordinate with other project teams to ensure accurate and efficient design integration. Ensures design accuracy and helps resolve any conflicts during Clash Detection meetings.
• Supports project managers in preparing proposals, including the design and technical scope of projects, helping to evaluate project feasibility and optimize designs for cost and performance.
• Assists in the preparation and negotiation of contracts, ensuring technical specifications align with project goals and timelines.
• Identifies areas for improvement in design processes, proposes corrective actions, and implements solutions to streamline operations.
• Develops training programs for new and existing employees to enhance technical skills and knowledge in solar energy design.
• Consistently makes decisions in an attentive and safe manner to ensure the safety and health of self and others.
• Utilizes LEAN concepts or other continuous improvement methodologies to ensure the most efficient operations, processes, and activities.
• Promotes and models the Company mission, vision and values through exercising sound and ethical business practices, championing all elements of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and providing high quality services and programs as they relate to clients, subcontractors, co-workers, suppliers, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master's degree in electrical engineering, renewable energy, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in solar energy design engineering, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience with software tools for system design and modeling (e.g., AutoCAD, PVsyst, Helioscope, BIM).
• In-depth knowledge of solar energy technologies, PV systems, energy storage, and electrical systems.
• Experience with utility-scale solar projects and large system designs.
• Knowledge of emerging solar technologies and industry trends and familiarity with energy storage solutions and microgrid systems.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, permitting processes, and energy incentives.
• Superior listening, presentation, negotiation, conflict management and persuasion skills, and the ability to influence employees at all levels, including senior management.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with customers, subcontractors, vendors, and other community leaders.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with the ability to mentor and motivate staff.
• Strong hiring, teamwork and coaching skills. Effective organizational, complex problem solving and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including business development, relationship building, and client correspondence skills.

Travel

• Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some travel and overnight may be expected.

Salary Range

• $155,000 – 175,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

At ArchKey Solutions, our benefits package includes competitive health insurance options (medical, dental, and vision), a robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, paid time off and holidays, and access to wellness programs. Additionally, we offer professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and employee assistance programs to support your growth and well-being. We ensure that our benefits are designed to promote the health, security, and work-life balance of our employees. Additional information is available at Archkey.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer. #CA-30-1

Beware of fraudulent job postings. ArchKey Solutions only communicates through official channels. All official communication will come from an @archkey.com email address and we will never ask for financial information, payments, or personal details outside of the standard hiring process. To confirm the legitimacy of a job, visit our careers page or reach out to a member of our Talent Acquisition team.