Job Description

Lead Residential Solar Designer

Design - Seattle, Washington (Hybrid)

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Lead Residential Solar Designer to join our team and play a critical role in advancing sustainable energy solutions. The Lead Residential Solar Designer will take ownership of the design process & technical expertise for residential solar photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage systems (ESS). They will ensure systems are optimized for efficiency and compliance, while meeting critical project deadlines. They will work closely with cross-functional teams, clients, and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality, tailored energy solutions. This position is Hybrid and requires at least 2 days / week to be worked at our Washington location (currently in Seattle).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Solar PV and ESS System Design:

• Design residential solar PV and ESS systems using industry-standard and proprietary software tools including SketchUp/Layout, AutoCAD, Aurora Solar, Helioscope, etc.
• Analyze architectural and engineering plans to create detailed system layouts, electrical diagrams, and bills of material.
• Develop accurate and efficient residential solar designs while meeting tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Assist other designers in managing work flow and meeting deadlines.
• Produce accurate permit plan sets suitable for construction, permitting with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), and utility interconnections.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews of internal solar designs to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Create, improve, and maintain design tools and templates used by other design team members.
• Collaborate with the research and design team to evaluate and integrate new products into the workflow.
• Develop expertise and serve as a subject matter expert on newly introduced products.

Site Assessments and Feasibility:

• Review and interpret site assessments to finalize details for solar and storage designs.
• Assess roof conditions, structural integrity, electrical infrastructure, and sun exposure to identify challenges and recommend solutions.

Regulatory Compliance and Standards:

• Possess and maintain a strong knowledge of local and national codes, including NEC, IFC, ETO, and applicable building standards in Washington and Oregon.
• Ensure all designs meet regulatory requirements for permitting, applications, and inspections.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Coordination:

• Partner with licensed engineers to secure PE stamps for design drawings.
• Engage with clients, architects, and contractors to align project goals and design specifications.
• Collaborate with PV equipment manufacturers to explore custom solutions for specific projects.

Pricing and Proposal Development:

• Work closely with sales, project management, and installation teams to meet client needs and deadlines.
• Assist the procurement team in selecting cost-effective and high-quality materials.
• Provide expert recommendations on solar system options tailored to client requirements.

Installation Support:

• Provide technical guidance during installation to ensure designs are implemented correctly and comply with regulations.
• Support project managers and construction teams in executing design requirements.
• Assist the service team in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.

Continuous Learning and Process Improvement:

• Stay informed about new technologies, trends, and best practices in solar design.
• Pursue continuing education to maintain expertise in code compliance and solar design.
• Identify opportunities to improve design workflows and implement process enhancements.

REQUIREMENTS

• A minimum of 3 years of experience in residential solar PV system design.
• In-depth knowledge of electrical principles, photovoltaic systems, and relevant codes.
• Proficiency in design software such as PVsyst, Aurora Solar, Helioscope, SketchUp/Layout, and AutoCAD.
• Competency with Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, and/or G Suite technologies.
• Strong communication skills to articulate technical details effectively.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, renewable energy, or a related field.
• NABCEP Board Certification
• Hands-on experience with solar PV installation.
• Experience designing PV systems for commercial applications.

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