SIGNAL ENERGY
Job Profile: Electrical Designer – Utility-Scale Solar
Department: Engineering – Electrical
Reports To: Manager / Senior Electrical Engineer
Location: Houston, TX (preferred) – Remote (U.S.) considered
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position summary
The Electrical Designer develops and coordinates complete AC and DC design packages for utility-scale solar and BESS projects, from early design through Issued-for-Construction (IFC) deliverables. This role supports both Engineer-of-Record (EOR)–led and in-house engineering efforts and ensures that designs meet project scope, schedule, budget, safety, quality, and constructability requirements in alignment with Signal Energy’s core principles.
Essential duties and responsibilities
- Lead the development of PV array and BESS electrical design packages from concept through IFC, including single-line and three-line diagrams, conduit and cable schedules, and wiring details for utility-scale projects.
- Prepare detailed DC collection layouts (stringing plans, combiner boxes, DC feeders) and AC collection layouts (inverters, MV transformers, MV feeders, and terminations) to achieve performance and cost objectives.
- Perform core electrical design calculations including string sizing, voltage drop, conductor and raceway sizing, short-circuit, equipment ratings, grounding, and overcurrent protection in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
- Interpret and implement project design criteria, owner requirements, utility interconnection requirements, and site-specific conditions into cohesive, constructible design documentation.
- Produce plan and detail drawings in AutoCAD (and related tools), including equipment layouts, raceway routing, trench and duct bank details, cable routing plans, vaults, terminations, and grounding diagrams.
- Coordinate closely with civil, structural, high-voltage, BESS, and construction teams to resolve spatial conflicts and ensure electrical designs are fully integrated with grading, roads, drainage, and foundations.
- Support preliminary and detailed energy modeling (e.g., PVSyst or similar) by providing accurate design assumptions, losses, and equipment configurations to optimize system performance and reliability.
- Assist in preparing permit, interconnection, and construction submittal packages, including drawing sets, calculations, and responses to AHJ, utility, and client comments.
- Provide construction-phase design support including RFI responses, design clarifications, redline incorporation, and updates to as-built documentation.
- Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of Signal Energy’s standard details, design tools, workflows, and best practices for utility-scale solar and BESS projects.
Attributes and competencies
- Strong technical foundation in power systems and utility-scale solar/BESS electrical design, including DC/AC collection, grounding, overcurrent protection, and interconnection concepts.
- Comfortable interfacing with clients, EORs, utilities, construction teams, and internal stakeholders, with clear written and verbal communication skills for technical reports, RFIs, and design justifications.
- Proficient in AutoCAD (or equivalent CAD platform) for electrical design; familiarity with PV modeling tools (PVSyst, Helioscope) and power system analysis software (ETAP, SKM, or similar) is preferred.
- Able to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines, balancing quality, speed, and cost in a fast-paced EPC environment.
- Collaborative and solutions-oriented team member who operates with integrity and a focus on safety, constructability, and long-term asset performance.
- Self-motivated, organized, and driven to continuously improve design standards, tools, and processes.
Education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related discipline; equivalent relevant experience in utility-scale solar design may be considered in lieu of degree.
- 5+ years of experience in solar PV or power systems design, with at least 3 years focused on commercial, industrial, or utility-scale solar and/or BESS.
- Working knowledge of NEC and NFPA; familiarity with NESC, IEEE, and utility interconnection standards is strongly preferred.
- EIT or PE license, and/or NABCEP PV Design or PV Installation certification preferred but not required.
Work environment and location
- Primary location is Signal Energy’s Houston, TX office, with a “Houston-first” approach to hiring and team collaboration.
- Remote work from other U.S. locations may be considered for highly qualified candidates, with periodic travel to Houston and project sites as needed (up to approximately 10%).
- Work is performed in an office environment with occasional visits to active construction sites, requiring adherence to safety protocols and PPE use.
Equal opportunity statement
Signal Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and uses E‑Verify. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.