Associate Director, Preconstruction

Scout Clean Energy•Boulder, CO

1d•$170,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

As Scout’s Associate Director of Preconstruction, you will lead development, design, and construction planning for utility-scale wind and solar projects. You will own the engineering, procurement, and construction planning scope for assigned projects from early development through notice to proceed. The role manages technical consultants and their deliverables, and reports to Scout’s Senior Director of Engineering. Additional duties may be assigned to support Scout’s growth and renewable-energy technical work. Success requires attention to detail, the ability to move multiple work streams forward on time and on budget, technical knowledge of utility-scale wind or solar plants, and the ability to communicate with audiences of varying technical proficiency. You will work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and integrate the technical expertise of team members. At the beginning of each project, you will work with the multidisciplinary Scout team to define constraints and prioritize success metrics. You will communicate regularly and represent Scout professionally with project partners and stakeholders. The position also includes developing and mentoring junior team members, supporting hiring, leading cross-functional initiatives, and helping improve Scout’s preconstruction and engineering practices. The role is based near Scout’s Boulder, Colorado office on a preferred hybrid three-days-in-office/two-days-remote schedule. Remote work with monthly office travel may be considered. Travel to U.S. project sites may be up to 25%. The position is expected to close by January 30, 2027.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant technical field.
At least 8 years of experience as an engineer or project manager focused on engineering, procurement, or construction aspects of planning and executing utility-scale wind or solar projects.
Solid knowledge and understanding of key value drivers for wind or solar power projects.
Experience providing preconstruction cost estimates based on industry knowledge.
Demonstrated ability to review and revise plans and specifications for civil and electrical work.
Experience developing contract exhibits for BOP contracts.
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, project management, problem-solving, and team-building skills.
Ability to solve problems and make informed decisions quickly.
Experience working with cross-functional internal and external technical advisors and stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to work in a flat organization and leverage colleagues’ expertise across different reporting lines.
Ability to multitask and arbitrate between conflicting priorities with clear target setting and follow-through in a fast-paced, changing work environment.
Proficiency with computers and working knowledge of MS Excel, including creating and debugging spreadsheets for data analysis and cost estimating; SharePoint; Google Earth, ArcGIS, or GlobalMapper; Bluebeam Revu; and MS Project or similar scheduling software.

Nice To Haves

BESS experience.
Abilities in civil/electrical design software.
Located within, or willing to relocate to, a commutable distance from Scout’s Boulder, Colorado office is preferred; remote work with monthly travel to the office may be considered.
Attractive bonus potential is offered.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with Development, Interconnection, Site Assessment, Procurement, Construction, and Operations teams to optimize project design, including site selection, major equipment, balance-of-plant layout, and interconnection options.
Scope engineering and design work with third-party engineering consultants; manage execution to budget and schedule; review drawings and specifications; and seek Scout team approval.
Lead value-engineering exercises to improve project financial performance.
Evaluate and stay current on offerings from major equipment suppliers.
Draft RFPs and conduct competitive selection processes for general contractors, subcontractors, and major equipment suppliers.
Develop technical exhibits and provide input on technical aspects of BOP/EPC contracts.
Assist with BOP/EPC contract negotiations to support project planning.
Develop construction strategies, identifying resource needs, risks, and mitigation strategies.
Review project documentation and perform technical due diligence for project acquisition opportunities.
Travel to project sites for inspections, constructability reviews, and micro-siting evaluations.
Conduct risk assessments and create risk/opportunity matrices.
Provide BOP cost estimates to support Finance and Origination.
Create Level 1 and Level 2 EPC schedules and align stakeholders on critical-path activities.
Support Development efforts, including permitting and landowner meetings.
Support effective project transitions into the construction phase.
Develop, manage, and mentor junior team members and direct reports.
Support and lead hiring and selection of junior team members.
Lead and coordinate cross-functional initiatives by converting organizational priorities into plans, timelines, and deliverables and managing dependencies across teams.
Build and engage cross-functional working groups that bring together varied experience, expertise, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches.
Lead cross-team meetings and forums, balancing stakeholder needs and guiding groups toward decisions, next steps, and accountability.
Connect teams by supporting clear information flow, addressing risks and tradeoffs early, and explaining how work fits into broader goals.
Navigate ambiguity and competing priorities, adapt plans, and maintain momentum.
Model inclusive collaboration and influence without authority while building alignment and commitment.
Undertake other assigned work, which may include building business cases or protocols, process improvement and documentation, and integrating commercial software or developing internal tools.