Associate Director, Preconstruction

Scout Clean Energy•Boulder, CO

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

Scout’s Associate Director of Preconstruction leads development, design, and construction planning for utility-scale wind and solar projects. The role owns the engineering, procurement, and construction planning scope for assigned projects from early development through notice to proceed. It manages technical consultants and their deliverables, collaborates with cross-functional teams and project stakeholders, and may take on additional duties supporting Scout’s growth and technical expertise in renewable energy. Success requires strong attention to detail, the ability to advance multiple work streams on time and on budget, technical knowledge of utility-scale wind or solar facilities, and effective communication across audiences with varying technical proficiency. The role works with multidisciplinary Scout teams to define project constraints and success metrics, and represents Scout professionally with project partners and stakeholders. Responsibilities span engineering and design coordination, supplier and contractor procurement, contract support, construction strategy and scheduling, cost estimating, risk analysis, site reviews, and project transitions into construction. The position also develops and mentors junior team members and leads cross-functional initiatives, meetings, and working groups, including work to align priorities, address dependencies, and maintain momentum amid ambiguity. Additional assignments may include developing business cases or protocols, improving and documenting processes, and integrating commercial software or developing internal software tools. The position is preferably based within commuting distance of Scout’s Boulder, Colorado office, on a hybrid three-days-in-office/two-days-remote schedule. Remote work with monthly office travel may be considered. The role requires up to 25% travel to U.S. project sites. 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 civil and electrical plans and specifications.
Experience developing contract exhibits for balance-of-plant contracts.
Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, project management, problem-solving, and team-building skills.
Ability to solve problems and make informed decisions quickly.
Proficiency with computers and strong working knowledge of MS Excel, including creating and debugging spreadsheets for data analysis and cost estimating.
Working knowledge of SharePoint for document management.
Working knowledge of Google Earth, ArcGIS, or GlobalMapper.
Working knowledge of Bluebeam Revu.
Working knowledge of MS Project or similar scheduling software.
Experience working with cross-functional internal and external technical advisors and stakeholders.
Ability to work effectively in a flat organization, leveraging colleagues’ expertise across different reporting lines.
Ability to multitask and arbitrate between conflicting priorities, set clear targets, and follow through in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.
Located within commuting distance of the Boulder, Colorado office, or willing to relocate, is preferred; remote work with monthly office travel may be considered.
Ability to travel up to 25% to project sites in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

Battery energy storage system (BESS) experience.
Abilities in civil or electrical design software.
Willingness to work on a hybrid schedule from a commutable distance to Scout’s Boulder, Colorado office; remote work with monthly office travel may be considered.

Responsibilities

Define project constraints and prioritize success metrics with multidisciplinary project teams.
Coordinate with Development, Interconnection, Site Assessment, Procurement, Construction, and Operations teams to optimize project design, equipment selection, balance-of-plant layout, and interconnection options.
Scope and manage third-party engineering and design work to budget and schedule; review technical drawings and specifications and seek Scout team approval.
Lead value-engineering exercises to maximize project financial performance.
Evaluate major equipment suppliers and maintain knowledge of best-in-class offerings.
Draft RFPs and conduct competitive selection processes for general contractors, subcontractors, and major equipment suppliers.
Develop technical exhibits and contribute technical input to balance-of-plant and EPC contracts; assist with contract negotiations.
Develop construction strategies, including resource needs, risks, and mitigation plans.
Review project documentation for technical due diligence on acquisition opportunities.
Travel to project locations for site inspections, constructability reviews, and micro-siting evaluations.
Create risk/opportunity matrices and perform risk assessment analysis.
Prepare balance-of-plant cost estimates to support Finance and Origination.
Create Level 1 and Level 2 EPC schedules and align stakeholders on critical-path activities.
Support Development work, including permitting and landowner meetings.
Facilitate efficient and effective project transitions into construction.
Develop, manage, and mentor junior team members and direct reports; support and lead hiring and selection of junior team members.
Coordinate and lead complex cross-functional initiatives, translating organizational priorities into plans, timelines, and deliverables and managing dependencies.
Build and participate in cross-functional working groups, lead cross-team meetings, guide groups toward decisions and accountability, and connect teams by supporting clear information flow and early consideration of risks and tradeoffs.
Navigate ambiguity and competing priorities, adapt plans, and maintain forward momentum while modeling inclusive collaboration and influencing without authority.
Take on additional work such as business cases and protocols, process improvement and documentation, and software integration or development.