Project Engineer

Cypress Creek Renewables•Durham, NC

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Cypress Creek Renewables is seeking a detail-oriented Project Engineer to perform in-house site design, CAD drafting, and energy forecasting for utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. The ideal candidate brings expertise in PVSyst energy modeling, BESS performance modeling, AutoCAD/Civil3D drafting, and related site design disciplines across the full renewable energy project lifecycle. The Project Engineer will be the technical authority for site layout design and energy production forecasting, collaborating closely with development, pre-construction, and engineering teams to ensure designs are optimized, accurate, and aligned with project goals, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

Requirements

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, or Systems Engineering, or a closely related technical field
2+ years of experience in site design and/or energy modeling for utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS projects in the renewable energy sector
Strong competency in analytical problem solving, quantitative energy forecasting, and applied engineering judgment for site-specific design challenges in complex terrain and regulatory environments.
Proficient in PVSyst for solar energy modeling; experience with BESS modeling platforms (e.g., HOMER, Energy Toolbase, or equivalent); proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Project) and familiarity with Procore, SiteTracker, or similar project management tools
Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD/Civil3D for site layout design, drafting, grading, and construction document production in a renewable energy project context
Embrace and live by the mission and values of Cypress Creek Renewables
Self-motivated, capable of performing tasks with minimal supervision.
Ability to work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and meet deadlines.
Strong organizational skills and multitasking ability.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
Commitment to continuous improvement and analytical problem-solving.
Ability to create and implement programs/policies involving multiple departments.
Travel is expected to be ~10%
Must hold a valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Engineer in Training (EIT) certified preferred

Responsibilities

Develop in-house site layouts, PV energy models, BESS energy models, performance calculations, optimization exercises, and single line diagrams (SLD) using industry-standard tools.
Lead the design of ground-mounted solar PV system projects, with primary focus on site layout, array configuration, inter-row spacing, tracker geometry, grading constraints, and civil/land development integration.
Read, interpret, and understand all project documentation such as City/County zoning and permitting requirements and produce compliant design solutions.
Review due diligence surveys, geotechnical studies, hydrology analyses, wetland delineations, and environmental reports required for design and permitting; assess impacts on site layout, grading design, and energy production assumptions.
Produce high-quality engineering plans, site layout drawings, array block diagrams, and construction details utilizing AutoCAD/Civil3D design software.
Produce grading analysis, topographical exhibits, drainage assessments, and other AutoCAD Civil3D deliverables to support site feasibility and permitting.
Support the Pre-Construction Department by providing site design deliverables and energy forecast documentation during the EPC RFP process through contract execution.
Coordinate with third-party engineering firms across site design-relevant disciplines including civil, structural, geotechnical, electrical, and survey, as needed to advance site designs.
Review scopes of work, deliverables, and schedules for engineering consultants
Experience creating and reviewing engineering deliverables (10/30/60/90% design packages) Ensure all engineering activities align with project timelines and budgets
Build and maintain BESS energy models to evaluate dispatch strategies, state-of-charge profiles, degradation, and revenue optimization; provide technical support to Supply Chain for evaluation of new BESS, PCS technologies, PV inverters, and MV transformers.
Develop, perform QA/QC, and maintain PVSyst simulation models for solar PV projects including bifacial modeling, shading analysis, soiling/degradation assumptions, and P50/P90 energy yield estimates; maintain documentation of modeling assumptions for internal and lender review.
Evaluate and apply meteorological data sources (e.g., Solargis, NASA POWER, SolarAnywhere) and loss analysis methodologies to produce defensible energy forecasts, understanding the technical and financial implications of modeling assumptions.
Conduct technical review and risk analysis of site layouts, identifying design conflicts, shading impacts, setback compliance, and grading challenges that affect energy yield or constructability.
Ensure the execution of work in accordance with contracts and policies
Develop effective relationships with internal departments, contractors, suppliers, landowners, and other stakeholders
Support maintenance and continuous improvement of technical specifications for PV modules, inverters, racking systems, BESS equipment, and EPC/equipment procurement contracts (EPCA)
Act as the point of contact between internal development/construction teams and external engineering consultants
Facilitate design coordination meetings and issue resolution of discussions. Reinforce a team approach throughout the enterprise, both on projects and internal initiatives
Effectively communicate relevant information to superiors
Champion innovation and effectively manage the implementation of new ideas, processes, tools, etc.
Ability to effectively coordinate and handle, under pressure, multiple projects with a high degree of independence and professional judgment to deliver projects within deadlines