Senior Field Engineer, Construction

Planted•Oakland, CA

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

Planted Solar is seeking a detail-oriented and execution-focused Senior Field Engineer to manage the successful installation of Planted’s commercial- and utility-scale solar arrays. The Senior Field Engineer serves as Planted’s onsite technical authority, providing oversight and management of our subcontractors to ensure their execution aligns with our engineering designs. This role is key to project success, requiring someone with a high attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality project installation. This role will be responsible for training Planted’s subcontractors on our array installation methods and ensuring project execution from project mobilization through testing and final completion. Throughout the installation process, the Senior Field Engineer will maintain a regular on-site presence and will work with Planted’s subcontractors to identify areas for efficiency, safety, and QC improvements. This role will act as Planted’s first-in-line point of contact for subcontractors while onsite. You will also be responsible for detailed reporting throughout construction and ensuring effective subcontractor reporting methods. You will operate cross functionally, liaising with Project Managers, Engineers, and the Procurement team to ensure project execution that aligns with project schedule and engineering and material procurement specs. The salary range for this full-time position is $130,000 - $170,000 plus stock options and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 5+ years of relevant experience.

Requirements

5+ years experience in field engineering and solar construction
Understanding of mechanical and electrical concepts relevant to solar arrays
Extremely high attention to detail. Keen eye for defects and discrepancies
Experience working with construction contractors and field labor
Willing to travel 75%, up to 2 week stays in field
Experience interpreting and communicating information on construction drawings
Strong foresight ability to predict and plan for potential issues that may impede construction, e.g. safety, quality, or efficiency
Excellent communication and extreme organization
Driven and outcome-oriented; able to navigate complex project dynamics
Hands-on attitude, strong ownership mentality, and resourcefulness
Inquisitive and not afraid to speak up to get necessary information or input
Eagerness to navigate ambiguity and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge
Desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment
Located in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate. When not traveling, this role requires working on-site at our Oakland headquarters.

Nice To Haves

Experience in utility scale solar construction management and oversight
OSHA 10 or 30 Certification

Responsibilities

Maintain a high standard for installation excellence of Planted projects and ensure successful project delivery
Train contractors and EPCs on Planted’s array installation, quality control methods, and specific reporting methods
Observe installation processes and collaborate with contractors to address inefficiencies or safety concerns
Collect, input, and report construction status and installation/QC data
Utilize Planted software, along with spreadsheets and other methods, to maintain correct and up-to-date project status and data
Work with contractors to identify more efficient ways to install Planted systems
Create and update installation documentation including manuals, videos, QC checklists, and other reference material
Plan and prepare Planted tools and equipment required for installation
Work with supply chain team to identify and report material defects during construction
Develop a deep understanding of Planted’s post installation machines, failure modes, and impact to array construction
Act as Planted first-in-line point of contact for subcontractors while onsite
Work with Planted’s Field Robotics Engineering (FRE) team and subcontractors to establish efficient build plan