Sr. Structural Engineer

Gridworks • Albuquerque, NM

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Gridworks is seeking a Senior Structural Engineer with deep expertise in utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage systems to join their Albuquerque team. This role involves leading structural design, serving as Engineer of Record (EOR) on assigned projects, partnering closely with self-perform construction teams, and providing technical oversight when EOR responsibility is delegated to external engineering firms. The position is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and is a full-time, exempt role within the Engineering – Structural department, reporting to the VP of Engineering. The company focuses on utility-scale solar PV, BESS, substation, and transmission projects across North America.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
• 10–15 years of progressive structural engineering experience, with a meaningful portion focused on utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license; ability to obtain New Mexico PE within 6 months of hire and additional state licensure as project needs require.
• Demonstrated experience serving as Engineer of Record on utility-scale renewable energy projects.
• Experience reviewing and providing technical oversight of external/third-party EOR calculations and drawings.
• Proficiency with industry-standard structural design software including RISA-3D, RISA Foundation, STAAD.Pro, SAP2000, RAM, and/or Tekla Structural Designer.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Civil 3D for drawing review and coordination.
• Strong command of ASCE 7, AISC 360, ACI 318, IBC, and NDS as applicable.
• Ability to travel to project sites within the United States as required (10–20%).

Nice To Haves

• Structural Engineer (SE) license.
• Master's degree in Structural Engineering or related discipline.
• Direct experience sealing and stamping drawings as EOR for both solar PV and BESS projects.
• Familiarity with NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A, and emerging BESS code requirements.
• Experience with PV-specific tools such as PVCase, PVFarm, or PlantPredict.
• Experience working in an EPC or self-perform construction environment.
• Working knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles and pile load testing programs.
• Experience supporting proposals, estimating, and constructability reviews.

Responsibilities

• Seal and stamp structural drawings and calculations for utility-scale PV and BESS projects, taking professional responsibility for design integrity, code compliance, and constructability.
• Lead structural analysis and design for fixed-tilt and single-axis tracker racking systems, foundations (driven piles, helical piles, drilled shafts, ballasted, micropiles, and ground screws), and module-level support structures.
• Engineer foundations and supports for battery enclosures, inverter/PCS skids, MV/LV transformer pads, fire walls, and equipment platforms in compliance with NFPA 855 and project-specific fire protection criteria.
• Perform geotechnical interpretation, foundation selection, pull-test program design and oversight, and corrosion mitigation in coordination with geotechnical consultants.
• Apply ASCE 7, AISC 360, ACI 318, IBC, and applicable AHJ amendments for wind, seismic, snow, and ice loading; coordinate jurisdictional permitting and plan review responses.
• Work hand-in-hand with construction, field engineering, procurement, and project management to deliver designs that are buildable, optimized for our self-perform crews, and aligned with project schedules and budgets.
• Travel to project sites (estimated 10–20%) for kickoff walks, foundation pull-test witnessing, QA/QC, RFI resolution, and construction support.
• Review and approve tracker, racking, and BESS OEM structural submittals; perform independent verification of vendor-supplied calculations.
• On projects where structural EOR responsibility is delegated to a third-party engineering firm, serve as Gridworks technical lead, review external EOR calculations, drawings, design basis documents, and load determinations for solar PV and BESS scopes; identify gaps, code interpretation issues, and constructability concerns; track formal review comments through resolution; and represent Gridworks in design coordination meetings with the external EOR.
• Develop and maintain structural design standards, calculation templates, and QA/QC procedures; contribute to estimating support and proposal development.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus.
• Competitive relocation benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits effective day one.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Generous PTO, paid holidays, and parental leave.
• Professional development support, including PE/SE exam reimbursement, continuing education, and conference attendance.
• A high-impact role on projects that directly accelerate the energy transition.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior