Project Engineer - Level 3

Title: Project Engineer - Level 3
Department: Engineering Center
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Director of Project Engineering
FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

Work Status (Hybrid/In-Office): Remote

PROJECT ENGINEER - LEVEL 3

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

Job Summary

The Project Engineer Level 3 (PE 3) is responsible for executing and managing engineering activities for utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role requires technical expertise, project coordination skills, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure projects are designed, reviewed, and executed in alignment with EPC standards. The PE 3 will work closely with procurement, construction, permitting, and interconnection teams while providing technical oversight, risk assessment, and stakeholder coordination to deliver successful projects. This position reports to the Director of Project Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is (Hybrid) located in Irvine, CA and working hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 5:00pm or 9:00am to 6:00pm local time. This position is expected to travel up to 30%.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead engineering execution for assigned utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects, ensuring technical quality and compliance.
• Own and manage engineering deliverables, schedules, and coordination across multiple projects.
• Serve as the technical point of contact for internal teams (procurement, construction, and permitting) and external stakeholders (utilities, regulators, and contractors).
• Assist in interconnection applications, permitting documentation, and grid compliance reviews.
• Ensure all project designs comply with industry standards (NEC, IEEE, UL, NFPA, IEC) and regulatory requirements.

Project & Team Management

• Coordinate across engineering, procurement, and construction teams to ensure project milestones are met.
• Support QA/QC reviews of engineering deliverables to maintain design integrity and construction feasibility.
• Contribute to risk assessments and provide recommendations to mitigate technical and execution risks.
• Assist in vendor technical evaluations and ensure equipment specifications align with project requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Work closely with utilities, permitting agencies, and third-party engineering firms to support project approvals.
• Engage with EPC contractors, equipment manufacturers, and technology providers to ensure seamless execution.
• Participate in RFP reviews, bid evaluations, and procurement decisions, providing engineering input on vendor selection.
• Align engineering decisions with financial modeling, cost optimization, and project risk assessments.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate engineering and operational risks associated with solar PV and BESS deployments.
• Ensure compliance with interconnection agreements, permitting conditions, and PPA requirements.
• Support commissioning teams in resolving technical issues during startup and performance testing.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Drive process improvements to enhance engineering efficiency and project execution.
• Stay updated on new technologies, industry best practices, and regulatory updates.
• Support research and development (R&D) initiatives to improve system design and operational performance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 4+ years of experience in utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS project engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Civil, Mechanical, Electrical preferred); Master’s degree preferred.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
• Proven experience in engineering execution, supporting multiple projects from development through commissioning.
• Experience with project execution, engineering workflows, budgeting, scheduling, and coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, PVSyst, Helioscope, SCADA systems, and power system modeling tools.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and technical coordination skills.

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 30% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.