Electrical Engineer

Oakland, CA
Full-time

First, the good news: The world now has over 2 terawatts of cumulative solar capacity and solar PV is the lowest-cost source of energy generation worldwide.

The challenge: The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years to meet surging power demand and decarbonize.

Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. We’re expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators who want to accelerate that transition. Come take ownership of large parts of our product, company, and business development as we help power the world with 100% clean and abundant energy.

As Electrical Engineer, you will own the electrical design and engineering for Planted Solar’s projects, ranging in size from distributed generation (DG) to utility scale. You will be responsible for the development of design documents, including electrical layouts, block diagrams, electrical system calculations, and one-line diagrams. You will be responsible for optimizing site design while balancing energy production, schedule, and material and labor costs. This role is a key interface with customers, independent engineers, and permitting agencies to ensure Planted projects meet all electrical engineering standards and requirements.

We are looking for a technically excellent hands-on engineer with experience deploying solar at scale. You will be a key part of the product development road map, especially electrical design and engineering improvements. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with talented engineering and business teams with a high degree of empowerment and autonomy.  

The annual salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 - $140,000 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 3-8 years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and engineer the electrical components of Planted Solar projects ranging from 1 - 200+ MW, including DC electrical system layout, wire sizing, trench design, and grounding detail
• Create project drawings and documentation for bidding, permitting, and construction using CAD software 
• Work collaboratively with engineering teammates to produce holistic site designs
• Communicate with third party engineering partners and clients to resolve any construction issues or design changes
• Manage time efficiently across multiple projects and work independently
• Ensure compliance with company, industry, trade, and jurisdictional safety standards, practices, and codes
• Drive value engineering and manage eBOS material, component,  and vendor selection
• Be a key part of sourcing and managing eBOS vendors
• Champion improvements of the Planted system through critical feedback on hardware and software products. Play a key role in the product feedback loop
• Travel as needed to project sites to support eBOS installation to ensure customer satisfaction with Planted products and services

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related discipline
• 3+ years working with AutoCAD
• Proficiency with the National Electrical Code (NEC)
• 3+ years experience designing utility scale solar PV systems
• Experience with solar specific software tools (PVSyst, SAM, PVCase, etc.)
• Experience with estimating and designing electrical distribution systems
• A track record of organization, adaptability, attention to detail, and project management skills
• Ability to communicate among construction, technical and non-technical personnel, both internally and outside the company
• Hands-on attitude, strong ownership & self-starter mentality, and resourcefulness
• Inquisitive and not afraid to ask questions to get necessary information or input
• Eagerness to navigate ambiguity, reduce reasonable risks, and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge
• Strong record of safe field operations and ability to integrate safety into product design and project operations
• Willingness to travel (up to 25% of the time for sustained stretches) with overnight stays required
• Desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment
• Located in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate for 100% in-person role

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Professional Engineering (PE) license
• Experience with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks
• Field experience in a construction environment
• Experience with new product development

*A note on qualifications: Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Mostly desk work using standard office equipment
• The position requires some travel for customer and business meetings and company-wide meetings

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid in-office lunches
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• 401(k)
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate

• You want to solve challenging problems
• You are biased towards action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
• You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
• You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
• You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
• You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.