Project Design Engineer

At Canadian Solar, our vision is to make lives better by bringing electricity powered by the sun to millions of people worldwide. As a leading manufacturer of solar panels, inverters, and energy storage solutions, we've been an industry front-runner since our founding in 2001. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all parts of our organization as we navigate the complexities of a booming industry.

Throughout Canadian Solar's subsidiaries, e-Storage, Recurrent Energy, MSS and CSI Solar Co., we invest in our employees' growth. Our training programs and promotional opportunities ensure we all can continue to learn. We understand the importance of work-life balance and provide various flexible work options to support our employees' well-being. Join our team to "Make the Difference" by creating a lasting positive impact on the world and the communities where we operate.

At CS Power Systems, we're on a mission to transform lives by delivering clean, solar-powered electricity to millions worldwide—and we're just getting started. As a cutting-edge division of Canadian Solar, a global leader founded in 2001, we stand at the forefront of manufacturing high-performance solar panels, inverters, and advanced energy storage solutions. In this fast-growing, high-impact industry, our deep commitment to sustainability drives everything we do, creating innovative technologies that power a brighter, greener future.

Across Canadian Solar's powerful ecosystem—including CS Power Systems, CSPowerTech, e-STORAGE, Recurrent Energy, MSS, and CSI Solar—we're deeply invested in our people's success. If you're passionate about renewable energy and want to "Make the Difference" by building a lasting positive impact on the planet and communities everywhere, join us at CS Power Systems—where your talent can help shape the clean energy revolution.

Position Title:                    Project Design Engineer

Department:                      C&I

Reports To:                         Head of C&I Systems and Solutions

Location:                             Walnut Creek, CA (Hybrid)

Location

Our Walnut Creek, CA office is conveniently located near public transportation (BART), is ideally situated for bicycle commuters, has plenty of free parking, and an abundance of eateries in the surrounding area. Hybrid/flexible schedules available with flexibility to work from home 1 day each week as business allows.

Position Summary

The Project Design Engineer will support early-stage development and engineering for Commercial & Industrial (C&I) energy storage and solar PV projects. Responsibilities include preliminary system design, site assessment, grid and interconnection review, and technical documentation to support proposals and permitting.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Perform technical feasibility assessments, load and utility data analysis, and conceptual system design for C&I battery energy storage (BESS) and solar PV systems.
• Develop preliminary system layouts, one-line diagrams, electrical calculations, and capacity modeling.
• Conduct solar irradiance studies, shading analysis, and energy performance modeling.
• Analyze interval utility data (15-min / hourly) to evaluate load profiles, peak shaving potential, and system sizing.
• Review interconnection requirements, tariff structures, and utility programs (CPUC, IOUs, NEM, SGIP).
• Prepare preliminary bill of materials (BOM), equipment selection support, and cost assumptions for proposals.
• Perform occasional site assessments and prepare technical site reports.
• Coordinate with project development, sales, and construction teams to ensure technical alignment.
• Maintain organized project documentation and support permitting & utility submissions as needed.
• Assist in identifying BESS opportunities and portfolio design optimization.  

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Power Systems, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in distributed energy, solar, or energy storage design is preferred.
• Experience with California C&I energy systems is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of electrical design principles (480V/277V, 208V/120V systems, transformers, DER interconnection).
• Knowledge of battery energy storage system design, safety, and project workflows.
• Familiarity with California incentive & interconnection programs (SGIP, Rule 21, NEM/NBT/A).
• Experience with microgrid or hybrid BESS-PV systems is preferred.
• Knowledge of NFPA 855, UL 9540, UL 1741, NEC Article 690 & 706 is preferred.
• Experience with ESS enclosure vendors and inverter/EPC requirements is preferred.
• PV & Energy Modeling: PVsyst, Helioscope (or Aurora Solar), SAM preferred.
• CAD Tools: AutoCAD (2D), SketchUp or similar for layout.
• Electrical Calculations: ETAP or equivalent preferred; NEC knowledge.
• Data Analysis: Excel (advanced), VBA or Python a plus.
• Utility Data & Tariff Tools: Utility API, Energy Toolbase or equivalent preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent documentation and communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and work cross-functionally in a fast-moving environment.
• Willing to travel occasionally for site visits.

Compensation & Benefits:
Canadian Solar Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

The pay range for this position is $105,000.00 - $125,000.00 USD. This range represents annual base salary only, without regard to location, and does not include bonus or other incentives or benefits that may apply. The pay range for this role is subject to change.