Project Engineer - Level 5

Description Title: Project Engineer - Level 5 Department: Engineering Center Location: Irvine, CA Supervisor: Director of Project Engineering FLSA Status: Exempt Position Status: Permanent, Full-time Work Status (Hybrid/Remote/In-Office): Remote PROJECT ENGINEER - LEVEL 5 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 5 is responsible for leading engineering functions for utility-scale solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. This role requires expertise in engineering, project execution, team leadership, and stakeholder coordination to ensure projects meet performance, schedule, and budget requirements. The Project Engineer – Level 5 drives engineering excellence, optimizes workflows, and mentors project engineers while collaborating with procurement, construction, permitting, and grid interconnection teams. This position reports to the Director of Project Engineering, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate. This position is (Remote) with the reporting office of 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%. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time. Essential Job Function & Responsibilities Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead engineering execution of multiple large-scale solar PV and BESS projects, ensuring technical compliance and efficiency.
• Drive engineering strategy and decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
• Serve as the primary engineering liaison between internal teams (procurement, construction, operations, and interconnection) and external stakeholders (clients, utilities, regulators, and contractors).
• Develop and manage engineering schedules, deliverables, and resource planning to ensure timely project execution.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (NEC, IEEE, NFPA, UL, IEC) for utility-scale solar and BESS projects.

Project & Team Management

• Manage and mentor a team of Project Engineers, fostering skill development and technical leadership.
• Lead cross-functional engineering coordination to ensure alignment with procurement, construction, and commissioning requirements.
• Maintain strict quality control and assurance (QA/QC) for all engineering deliverables.
• Support contractor/vendor selection and technical evaluations for major equipment procurement.

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

• Collaborate with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, permitting authorities, and clients to ensure smooth project execution.
• Engage with EPC contractors, technology providers, and financial partners to manage engineering deliverables.
• Participate in RFP reviews and bid evaluations, providing engineering input on vendor selection and contracting.
• Ensure engineering decisions align with financial modeling, revenue projections, and risk management strategies.

Risk Management & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate technical risks that could impact project execution and performance.
• Ensure compliance with PPA requirements, interconnection agreements, and regulatory conditions.
• Conduct post-construction performance analysis to improve future projects.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Drive process improvements to enhance engineering efficiency and quality.
• Stay updated with emerging technologies, regulatory changes, and industry trends in solar, BESS, and grid integration.
• Participate in research and development (R&D) efforts to advance Qcells' technical expertise.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ 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 required; additional renewable energy certifications preferred.
• Proven experience as a lead engineer or engineering manager, supporting multiple projects simultaneously.
• 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 leadership 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. This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. You may view your privacy rights by reviewing Qcells' Privacy Policy or by contacting our HR team for a copy.