Associate Engineer, Preconstruction

Apply for the Associate Engineer, Preconstruction role at Signal Energy
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Signal Energy’s Preconstruction Engineer leads all technical and design work for assigned opportunities from initial project pursuit through conceptual design. The Preconstruction Engineer is responsible for creating innovative, constructable, and cost-competitive conceptual designs that meet all customer and permitting specifications, provide clear design quantities and cost‑effective solutions to the Estimating team, and prepare a technically sound Basis of Design for detailed development.

This role ensures all preconstruction efforts have the technical support needed to be successful.

Reports to: Director, Preconstruction Design

Works closely with: Pre‑construction Management, Estimating, Detailed Engineering, Field Operations, and Procurement

• Review and analyze client‑provided documentation to determine project requirements, design parameters, and potential design challenges.
• Utilize client requested design guidelines to calculate project‑specific technical requirements, project feasibility, and project quantities.
• Develop design documentation (layouts, diagrams, and PVsyst models) that comply with applicable codes and project specifications.
• Evaluate multiple design options with respect to major equipment selection, site constraints, construction costs, and customer preferences; communicate options clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts to capture multi‑disciplinary aspects of projects (civil, electrical, utility interconnection, procurement, etc.).
• Communicate conceptual project designs to internal teams, customers, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Generate material and equipment specifications and quantities to be utilized for project pricing.
• Engage with multiple vendors and subcontractors for project pricing (SCADA, racking, etc.).
• Review and align vendor and subcontractor proposals and convey preferred pricing selection to internal teams, considering purchase and installation costs and lead times.
• Support internal teams with technical evaluations of any additional proposals to confirm sound engineering principles.
• Compile thorough turnover documentation to set up Detailed Engineering for success with high quality and well‑defined Basis of Design to complete engineering.
• Stay up to date on new and innovative technology and integrate concepts into design plans.

• Comfortable with the technical aspects of the role and with business and customer interactions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write clear and detailed technical reports, presentations, and emails.
• Team‑player who can work collaboratively and independently on self‑directed projects; self‑motivated with the ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines.
• Proficient in AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; preference for experience with Pvsyst, Civil3D, and Procore.
• Driven by a desire to continuously improve processes, tools, and technology.
• Operates with positivity and enthusiasm, especially in high‑stress situations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline from an accredited university.
• 2+ years’ experience in planning, design, and/or operations of photovoltaic systems.

• Work will be conducted from Signal Energy’s Houston, TX office.
• Preconstruction Engineers report directly to the Director, Preconstruction Design.
• Occasional travel for office meetings or field visits to active construction sites, up to 10%.

Signal Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and uses E‑Verify.