Cad Engineer

Company Summary 

Recurrent Energy is a wholly owned subsidiary of Canadian Solar Inc. and is one of the world's largest and most geographically diversified utility-scale solar and energy storage project development, ownership, and O&M platforms.  Recurrent Energy is focused on bringing low-cost clean energy and meaningful economic development to communities across the globe. 

With a strong track record of originating, developing, financing, and building nearly 9 GWp of solar and 3 GWh of battery storage power plants across six continents, Recurrent Energy has established a leadership position in both solar and battery storage project development. With a total pipeline of 25 GWp in solar and 47 GWh in battery storage, of which 14 GW and 12 GWh respectively already have interconnections (as of January 31, 2023). In addition, Recurrent Energy’s services business has 6 GW of projects under operations and maintenance contracts, either operational or contracted projects. 

Position Title:CAD Engineer 

Department:Engineering, Procurement, & Construction 

Reports To:Senior Manager, Development Engineering 

Location:Priority is given to candidates who can work in a flexible hybrid model from one of our offices in San Francisco, New York, Austin, or Guelph (Canada). In addition, monthly travel may be required to either a project site or our headquarters in Austin. 

Position Summary 

CAD Designer, Development Engineering is responsible for supporting the technical aspects of project development for Recurrent Energy’s utility scale photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage (BESS) power plants. This role is involved from early-stage site evaluation and diligence through design optimization, and EPC RFP Process 

The CAD Designer will be working cross-functionally with engineering, development, real estate, permitting and project execution teams. 

Responsibilities 

• Key project development team member and point person for managing site constraints and PV layouts for a portfolio of projects.
• Own and manage the evolving project site constraints plan from early site diligence through EPC RFP, including a detailed knowledge of all plottable title issues.
• Plan and manage the workload for deliverables such as permitting and off-taker site plans, site constraints plans, and single line drawings.
• Collaborate with consultants regarding CAD deliverables including but not limited to ALTA, topographic and utility surveys, hydrology studies, geotechnical investigations, distribution power and telecom diligence, and construction water supply.
• Create accurate and comprehensive CAD drawings for project visualization and stakeholder communication.
• Establish and maintain CAD standards, templates, and libraries for efficient project development.
• Organize and manage CAD files and documentation, ensuring version control and accessibility for project teams.
• Collaborate with regulatory and permitting teams to ensure solar project designs comply with local codes and regulations.
• Support in the preparation of permit applications and documentation required for project approvals.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, finance, and environmental specialists, to integrate CAD designs into the overall project development process.
• Provide CAD feedback during team meetings and contribute to design reviews.
• Support design kick-off with the contracted EPC including the flow of information to ensure site constraints are reflected in the construction drawings.

Financial & Organizational Scope 

• Collectively responsible for project budgets of $100 – 500 million
• Communicate and influence cross-functionally within Recurrent Energy.

Reporting Relationships & Interactions 

• Reports to Director, Development Engineering
• Works cross functionally and collaboratively with all departments
• Interfaces with third-party engineering service providers, and subcontractors.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, Layering Standards, and a fundamental understanding of XREF best practices and Document Management
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil3D Surfaces and Grading is desired.
• Understanding of land development including civil site issues, hydrology, easements, and utility routing.
• Experience using Google Earth to investigate project sites, and familiarity with GIS data.
• Experience interpreting survey and construction drawings.
• Knowledge of solar and BESS design practices.
• Proven track record in engineering project management from inception to delivery.
• Demonstrated expertise supporting the development process effectively in a collaborative culture of cross-functional teams.
• Strong multi-tasker, able to manage a portfolio of projects.
• Strong verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to summarize complex issues and opportunities.
• Detail-oriented with a strong sense of personal responsibility for work products and team success.
• Effectively manage flow of information upward to direct manager.
• Using AutoCAD as a tool to investigate and quality control land surveys and identify geometric constraints.

Requirements 

• 3-5 years of CAD Technician, CAD Designer or equivalent
• Prior experience in the renewable energy industry.
• Construction experience is a plus.
• Significant experience with PV and BESS optimization based on site specific equipment, weather, and buildable area constraints.

Recurrent Energy 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.