Solar PV Project Engineer, Senior or Staff
About Redwood Materials
Redwood Materials was founded in 2017 by JB Straubel, co-founder and former CTO of Tesla, on a simple but radical idea: the critical minerals powering the energy transition already exist. They just need to come back. Today Redwood is the largest lithium-ion battery recycler in North America — recovering, refining, and redeploying critical minerals from end-of-life batteries back into the supply chain. On the energy side, Redwood has deployed the largest second-life battery project in the world, delivering power to AI data centers in months rather than years using proprietary energy architecture engineered entirely in-house. The company is profitable, the market it operates in is projected to grow 20 to 50 times over the next decade, and Redwood is the only company with the supply chain, the technology, and the operational scale to lead it.
Redwood Materials is deploying large-scale battery energy storage systems that power data centers and the grid, including North America's largest microgrid (63 MWh) for Crusoe, a stationary storage partnership with GM using new and second-life EV batteries, and a new deployment at Rivian's Normal, Illinois manufacturing plant. This role is an early member of a new engineering team building that project delivery capability from the ground up. As Senior or Staff Solar PV Project Engineer, you will own the full lifecycle of the photovoltaic (PV) portion of our energy storage projects, from commercial scoping through engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning. You will turn early, ambiguous inputs into buildable single line diagrams, layouts, and a clear technical scope, then act as the connective tissue between Business Development, Product Engineering, and our internal and external engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners. The work rewards people who move fast without sacrificing the depth that sets projects up to succeed, and who want to shape how Redwood delivers energy storage at scale.
Responsibilities will include:
- Own solar PV system design at the concept and preliminary level for utility-scale solar-plus-storage projects, producing single line diagrams, array layouts, and string and inverter sizing using industry-standard solar design software
- Define the technical scope and Basis of Design for the solar portion of each project, hand a gap-closed package to detailed design teams and internal or external EPC partners, and stay involved through the full PV lifecycle
- Serve as the technical point of contact for solar PV scope across internal teams (Project Engineering, Commercial, Development) and external parties (EPCs, racking and module vendors, engineering consultants)
- Evaluate site conditions (topography, soils, shading, resource data) during early-stage feasibility to confirm buildable area and system performance assumptions
- Identify and document interconnection, permitting, and code compliance requirements for solar scope, coordinating with the broader project permitting effort
- Review and vet solar equipment vendors and proposals, including racking and module suppliers, and make PV equipment recommendations in coordination with Procurement
- Support construction and commissioning on site as needed to resolve field issues, verify installation against design intent, and build Redwood's internal solar design standards, tools, and processes
Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably Civil or Electrical, or equivalent experience demonstrating exceptional ability in these fields
- Deep experience with concept development, design, and construction of utility-scale solar PV systems; Staff level reflects a broader track record of leading PV scope across multiple projects
- Proficiency with industry-standard solar design software (PVcase) for single line diagrams, layouts, and performance modeling
- Working knowledge of solar-plus-storage system architectures
- Familiarity with relevant codes and standards, including NEC (NFPA 70), IEEE, UL 1703/UL 3703, and utility interconnection requirements
- Experience coordinating with internal and external EPCs, racking and module vendors, and engineering consultants through design and construction
- Comfort operating with significant ownership in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment
- Willingness to travel to project sites as needed
- Professional Engineer (PE) license a plus but not required
- A Passion for sustainability and making the world a better place!
Physical Requirements:
- Climbing, standing, and stooping during project site visits
- Typing and extended computer work in an office setting
Working Conditions:
- Office environment in San Francisco, CA, with regular travel to project sites
- Site visits involve varying conditions, including noise, dust, and temperature extremes at active battery energy storage system (BESS) construction and commissioning sites
- Occasional weekend or after-hours work to meet project milestones
- Travel up to 25%, primarily to project sites across the U.S.
In accordance with California pay transparency laws, the salary range for this position is listed below. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and skills.
California Pay Range:
$160,000 - $252,000 USD
The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.
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