Director of Engineering - Renewable Energy construction

Samuel Knight Energy

The Role

Overview

Lead engineering for utility‑scale solar and BESS projects in California

Key Responsibilities

  • design tools
  • substation design
  • design standards
  • code compliance
  • client interface
  • team lead

Tasks

The Engineering Director will be responsible for leading all aspects of the company’s engineering function—driving innovation, technical excellence, and operational efficiency across multiple project sites. This role will oversee a multidisciplinary team of electrical engineers, designers, and CAD specialists, while ensuring full compliance with NEC, NESC, IEEE, and local utility interconnection requirements. -Oversee engineering deliverables for utility-scale solar and BESS projects, including one-line diagrams, grounding plans, cable sizing, and substation design. -Drive the adoption of advanced design tools and software to improve accuracy and efficiency. -Support project estimation, procurement, and construction teams with technical input and cost-effective design solutions. -Lead, mentor, and develop the internal engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence. -Serve as the company’s engineering authority for technical approvals, design optimization, and strategic direction. -Standardize and continuously improve design templates, QA/QC processes, and document control procedures. -Manage technical interfaces with clients, utilities, and EPC partners to ensure smooth project execution. -Ensure compliance with all applicable codes, standards, and interconnection requirements.

Requirements

  • nec
  • utility-scale
  • ca pe
  • 10+ yrs
  • leadership
  • ee degree

What You Bring

-Deep knowledge of NEC, NESC, IEEE, and interconnection standards. -Proven experience delivering utility-scale solar or BESS projects (20MW+). -California PE license (or ability to obtain within 6 months). -10+ years of experience in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in leadership roles within solar or power infrastructure projects. -Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with the ability to align engineering strategy to company goals. -Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (Master’s preferred).

The Company

About Samuel Knight Energy

-Founded with a vision to transform the recruitment landscape within the energy and infrastructure sectors. -Delivers talent solutions for large-scale projects in renewable energy, utilities, and industrial sectors. -Specializes in providing skilled professionals for projects in solar, wind, marine, and transport sectors. -Partners with some of the most respected names in energy, infrastructure, and utilities globally. -Their team has deep expertise in supporting renewable energy transformations and sustainable infrastructure projects. -Known for its ability to provide specialized talent quickly and efficiently, even for complex, high-pressure projects.

Sector Specialisms

Renewable Energy

Power Generation

Power Transmission & Distribution

Oil & Gas

Rail & Infrastructure

Built Environment

Energy

Utilities

Sustainability

Solar

Technological

Transport

Engineering

Construction

Commercial

Technical

Industrial

Grid Infrastructure

Substations

Interconnectors

EPCs

Developers

OEMs