Geotechnical Engineer

Description

Position at Recurrent Energy

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:Geotechnical Engineer

Department:Engineering, Procurement, & Construction

Reports To:Director, 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

The Geotechnical Engineer must be able to interpret geotechnical data reports and recommendations along with proposed site plans to produce best-value PV array pile foundation and aggregate surfaced road designs, review foundation designs provided by others for consistency with Recurrent Energy's design intent.

The Geotechnical Engineer will manage geotechnical field work including geophysics and pile testing to be performed by others, and assist Development and EPC stakeholders in mitigating unforeseen subsurface conditions throughout project execution.

Responsibilities

• Performs preliminary and final roadway structural section and foundation design, and supports other civil, structural, and electrical design workflows as necessary on a case by case basis.
• Reviews geotechnical reports, field photographs, site topography and geology, and public soils data sources and makes recommendations on additional field and laboratory testing necessary to produce the required downstream civil, structural, and electrical design deliverables.
• Reviews and/or specifies pile test programs for utility scale solar projects.
• Reviews foundation and gravel road design work performed by others and makes recommendations for any changes that improve project value and/or risk profile when desired by client.
• Checks design computations performed by internal civil and structural staff when appropriate.
• Performs Pile Lateral Analysis to determine pile deflections at elevations of interest.
• Reviews plans and specifications for constructability, safety, and risk management considerations.
• Maintains a value engineering mindset throughout development, design, and construction.
• Works closely with business and engineering staff across multiple markets and technical disciplines.
• Works closely with internal stakeholders to understand nuanced technical needs and identify best feasible solution(s).
• Demonstrates a wide degree of out-of-the-box thinking, creativity, and design ownership.

• Collectively responsible for project budgets of $100 - 500 million
• Communicate and influence cross-functionally within Recurrent Energy.
• Responsible for consultant scopes and associated costs.

• Reports to Director, Development Engineering
• Works cross functionally and collaboratively with all departments
• Manages consultant work orders to ensure scope, schedule, quality and coordination requirements are met.
• Interfaces with third-party engineering service providers, and subcontractors.

• Proficiency in LPile, Allpile, or equivalent industry standard numerical foundation analysis software required.
• Proficiency in interpreting geotechnical data reports and estimating representative engineering properties of onsite soils, and the ability to effectively communicate associated risks to team and client required.
• In-depth knowledge of ASCE 7, IBC, AISC 360, and commonly used ASTM test methods required.
• Knowledge of AISI S100, ACI 318, UL 3703, AASHTO Green Book, and state and federal regulations applicable to the construction industry desired.
• GIS experience desired.
• Experience with Microsoft Software Applications (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) required.
• 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.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited program or equivalent required.
• Civil or Geotechnical Professional Engineer (PE) registration required.
• NCEES Council Record preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of engineering experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years performing driven steel pile foundation design for solar power or other highly cost-sensitive industry required.