Civil Project Engineer 2

New Leaf Energy is seeking a Civil Project Engineer II to join our growing team supporting utility-scale solar PV and energy storage project development. In this role, you’ll collaborate with engineers, project developers, and consultants to review, design, and permit projects. The ideal candidate will skillfully balance due diligence with project risk to support the successful advancement of our portfolio. This position reports directly to the Vice President of Civil Engineering.

Given the proximity to our project pipeline, we are targeting candidates for our Chicago, IL office; however, our Boston, MA and Troy, NY offices will also be considered for the right candidate. We value in-person collaboration and offer a hybrid work environment. Hybrid employees work in the office at least two out of every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and are free to work from the office or home on other days. Remote candidates who meet the qualifications are also encouraged to apply.

Primary duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Design, direct, and manage concurrent renewable energy projects using internal and external resources.
• Lead site reviews, zoning/bylaw reviews, and define project entitlement paths.
• Manage survey, environmental, and engineering sub-consultants in coordination with staff engineers.
• Apply New Leaf Energy’s Value Stream Map (VSM) to advance projects through design and entitlement.
• Identify, qualify, and onboard surveyors and consultants to support project design and entitlement.
• Use scheduling, task management, KPIs, QC, and other tools to ensure design quality, standards adherence, and timeliness.
• Coordinate with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and stakeholders; present to planning/zoning boards, and state and federal agencies.
• Develop project entitlement documentation, including narratives, exhibits, and appendices.
• Contribute to the development of standard details, notes, specifications, and SOPs.
• Review design drawings and project bid sets prepared by internal or external designers.
• Prepare civil engineering components of project bid sets for use in the IPP bidding process.
• Respond to bidder permitting questions and participate in due diligence calls with project bidders.
• Coach and mentor early-career engineers.

Desired Qualifications

• 6–12 years of demonstrated experience in site development, entitlement, and environmental permitting (municipal, state, and federal). Experience with transmission-connected solar PV or energy storage projects is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license; multi-state licensure preferred.
• Experience in cost estimation, reviewing engineering services contracts, managing subconsultants, and overseeing project schedules.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Civil 3D and HYDROCAD (or equivalent design tools) preferred, but not required.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to convey design concepts and lead meetings with clients, engineers, regulatory officials, and consultants.
• Proven ability to self-manage multiple projects while remaining motivated, detail-oriented, and organized.
• Demonstrated passion for renewable energy.

Compensation

New Leaf Energy compensates all employees in three ways: market-competitive base salary, plus above-market variable compensation, plus an equity-like program such that all employees experience the benefits of ownership.  We use a data-driven and transparent methodology to calibrate compensation that is externally competitive and internally equitable, guided by the New Leaf Energy compensation manual, which is available to all employees.

Under our compensation framework, the likely base salary range for this position in the Troy location is $117,360- $135,570. The on-target annual cash bonus associated with this position is an additional 20% percent of base salary. Your actual salary may be above, in, or below this range, depending on your location and experience. We value transparency and can share more during the interview process.