Civil Designer

Civil Designer for Utility-Scale Solar / BESS Projects

Are you a detail-oriented professional motivated by the positive impact of renewable energy on our economy and environment? Do you thrive in a work environment that rewards insight, ability, and growth? Are you meticulous in preparing detailed site plans including grading, drainage, utilities, and access points for utility-scale solar and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects?

We are seeking an experienced Civil Designer to join our dynamic team! Ideally based in Albuquerque, NM, but remote or hybrid roles will be considered for the right individual. This role is perfect for someone with a passion for sustainable energy solutions and a strong background in civil engineering with a focus on site design and development. This is primarily an office-based position with limited travel to sites required only as needed.

About the Company

Established in 2014, Gridworks is a leading EPC contractor for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects. Primarily operating across the southwest, we are expanding into other regions. With 2 GW of solar and battery energy storage projects, we are well positioned for continued success in the rapidly growing clean energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a supporting designer on civil design packages for utility-scale solar and BESS projects, including site plans, grading, drainage, and permitting deliverables.
• Perform detailed civil design including site layouts, mass grading, drainage systems, erosion and sediment control, and stormwater management.
• Produce design packages including site layouts, grading plans, drainage plans, plan and profile drawings, and construction details.
• Utilize AutoCAD Civil 3D for advanced design tasks, including surface modeling, feature lines, grading objects, road corridors, and earthwork volume comparisons.
• Design site infrastructure for renewable energy facilities, including access roads, equipment pads, utility layouts, and drainage systems with a focus on constructability and cost efficiency.
• Contribute to permitting documents, including SWPPPs, SPCC plans, and agency submittals; respond to jurisdictional comments as needed.
• Coordinate with design team members to integrate design requirements and resolve conflicts.
• Review submittals and design documents for conformance with project specifications and design intent.
• Incorporate survey data, geotechnical recommendations, and environmental constraints into design development.
• Maintain design documentation, version control, and adherence to company, client, and project drafting standards.
• Coordinate with internal and external engineers from various disciplines to communicate project needs and constraints.
• Contribute to standard templates, checklists, and SOPs to improve efficiency and consistency across projects.

Qualifications

Education

• Associate’s degree in civil engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a related field

Experience

• 2+ years of relevant civil site design experience
• Experience in land development, renewable energy (solar/BESS), or similar infrastructure projects preferred

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including:
• Surface creation and grading design
• Feature lines and grading objects
• Corridor modeling for access roads
• Earthwork volume calculations and comparisons
• Experience preparing:
• Site layout plans
• Grading and drainage plans
• Erosion and sediment control plans
• Plan and profile drawings
• Construction details

Regulatory & Industry Knowledge

• Familiarity with:
• SWPPP and erosion control requirements
• Stormwater design standards and permitting processes
• Applicable local, state, and federal regulations
• Understanding of civil engineering principles related to:
• Grading and drainage
• Site development
• Road design and access

Coordination & Communication

• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams (civil, electrical, structural, environmental, geotechnical, construction)
• Ability to interpret and incorporate survey data into design
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Quality & Ownership

• Ability to:
• Work independently on design tasks with limited supervision
• Review and check drawings for accuracy and completeness
• Manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines

Preferred (Not Required)

• Exposure to permitting submittals and agency coordination
• Previous experience supporting bidding and estimating efforts
• Experience supporting construction (RFIs, as-builts)
• Experience with GIS software
• Experience with 2D modeling in HEC-RS or FLO-2D
• Experience with renewable energy (solar/BESS)
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification