Structural Engineer

Leeward Renewable Energy (LRE) is a high-growth renewable energy company that owns and operates a portfolio of 31 wind, solar, and energy storage facilities across the United States, totaling approximately 3 gigawatts of generating capacity. We are actively developing new wind, solar, and energy storage projects in energy markets across the U.S., with about 30 GW of projects under development spanning over 125 projects. With projects currently under construction and soon to commence construction, we expect to commercialize over 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects in the next two years.

LRE is a portfolio company of OMERS Infrastructure, a preeminent global infrastructure investor and investment arm of OMERS, one of Canada’s largest defined benefit pension plans with C$127.4 billion in net assets (as at June 30, 2023).

As passionate renewable energy advocates, we take great pride in responsible development and the safe operation of our projects. We are focused on building sustainable solutions for clean, renewable energy, and we remain dedicated to empowering communities through energy independence, job creation, and lasting partnerships.

Location: Dallas, TX or Houston, TX or Chicago, IL

Job Overview:

This position will be responsible for utility-scale solar, wind, and storage power plant structural design, specifications, development, and construction support. Engineering experience with wind turbine foundation and/or solar pile foundation design preferred. Background in geotechnical engineering is a plus.

This position reports to the Director of Civil Engineering. The goals of this position are to support development of wind turbine, solar pile, and battery storage foundation design standards, support structural design reviews, progress early structural engineering studies and design packages, and ensure current projects in construction and the development pipeline meet technical and business requirements while maintaining our long-term ownership focus.

Essential Functions:

• Provide structural expertise on wind, solar, battery, and PV + Storage projects design, construction, and commissioning phases of each project.
• Work with plant operations and engineering team to develop/maintain structural specifications for wind turbine foundations, meteorological stations, solar pile designs, and other structural components.
• Review and evaluate vendor structural design criteria in early selection-stage deliverables/specifications and in construction-phase supplier submittal packages.
• Perform Owner’s Engineering reviews for structural design packages including early phase development deliverables and detailed engineering packages. Review packages (drawings and calculations) for conformance to project specifications, contractual requirements, accuracy, and compliance to current codes and design standards.
• Review geotechnical and structural technical proposals, design processes, and products.
• Review and respond to contractor RFIs and submittals.
• Collaborate with internal engineering, operations, and EPC teams to provide value engineering options.
• Participate in construction observations, monitoring and documentation, as required.
• Support analysis of structural failures and non-conformances.
• Provide structural and geotechnical risk analyses for development-stage projects.
• Develop internal tools to support preliminary quantity estimates for development-stage projects.
• Actively identify lessons learned throughout all phases of a project and implement corrective actions as appropriate.
• Keep current on wind, solar, and energy storage technology and applicable design codes. Participate in technical committee(s), as business needs dictate.
• Support manager and department initiatives and tasks as requested.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Structural Engineering from an accredited university (required) and a minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in structural engineering design, preferably in the renewable energy industry (preferred).
• Professional Engineering (PE) licensure preferred.
• Understanding of common solar PV foundation systems and geotechnical aspects of design; and/or understanding of foundation systems for utility scale onshore wind turbines.
• Proficiency in IBC, ASCE, AISC, ACI, NBCC, and other common structural design codes.
• Experience and proficiency in the use of common structural engineering industry software packages (for the purposes of reviewing engineering deliverables and processes by others).
• Deep understanding of structural engineering design.
• Experience with geotechnical investigations and design preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal), including ability to clearly communicate ideas to engineers and non-engineers.
• Ability to remain focused and reliable in completing tasks and meeting deadlines with minimal supervision, and balance competing priorities in a fast-paced business environment.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated and manage technical projects, including interaction with outside consultants.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize work, as necessary.
• Ability and willingness to travel, as necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a motor vehicle and possession of a valid driver's license.

Physical Demands:

• Position will require sitting for long periods of time.
• Occasionally lift 20-pound or more boxes.
• Willingness and ability to travel as required for site visits and other meetings.

Leeward Management Services, LLC is committed to employing a diverse workforce and provides equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.