Utility Scale Solar Project Manager

Position Summary

The Utility-Scale Solar Project Manager is responsible for the overall planning, execution, coordination, and delivery of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and/or battery energy storage system (BESS) projects from development through commissioning and project closeout. The Project Manager serves as the primary point of contact between internal teams, clients, EPC contractors, consultants, utilities, and stakeholders to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and technical requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Project Execution & Management

• Lead utility-scale solar and BESS projects throughout development, engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and turnover phases.
• Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and risk in accordance with company objectives and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate internal and external project stakeholders, including engineering, procurement, construction, interconnection, environmental, and permitting teams.
• Monitor project progress and proactively identify schedule, cost, quality, and technical risks.
• Develop and maintain detailed project schedules, budgets, forecasts, and reporting metrics.

Contractor & Vendor Management

• Manage EPC contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Review contractor schedules, submittals, RFIs, change orders, and progress reports.
• Coordinate procurement and delivery of owner-furnished equipment including PV modules, trackers, inverters, transformers, and BESS equipment.
• Support vendor evaluations, bid reviews, and contract negotiations.

Technical Oversight

• Coordinate engineering reviews and ensure alignment with project requirements, interconnection obligations, and applicable codes and standards.
• Support design review processes including civil, structural, electrical, SCADA, and protection/control systems.
• Oversee commissioning activities, testing, punch list management, and turnover documentation.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Track project costs, cash flow, contingency usage, and forecast accuracy.
• Review and approve invoices, pay applications, and change order requests.
• Support financial reporting, project controls, and executive-level status updates.
• Assist with project budgeting and profitability analysis.

Health, Safety & Quality

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture across all project activities.
• Ensure compliance with site-specific safety plans, environmental requirements, and quality assurance/quality control procedures.
• Participate in site inspections, incident reviews, and corrective action tracking.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as primary client interface for project communications and reporting.
• Coordinate with utilities, AHJs, landowners, and regulatory agencies as required.
• Prepare executive summaries, progress reports, meeting minutes, and risk registers.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 5+ years of experience managing utility-scale solar, renewable energy, or infrastructure construction projects.
• Experience with projects exceeding 50 MW preferred.
• Experience with BESS projects strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with EPC contract structures, project controls, commissioning, and utility interconnection processes.

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of:
• Utility-scale solar PV systems
• BESS systems and integration
• HV/MV electrical systems
• SCADA and communications systems
• Construction sequencing and commissioning
• Familiarity with applicable codes and standards including NEC, IEEE, NFPA, OSHA, and utility requirements.

Skills

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, MS Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent project management software.

Preferred Certifications

• PMP (Project Management Professional)
• OSHA 30
• NABCEP certification (preferred but not required)

Work Environment

• Combination of office and field-based work.
• Travel to project sites required, potentially up to 30%.
• Ability to work in active construction environments and varying weather conditions.

Typical Project Types

• Utility-scale solar PV facilities
• Solar + Storage hybrid projects
• Substation and interconnection facilities