Associate Engineer, Preconstruction

Signal Energy•Houston, TX

22d•Hybrid

About The Position

Essential duties and responsibilities · Develop and refine preliminary civil design models for solar and BESS sites, supporting site constraints, grading, drainage, access roads, and site layouts using Civil 3D or equivalent design tools. · Assist in preparing concept-level design drawings, figures, and visualizations for estimating and proposal packages. · Conduct basic quantities takeoffs (cut/fill, roadway lengths, stormwater basins, etc.) to inform cost models and identify constructability challenges early. · Evaluate site topography and subsurface conditions to determine feasibility, grading strategy, and limits of disturbance. · Support civil design input for RFP responses, including conceptual design approaches, technical clarifications, and schedule alignment with EPC proposal teams. · Collaborate with estimating, engineering, and business development teams to clearly communicate site design assumptions, design risks, and mitigation strategies. · Participate in early interdisciplinary coordination with electrical designers, structural engineers, environmental, and permitting staff to develop cohesive and realistic project footprints. · Support evaluation of land constraints (wetlands, drainage patterns, slopes, buffers, access) and recommend layout modifications that minimize risk or construction cost. · Incorporate lessons learned from construction and detailed design teams into preconstruction design workflows for continuous improvement. · Perform drafting, data management, and documentation updates for project design libraries and internal bid databases. --- Attributes and competencies · Strong foundational knowledge of civil site design, earthwork, and drainage principles with an interest in renewable energy and large-scale infrastructure. · Proficiency or familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D, with ability to generate site constraints, grading surfaces, profiles, and basic stormwater elements. · Awareness of stormwater management, erosion control, and hydrologic modeling best practices. · Collaborative, communicative, and detail-oriented, able to translate design data into clear deliverables that support estimating and proposal decisions. · Comfortable balancing multiple pursuits and managing deadlines in a highly dynamic, fast-paced preconstruction environment. · Eager to learn EPC workflows, cost drivers, and construction considerations to improve design precision and project success. --- Education and experience · Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university. · 0–3 years of experience in civil site design or related engineering fields; prior exposure to solar, renewable energy, or infrastructure projects beneficial but not required. · Passed Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or eligibility preferred. · Experience or coursework in land development, grading, hydrology, or design software tools (AutoCAD Civil 3D, HydroCAD, or similar) advantageous. --- Work environment and location · Role based in Houston, TX or Chattanooga, TN preferred to enable integrated collaboration with Signal Energy’s engineering and estimating teams. · Remote work options available within the U.S. for qualified candidates, with occasional travel (up to 10%) to project sites or offices for design reviews. · Work performed primarily in an office setting, with limited field exposure as needed during active project development.

Requirements

Strong foundational knowledge of civil site design, earthwork, and drainage principles with an interest in renewable energy and large-scale infrastructure.
Proficiency or familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D, with ability to generate site constraints, grading surfaces, profiles, and basic stormwater elements.
Awareness of stormwater management, erosion control, and hydrologic modeling best practices.
Collaborative, communicative, and detail-oriented, able to translate design data into clear deliverables that support estimating and proposal decisions.
Comfortable balancing multiple pursuits and managing deadlines in a highly dynamic, fast-paced preconstruction environment.
Eager to learn EPC workflows, cost drivers, and construction considerations to improve design precision and project success.
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline from an accredited university.
0–3 years of experience in civil site design or related engineering fields; prior exposure to solar, renewable energy, or infrastructure projects beneficial but not required.

Nice To Haves

Passed Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or eligibility preferred.
Experience or coursework in land development, grading, hydrology, or design software tools (AutoCAD Civil 3D, HydroCAD, or similar) advantageous.

Responsibilities

Develop and refine preliminary civil design models for solar and BESS sites, supporting site constraints, grading, drainage, access roads, and site layouts using Civil 3D or equivalent design tools.
Assist in preparing concept-level design drawings, figures, and visualizations for estimating and proposal packages.
Conduct basic quantities takeoffs (cut/fill, roadway lengths, stormwater basins, etc.) to inform cost models and identify constructability challenges early.
Evaluate site topography and subsurface conditions to determine feasibility, grading strategy, and limits of disturbance.
Support civil design input for RFP responses, including conceptual design approaches, technical clarifications, and schedule alignment with EPC proposal teams.
Collaborate with estimating, engineering, and business development teams to clearly communicate site design assumptions, design risks, and mitigation strategies.
Participate in early interdisciplinary coordination with electrical designers, structural engineers, environmental, and permitting staff to develop cohesive and realistic project footprints.
Support evaluation of land constraints (wetlands, drainage patterns, slopes, buffers, access) and recommend layout modifications that minimize risk or construction cost.
Incorporate lessons learned from construction and detailed design teams into preconstruction design workflows for continuous improvement.
Perform drafting, data management, and documentation updates for project design libraries and internal bid databases.