Permitting Engineer - Distributed Generation Solar
Working Location
United States
Employment Type
Contract
Position Overview
A Permitting Engineer is required to support the development and execution of Distributed Generation (DG) solar and energy storage projects. The role involves working closely with Development, Engineering, Construction, and external engineering consultants to move projects from early-stage development through permitting and construction readiness. Responsibilities include coordinating technical permitting requirements, reviewing engineering documentation, and working with Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to obtain necessary approvals to keep projects on schedule.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and coordinate permitting activities for a portfolio of DG and community solar projects.
- Support projects from early-stage development through permit approval and construction readiness.
- Prepare, review, and coordinate permit application packages, engineering drawings, site plans, and supporting technical documentation.
- Work directly with local municipalities, planning and zoning departments, building departments, fire departments, and other AHJs.
- Track permitting requirements, submissions, comments, approvals, and project-specific deadlines.
- Review civil, electrical, structural, and site design packages for permitting compliance.
- Coordinate responses to AHJ comments and Requests for Information with internal engineering teams and third-party consultants.
- Support zoning, site plan, special-use, building, electrical, stormwater, environmental, and other project-specific approvals.
- Identify permitting risks early and develop strategies to prevent delays to project schedules.
- Maintain permitting matrices and provide regular updates to Development, Engineering, and Construction teams.
- Coordinate with third-party engineering and environmental consultants as required.
- Ensure project designs comply with applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IBC, IFC, NFPA, and local jurisdictional requirements.
- Support the handoff of fully permitted projects into construction.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
- 3+ years of experience supporting permitting, engineering, or development of renewable energy or infrastructure projects.
- Experience with Distributed Generation solar, community solar, commercial solar, or BESS strongly preferred.
- Experience working directly with AHJs, municipalities, planning/zoning boards, building departments, and fire departments.
- Working knowledge of solar PV site plans and civil, electrical, and structural engineering drawings.
- Familiarity with NEC, IBC, IFC, NFPA, and other codes applicable to solar and energy storage development.
- Experience coordinating multiple projects across different jurisdictions simultaneously.
- Strong project management, organization, and communication skills.
- Ability to identify permitting risks and drive projects toward resolution.
- Experience with AutoCAD or reviewing CAD-based engineering drawings is preferred.
- EIT or PE certification is a plus but not required.
Preferred Background
Candidates from a solar developer, IPP, EPC, engineering consultancy, or permitting consultancy with direct experience supporting DG/community solar projects from development through Notice to Proceed (NTP) are particularly well suited for this position.