Associate Civil Engineer, Preconstruction

Job Description

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.