Discipline: Structural Engineering
Career Level: Entry-Level Engineer
About PVInsight
PVInsight is a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm supporting utility-scale renewable energy projects across the project lifecycle. Our teams provide engineering services for Solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Power System Studies, Substations, and Transmission Lines.
Joining PVInsight offers the opportunity to work on large-scale renewable energy infrastructure projects, collaborate with experienced engineering professionals, and contribute to the design and development of critical energy infrastructure supporting the global energy transition.
Position Summary
PVInsight is seeking a motivated Trainee Engineer – Structural to support the structural engineering and design of utility-scale renewable energy projects. Working under the supervision of experienced structural engineers, the successful candidate will assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, foundation designs, structural analyses, construction drawings, and technical documentation.
This role provides hands-on experience in structural design for solar PV, BESS, substations, and associated infrastructure while developing technical expertise in engineering analysis, structural systems, industry standards, and multidisciplinary project execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing structural calculations, engineering reports, design drawings, schedules, and project documentation.
- Support the design and analysis of solar tracker and mounting systems, equipment foundations, transformer foundations, inverter foundations, and BESS support structures.
- Assist in evaluating structural loads, including dead, live, wind, snow, seismic, and equipment loading conditions.
- Prepare and update structural drawings, material take-offs, foundation schedules, and construction deliverables.
- Review geotechnical reports, survey information, vendor data, and project criteria to support engineering design activities.
- Perform engineering calculations and validate software-generated outputs under supervision.
- Assist with QA/QC reviews and incorporation of technical review comments into project deliverables.
- Coordinate with Civil, Electrical, Solar PV, BESS, Substation, and Transmission Line teams to support multidisciplinary project execution.
- Maintain organized project records and comply with document management and quality procedures.
- Participate in project meetings and communicate progress, technical questions, and potential risks to project leads.
Areas of Technical Exposure
The Trainee Engineer will gain experience in:
- Structural design for utility-scale solar PV and BESS projects.
- Solar tracker and mounting structure systems.
- Pile foundations, shallow foundations, equipment foundations, and anchorage systems.
- Structural steel and reinforced concrete design.
- Wind, snow, seismic, and equipment loading analysis.
- Foundation sizing and structural load path evaluation.
- Anchor bolts, base plates, embeds, and structural connections.
- Integration of geotechnical recommendations into foundation design.
- Review and application of equipment loads from transformers, inverters, BESS containers, switchgear, and auxiliary equipment.
- Construction details, structural specifications, and engineering calculations.
- Design in accordance with applicable building codes and industry standards, including IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, and ACI requirements.
- Coordination with grading, drainage, equipment placement, cable routing, and constructability requirements.
- Engineering quality management and design validation processes.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.Eng.) in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
- 0–1 years of relevant engineering experience.
- Recent graduates with internship, co-op, research, or project experience in structural engineering, renewable energy, buildings, industrial facilities, or infrastructure projects are encouraged to apply.
- Basic understanding of structural engineering principles and load path behavior.
- Familiarity with reinforced concrete, steel structures, and foundation design concepts.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or project experience involving structural analysis, foundation design, steel structures, concrete structures, or renewable energy projects.
- Exposure to utility-scale Solar PV, BESS, industrial facilities, substations, or infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with IBC, ASCE 7, AISC, ACI, and other applicable structural design standards.
- Experience preparing structural calculations, design reports, or construction drawings through academic coursework, internships, or research projects.
- Familiarity with engineering design software used for structural analysis and foundation design.
Technical Skills
Preferred familiarity with:
- STAAD.Pro
- RISA-3D
- SAP2000
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
- Bluebeam Revu or equivalent PDF review software
- Engineering document management systems
Expected Proficiency:
Ability to learn and apply PVInsight engineering workflows, quality management procedures, structural engineering standards, and project tools while producing accurate and reliable work under technical supervision.
Learning and Development
This role is designed to accelerate technical and professional growth through:
- Mentorship from experienced structural and renewable energy engineers.
- Exposure to utility-scale renewable energy project execution.
- Participation in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Structured technical reviews and quality assurance processes.
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard structural analysis and design software.
- Exposure to foundation design, equipment integration, and construction support activities.
Reporting and Accountability
Reports To: Senior Design Engineer, Engineering Manager, or designated discipline lead.
Accountability:
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables.
- Maintain accuracy, quality, and traceability of engineering work.
- Perform documented self-checks prior to submission.
- Seek appropriate technical guidance and review when required.
- Demonstrate sound engineering judgment when validating calculations, geotechnical inputs, vendor data, and software-generated outputs.
- Continuously develop technical knowledge, engineering judgment, and professional skills.