Discipline: Civil 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 develop technical expertise supporting the global energy transition.
Position Summary
PVInsight is seeking a motivated Trainee Engineer – Civil to support the engineering and design of utility-scale renewable energy projects. Under the guidance of experienced engineers, the successful candidate will assist in site development, grading design, drainage analysis, stormwater management, earthwork optimization, and preparation of civil engineering deliverables.
This role provides hands-on experience in renewable energy site design, multidisciplinary engineering coordination, permitting support, and engineering best practices while building a strong foundation in civil engineering.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing civil engineering calculations, reports, drawings, schedules, and project documentation for utility-scale renewable energy projects.
- Support the development of grading plans, earthwork models, equipment pad layouts, access roads, drainage systems, and site infrastructure designs.
- Assist with cut/fill analyses, stormwater calculations, hydrologic evaluations, and erosion and sediment control designs under supervision.
- Prepare and update engineering drawings, quantity take-offs, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and design deliverables.
- Review survey data, geotechnical reports, environmental documents, utility information, and project requirements to support engineering design.
- Validate engineering calculations, design assumptions, and software-generated outputs for accuracy and completeness.
- Support QA/QC reviews and incorporate technical review comments into project deliverables.
- Coordinate with Electrical, Structural, Solar PV, BESS, Substation, and Transmission Line teams to support multidisciplinary project execution.
- Maintain organized project records and follow 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:
- Utility-scale solar, BESS, and renewable energy site development.
- Site grading and drainage design.
- Earthwork optimization and cut/fill balancing.
- Equipment pad layouts and access road design.
- Stormwater management systems, detention and retention facilities, culverts, and drainage infrastructure.
- Hydrologic and hydraulic analyses.
- Erosion and sediment control measures.
- SWPPP and NPDES permitting support activities where applicable.
- Integration of survey, geotechnical, environmental, utility, AHJ, and client requirements.
- Construction support and constructability considerations.
- Coordination with electrical routing, equipment placement, structural foundations, and multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Engineering quality management and design validation processes.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.Eng.) in Civil 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 civil engineering, land development, water resources, transportation, or renewable energy projects are encouraged to apply.
- Basic understanding of civil engineering principles and site development practices.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary project teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or project experience involving civil site design, land development, transportation, water resources, utility infrastructure, or renewable energy projects.
- Familiarity with grading design, stormwater management, drainage systems, and earthwork calculations.
- Exposure to renewable energy, solar PV, BESS, or utility infrastructure projects.
- Familiarity with NPDES requirements, SWPPP development, local permitting processes, and applicable engineering standards.
- Experience using Civil 3D, GIS, or engineering analysis software through academic coursework, internships, or research projects.
Technical Skills
Preferred familiarity with:
- AutoCAD Civil 3D
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
- HydroCAD
- HEC-RAS
- GIS platforms
- Earthwork and terrain modeling tools
- Bluebeam Revu or equivalent PDF review software
- Engineering document management systems
Expected Proficiency:
Ability to learn and apply PVInsight engineering workflows, quality management procedures, civil 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 civil 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 design and engineering software.
- Exposure to permitting, site development, 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, survey data, design inputs, and software-generated outputs.
- Continuously develop technical knowledge, engineering judgment, and professional skills.