Careers

Current Job Openings

Solar Designer I

The Solar Designer will collaborate with project managers and electrical foremen to create comprehensive engineering drawings for multiple projects simultaneously, including solar layouts, stringing diagrams, one-lines, and wire schedules. The role requires proficiency in AutoCAD, knowledge of relevant codes (National Electric Code, International Fire Code, International Building Code), and the ability to work both independently and in teams. The Designer will effectively communicate the design process to project managers, electrical foremen, and clients as needed.

What you’ll do:

• Develop Engineering Drawings:
  • Create detailed drawing sets for various project phases (Interconnection, Permit, Construction).
  • Ensure clarity and completeness to facilitate installer work.
• Coordination Meetings:
  • Collaborate with project managers and electrical foremen to identify project scope and potential obstacles.
  • Use insights to inform drawing development.
• Code and Product Research:
  • Investigate relevant codes (NEC, IFC, IBC) to ensure compliance in designs.
  • Evaluate the impact of various products (Racking, Inverters, Modules) on project design.
  • Ensure layout integrate with vendor products.
• Project Site Visits:
  • Visit job sites to assess real-life conditions and provide support to project managers and electrical staff.
  • Address on-site inquiries effectively.

What you’ll need for success: 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field (preferred).
• Working knowledge in AutoCAD and other design software (required).
• NABCEP certification (preferred).
• Creativity of problem solving. 
• Strong understanding of codes, ability to read/create drawings, and effective communication.
• Ability to navigate active work sites and work at heights.
• Willingness to travel to job sites (approximately 10%)

Project Manager – Solar & Battery Storage

Manage commercial solar or solar plus storage projects from the inception/estimating phase, through design, engineering, construction, and handover to O&M, taking full ownership of the projects and coordinating all internal and external stakeholders to achieve the identified project requirements.  The Project Manager also oversees associate project managers who are doing the same. 

What you’ll do:

• Act as the main point of contact for clients, installers, inspectors, and internal teams
• Project manage multiple multi-million dollar PV and/or ESS contracts simultaneously
• Create and maintain project CPM schedules
• Manage and reduce project costs and conduct project financial projections for the team’s projects monthly
• Conduct internal and external project team meetings
• Provide status reports to various project stakeholders
• Drive internal and/or external engineering teams to develop design drawing packages for various milestones of the project development cycle (interconnection, permitting, construction)
• Identify & develop project-specific scopes of work and assemble complete budgets and estimates based upon civil, structural, & electrical drawings and specifications
• Request, analyze, & negotiate project-specific pricing for equipment, material, & subcontracted scopes of work
• Mitigate project risk by identifying & implementing contingency plans, and ensure projects adhere to engineering, utility, AHJ, and legislative requirements/specifications
• Achieve or improve upon baseline project margins & schedule

What you’ll need for success:

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related field desired
• 3+ years in commercial solar and/or battery storage EPC project management role
• Demonstrated engineering and/or project management of commercial BESS experience desirable
• Proven success managing multi-million dollar PV and/or ESS contracts simultaneously
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional (desired)
• FAA part 107 (desired)
• NEC code knowledge (required)
• Thorough understanding of commercial PV installations, components, and solutions required
• Effective time management, organization, and prioritization abilities
• Demonstrated leadership and influence skills
• Proven analytical abilities
• Intermediate software knowledge:
  • MS Office Suite: Outlook, Word, Excel
  • Bluebeam/Adobe Acrobat Pro
  • Primavera/MS Project desired
  • Helioscope desired

Solar & ESS Field Technician

The Solar & ESS Field Technician provides maintenance, inspections and verification on ongoing and existing commercial solar and battery storage projects. 

What you’ll do:

The Solar & ESS Field Technician has responsibility for operation and maintenance related functions on commercial solar arrays.

• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of commercial, industrial, and utility solar power & ESS plants in accordance with established standards and procedures; always maintains safety and professionalism throughout Illinois.
• Troubleshoot electrical components with help and use of digital multi-meters, meggers, amp clamps, and similar equipment. Test installed equipment, ensuring proper working order including daily mechanical electrical inspections.          
• Perform progress, mc, sc and preventative maintenance inspections with thorough reporting.
• Conduct routine preventive maintenance activities on solar panels, battery storage systems, and associated equipment.
• Perform sUAS(drone) and handheld infrared thermography inspections (job training as needed).
• Maintain accurate documentation of O&M activities, including maintenance logs, work orders, and inventory records.
• Responsible for documentation including, but not limited to; work orders, service orders, time logs, and emergency information schedules.

What you’ll need for success:

• Two (2) years of technical experience (electrical, etc.) and/or technical education
• Minimum 2 years’ experience maintaining commercial or utility solar arrays
• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Understanding of solar photovoltaic, energy storage, and microgrid applications
• Understanding of electrical and mechanical functions of all components of solar site and associated equipment
• Ability to read and understand electrical single-line and three-line diagrams / schematics, SLD and Electrical Construction Drawings
• Experience with PV and electrical systems including DC systems, AC medium voltage systems, and network communications and monitoring
• Experience with Material Takeoffs for replacement of failed/damaged equipment
• Experience with the operation of various SCADA systems  
• Knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) and standard practices  
• NABCEP and OSHA 30 preferred.  
• Ability to climb / work safely from a portable step ladder and on rooftops
• Ability to move and manipulate up to 45 kg (100 pounds)
• Willing to travel up to 30% of the time with some overnights and on-call availability. 

Future Opportunities

Are you interested in exploring career opportunities at one of Illinois’ largest and most well-respected commercial solar and battery storage companies? Do you not see any current openings that align with your interests, skills, and background?  Please submit your resume and cover letter here to be considered for future opportunities.  We will retain your application and reach out to you if an appropriate opening becomes available.

Our Company

Continental Energy Solutions (CES) offers end-to-end commercial renewable energy solutions. We design, engineer, procure, install, commission, monitor, and maintain solar arrays, solar plus battery storage, and full microgrid solutions. Our experienced team and extensive project portfolio including both rooftop and ground mount systems for big-box retail, warehouse, and campus solutions have put CES at the top of our industry in the Midwest.

We offer an unbeatable team of engineers, project managers, and field supervisors, including NABCEP Certified Professionals, the gold standard in the solar industry. Together, our team works to provide our customers with clearly outlined costs, energy savings, and overall project ROI. We have built hundreds of solar PV projects, many solar plus battery storage solutions, and installed over 350 electric vehicle (EV) chargers. Our project portfolio includes rooftop systems for big-box retail and warehouse customers, and community solar projects with multiple developers. With our experienced team and extensive project portfolio, we can build a solar and storage solution for every customer to meet any challenge.

Working for Continental Energy Solutions provides:

• Collaboration, assistance, tools and resources for success
• An engaging and respectful workplace with excellent benefits and compensation
• Pride working for the largest PV and battery storage installer in Illinois

Continental Energy Solutions is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, sexual or gender orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

If you have any questions, contact us at careers@cesnrg.com