Enable America Jobs

Enable America Logo

Job Information

Nelnet Professional Engineer - NRE Solar in Palatine, Illinois

Nelnet Renewable Energy began from Nelnet, a company that started 40-plus years ago with a purpose to serve our customers and communities. Over the years, our corporate color green has taken on new meaning as we’ve applied multiple capabilities to our passion for supporting a transition to renewable energy. Learn more about who we are, what we do – and the many ways we can help you achieve your sustainability and financial goals.

Nelnet is a diversified and innovative company committed to enriching lives through the power of service as a student loan servicer, professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payments processor, renewable energy solutions, and K-12 and higher education expert.

Nelnet Renewable Energy offers a vast portfolio of solutions to help support residents, commercial and industrial customers, landowners, developers, investors, CleanTech and ClimateTech innovators, and educational institutions in meeting their renewable energy goals. As a large, diversified company driven by a purpose to serve, we deliver broad expertise, innovative solutions, financial capital, and established networks to help our customers and partners power a more sustainable future.

Nelnet Renewable Energy is proud to be a Nelnet company. Founded over 45 years ago, Nelnet is a publicly traded (NYSE: NNI), investment-grade company offering a diverse set of solutions across a wide range of markets and industries. Our involvement in renewable energy began in 2018 with a commitment to fund over $142 million for the building of solar energy projects via tax equity financing. Since then, our commitment grew, leading us to develop a new brand, Nelnet Renewable Energy, offering a range of renewable energy solutions. In 2022, we acquired leading engineering, procurement, and construction firm GRNE Solar, enabling us to offer expert commercial and small utility-scale installation services.

The Project Engineer will support mid-to-late-stage development, construction, and O&M handover of ground mount and rooftop solar projects. This role requires a detail-oriented and experienced professional who can manage various aspects of project execution, from design to commissioning.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Develop and review preliminary drawing sets and solar site configurations to ensure they meet specifications and industry standards.

  2. Progress initial designs to detailed plans, ensuring compliance with regulatory, performance, longevity, and cost requirements.

  3. Create and certify stamped blueprints, up to and including the Issued For Construction stage.

  4. Maintain licensing, add new geographic areas of licensure as applicable/available.

  5. Issue, evaluate, and manage Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for third-party engineering and design services.

  6. Oversee outputs from design resources, ensuring readiness for utility approval and construction.

  7. Collaborate with development, pre-construction, and project management teams to meet technical requirements and timelines.

  8. Support project managers by resolving technical RFIs and issues during construction.

  9. Maintain knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and emerging technologies.

  10. Utilize field feedback to drive investigations and process improvements.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering with PE certification.

  • 7+ years of engineering experience (required).

  • 4 years in photovoltaic (PV) project development, including experience with all phases of PV construction (preferred).

  • Proficiency in AutoCAD and familiarity with electrical modeling tools.

  • Professional Engineer license required.

COMPETENCIES – SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES:

  • Expertise in low-, medium-, and high-voltage electrical systems, protective relaying, and controls. Skilled in using AutoCAD, as well as other relevant electrical modeling tools.

  • Strong analytical abilities to identify and solve complex engineering problems. Ability to apply innovative solutions to enhance project efficiency and sustainability.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex project schedules and budgets. Effective at mentoring junior engineers and driving team success.

  • Deep knowledge of national and international electrical codes (NEC, NESC), and other relevant standards. Ability to ensure designs meet all regulatory and safety standards.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficient in negotiating with vendors, collaborating with stakeholders, and managing customer expectations to ensure project success.

Pay range for this role is $130,000-$160,000 annually, depending on experience.

#LI-CW1

Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, HSA and FSA, generous earned time off, 401K/student loan repayment, life insurance & AD&D insurance, employee assistance program, employee stock purchase program, tuition reimbursement, performance-based incentive pay, short- and long-term disability, and a robust wellness program. Click here to learn more about our benefits: LINK (http://nelnetinc.com/careers/benefits/) .

Nelnet is an Equal Opportunity Employer, complies with Executive Order 11246, and takes affirmative action to ensure that qualified applicants are employed, and that employees are treated during employment, without regard to race, color, religion/creed, national origin, gender, or sex, marital status, age, disability, use of a guide dog or service animal, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, or any other status protected by Federal or State law or local ordinance.

Qualified individuals with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations in order to apply or compete for positions at Nelnet may request such accommodations by contacting Corporate Recruiting at 402-486-5725 or corporaterecruiting@nelnet.net .

Nelnet is a Drug Free and Tobacco Free Workplace.

You may know Nelnet as the nation’s largest student loan servicer – but we do more than that. A lot more. We’re also a professional services company, consumer loan originator and servicer, payment processor, renewable energy innovator, and K-12 and higher education expert (and that’s just a shortlist). For over 40 years, we’ve been serving our customers, associates, and communities to make dreams possible.

EEO Info (https://nelnetinc.com/wp-content/uploads/EEO-poster.pdf) | EEO Letter (https://nelnetinc.com/wp-content/uploads/EEO-Jeffs-Letter.pdf) | EPPA Info (https://nelnetinc.com/wp-content/uploads/Employee-Polygraph-Protection-Act-Poster.pdf) | FMLA Info (https://nelnetinc.com/wp-content/uploads/FMLA-Leave.pdf)

DirectEmployers