Field Engineer

First, the good news: The world now has over 1.7 terawatts of cumulative solar capacity and solar PV is the lowest-cost source of energy generation worldwide.

The challenge: The world must build 3 terawatts of new solar capacity every year for the next 25 years.

Planted is creating new technology to overhaul how the industry develops and builds solar power resources. And we need help. We're expanding our team of ambitious, curious, and hands-on engineers and operators. Come own large parts of product, company, or business development and help power the world with 100% clean energy.

About The Role

As the Field Engineer, you will apply new clean energy technology to applications in the field by overseeing field data collection during project diligence and managing project deployments. As a critical bridge between R&D and commercial operations, you will drive the development cycle from prototype iterations, tests, and real-world construction. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with a talented and cross-functional engineering and business team with a high degree of empowerment and autonomy.

The salary range for this full-time position is $80,000 - $130,000 plus stock options and benefits. Pay within the range is based on candidate experience, job-specific skills, education, and work location. The target experience for the position is 2 - 10+ years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Deliver Planted services in the field and efficiently guide projects to completion by coordinating people, materials, and machines on-site
• Set, implement, and maintain schedules and budgets to ensure project completion
• Communication and logistical planning with external contractors, vendors, and customers to share project status, set expectations, and meet key milestones
• Become an internal expert on the use of Planted robotic construction technology in the field, and train and coach other internal and external users
• Own and execute test procedures to acquire relevant project data (soil characterization, topography, etc.) through field tests on project sites across the U.S. (and beyond), and incorporate it into site plans and strategy
• Own, operate and improve test hardware
• Organize and present results of field testing
• Actively identify areas of improvement for Planted's hardware and software

QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years experience, including field experience
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or similar
• Willingness to travel (up to 75% of the time for sustained stretches) with overnight stays required
• Enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to read and understand drawings, site plans, and specifications
• A track record of organization, adaptability, attention to detail, and project management skills
• Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively and succinctly to internal and external stakeholders
• Hands-on attitude, strong ownership mentality, and resourcefulness.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, reduce reasonable risks, and make good decisions with imperfect knowledge
• Desire to wear multiple hats and act independently
• Experience with, or ability to learn to operate, construction equipment like skid steers, telehandlers, and excavators
• Strong record of safe field operations and ability to integrate safety into product design and project operations
• Hands-on prototyping and troubleshooting experience
• Desire to work in a fast-paced startup environment
• Located in the SF Bay Area or able to relocate, and able to be in-person or at project sites up to 5-days per week
• Ability to lift 50 lbs

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in construction, energy infrastructure, agriculture, or other comparable natural resources
• Experience with operations in outdoor environments
• Experience with CAD, GIS, and other software design applications
• Experience with estimating or designing electrical systems
• Experience building ground-mount solar power plants

What We Offer

• 11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Company-paid in-office lunches
• Stock options
• Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• 401(k)
• A chance to have an empowered, meaningful, and early role in climate

This will be a great fit if:

• You want to solve challenging problems
• You are biased toward action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact
• You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you
• You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback
• You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there
• You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Planted Solar is an equal opportunity employer committed to growing inclusively, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, medical condition, age, or veteran status. However you identify, or whatever background you bring with you, please apply. We look forward to hearing from you.