Senior Construction Manager – HV/BESS/PV

Description

Title: Senior Construction Manager – HV/BESS/PV
Department: Operation 2
Location: Irvine, CA
Supervisor: Senior General Superintendent Electrical
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Permanent, Full-time

Work Status (Remote/Hybrid/In-Office): Hybrid

SENIOR CONSTRUCTION MANAGER – HV/BESS/PV

SUMMARY

The Senior Construction Manager will be experienced and forward-thinking with expertise in High Voltage, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) of 150MW or larger, and Photovoltaic (PV) sites. The ideal candidate will possess strong construction management skills and hands-on experience in building these facilities, with a deep understanding of HV substations, transmission lines, battery energy storage systems (BESS), and solar photovoltaic (PV) projects.

This position reports to Senior General Superintenden Electrical or another designated management personnel appointed by the CEO of the Company. The role is based in Irvine, CA, with standard working hours from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time. This position may require occasional overtime and weekend work as needed. Expect to travel up to 100%, or as needed for the project. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES 

Construction Management

• Attendance Requirement: Regularly attend work per the company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment; this position is an essential job duty.
  • Expertise in Large-Scale BESS & PV Facilities: Manage construction projects for BESS / PV sites of 150MW or larger, demonstrating deep knowledge of critical equipment, including power inverters, battery racks, and BMS systems, as well as voltage-specific requirements.
  • Scope of Work Development: Assist in developing and reviewing the subcontractor's scope of work.
  • Schedule Development: Assist in creating detailed CPM schedules for all installation activities.
  • Logistics Coordination: Coordinate project activities, schedules, material procurement, project logistics, and temporary facility plans in collaboration with the project manager and field staff.
  • Material Review: Review materials/equipment for Electrical/Mechanical/Structural systems.
  • Oversee Subcontractors: Display outstanding proficiency in supervising subcontractors in the field to ensure they meet specifications, adhere to timelines, and stay within budget constraints.
  • Contract Management & Electrical Codes Expertise: Scrutinize contracts and technical documents, focusing on electrical codes and equipment standards for large-scale BESS / PV sites, substations, and transmission lines.
  • Quality Control/Quality Assurance: Rigorously manage QA/QC requirements to ensure the highest standards of work quality on all projects.
  • Safety Leadership: Champion and enforce safety standards and protocols to maintain a safe working environment for all team members.
  • Additional Responsibilities: Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by the Director of Construction. 

Technical Expertise

• Extensive Hands-on Experience: Possess substantial, practical experience managing large-scale BESS / PV projects of 150MW or more and high-voltage construction projects encompassing substations, BESS, solar installations, and transmission lines.
• High-Voltage Project Management: Demonstrate a track record in leading the construction of projects involving substations (69kV-500kV), BESS (40MW+), and solar PV (150MW+) installations.
• Equipment Proficiency: Exhibit expertise in overseeing the installation of battery modules (LG, Samsung, CATL), power conversion systems (PCS) (SMA, Siemens, Power Electronics), medium-voltage transformers, primary step-up transformers, GIS switchgear, STATCOMs, all with varying voltage ratings (69kV-500kV).
• Balance of Plant Knowledge: Possess experience in managing the Balance of Plant (BoP), including but not limited to peripheral systems and components such as HVAC, fire suppression, grounding systems, electrical cabling, and structural elements like power transformers, auxiliary transformers, transmission lines, circuit breakers, switchgear, surge arresters, and electrical busbars.
• High-Level Commissioning Expertise: Demonstrate proficiency in assisting the commissioning process for substations, large-scale BESS, and PV sites, ensuring system integrity, safety, and compliance with all relevant government and local codes.
• Transmission Line Mastery: Demonstrate proficiency in overseeing the construction of transmission lines, including specifications for overhead lines, underground cables, and associated towers and pylons.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all projects adhere to relevant standards and electrical codes, such as IBC, NFPA 855 2020, CEC, CFC, IEEE, NABCP, NEMA, NEC, OSHA, and UL.

Leadership & Coordination 

• Field & Subcontractor Leadership: Exhibit leadership capabilities in effectively managing substantial teams and subcontractors, with a proven track record of achieving zero OSHA recordable and consistently excellent safety ratings.
• Leadership Skills: Possess the ability to inspire and guide teams, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills and a proven history of successfully executing complex projects.
• Communication Proficiency: Serve as the primary point of contact for all field-related activities, delivering timely and pertinent updates and deliverables, particularly regarding HV substations, transmission lines, BESS, and PV projects.
• Collaboration Expertise: Collaborate effectively with Project Managers, Procurement, Engineering, Safety, QA/QC, Logistics, Suppliers, and other team members to ensure seamless project execution.
• Progress Reporting: Prepare reports, convey progress to Project Managers/Directors as necessary, and update project Owners during weekly meetings.

Software & Technical Skills

• Computer Skills: Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Estimation Software, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, AutoCAD, etc., for planning, documentation, and execution of projects.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Highly Preferred: Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field; OR an extensive background of 15+ years in significant capital projects exceeding $100MM.
• If using experience in place of a degree, the following additional requirements are preferred:
  • Certification as a Construction Manager
  • Possession of an Electrical Construction License
  • Relevant certifications and training in High Voltage (HV) and/or Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

• Profound Knowledge: In-depth understanding of Electrical, Safety, and Construction Codes.
• High Voltage Expertise: Demonstrated experience in high voltage projects.
• Building Codes: General familiarity with building codes, mechanical codes, electrical codes, and plumbing codes as they pertain to construction projects.
• Subcontractor Interaction: Experience in managing subcontracts and working with subcontractors.
• Extensive Professional Experience: At least 15 years of professional experience in managing large-scale projects, with a preference for those related to power stations, supply networks, or other utility-scale construction ventures.
• Solar PV/Wind Power Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience in solar PV or wind power projects preferred.
• Travel Capability: Willingness and ability to travel, potentially up to 75% of the time or as the project requires.
• Industrial Relations Knowledge: Understanding industrial relations to recognize and address potential labor issues.
• Company Guidelines: Familiarity with Company construction guides and manuals.
• Construction Safety Awareness: Strong awareness of construction safety protocols and practices.
• Conflict Resolution Skills: Proficiency in managing conflicts and resolving issues.
• Multitasking Ability: Capability to effectively prioritize, organize, and schedule work tasks.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Competency in identifying, analyzing, researching, evaluating, and resolving complex issues.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Constructability Knowledge: Familiarity with constructability principles within and across various disciplines, including Structural, Civil, Electrical, HV Electrical, SCADA, BESS, and Estimating.
• Conceptual Planning: Ability to engage in conceptual planning.
• Risk Assessment/Management: Competency in assessing and managing project-related risks.
• Cost Code Labor Productivity Systems: Familiarity with cost code labor productivity systems.
• Time Reporting Policies and Procedures: Understanding time reporting policies and procedures.
• Construction Guides and Standards: Awareness of construction guides and standards.
• Project Management: Demonstrated project management ability, including development, planning, installation, and execution.
• Relevant Certifications/Licenses: Possessing relevant industry certifications or licenses, such as PMP or PE, is highly desirable.
• Language Skills: Fluent in written and spoken English; knowledge of other languages is a plus.
• Team Meetings: Proficiency in leading team meetings via conference calls.
• Assertive and Team Player: Assertive and able to perform well under pressure, with a solid team-oriented approach.

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day.
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop, and/or walk.
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Hearing and Speech frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk regularly with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computers, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on a stairway to get to the upper and lower floors of the office.
• Travel: up to 100%, or as needed by the project

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment. 

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at [email protected].

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.