Preconstruction Manager

ROLE

WHC LLC (A Surerus Murphy Company) (WHC), is seeking to recruit a Preconstruction Manager. This is a pivotal role that integrates hands-on development engineering expertise with project and design management for largescale solar PV and energy storage systems. In this role, the Preconstruction Manager will be deeply involved in the development, engineering, and preconstruction planning of solar PV and BESS projects. You will lead critical efforts in due diligence, design, and execution to ensure systems meet the highest standards of energy performance, cost efficiency, and reliability. As a key contributor, the Preconstruction Manager will drive technical and project leadership from the earliest stages of development and RFP preparation, through design and engineering, and provide ongoing support to procurement, construction and commissioning teams. The Preconstruction Manager’s leadership will be essential to WHC’s continued success in the power generation sector, ensuring the successful delivery of solar and storage projects at scale. The ideal candidate is flexible in assignments, driven by innovation and process improvement, and eager to learn and lead in a dynamic environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Engineering and Technical Leadership:

• Lead the detailed design and engineering of large-scale solar PV systems, ensuring designs are optimized for performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
• Oversee the development of site layouts, civil, structural and electrical basis of designs, interconnection studies, and lead preconstruction planning efforts, ensuring compliance with industry standards, client needs, and regulatory requirements.
• Leading internal and external design and constructability review meetings.
• Act as the subject matter expert (SME) on all technical aspects of utility-scale solar PV and BESS, guiding internal and external teams and clients through project development and execution.

Project Development and Preconstruction Management:

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to develop innovative solutions for client RFPs, leading the development of preliminary designs, cost estimates, and project schedules.
• Lead early-stage project due diligence, reviewing and providing guidance on feasibility studies, site assessments, value engineering opportunities, interconnection requirements, and defining execution strategies resulting in Assured Delivery.
• Support the handoff from preconstruction to construction, ensuring that engineering designs are properly communicated, fully vetted, and implementable by field teams.

Cross-functional Collaboration and Client Engagement:

• Work closely with WHC business development and commercial teams to provide technical insights during client negotiations, ensuring WHC’s proposals meet both client expectations and technical feasibility.
• Lead coordination between internal engineering resources, third-party engineering firms, and construction teams to ensure that designs are constructible, cost-effective, and meet project objectives.
• Lead and maintain positive and proactive communication with internal and external stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring alignment on technical solutions, timelines and deliverables.

Project Execution and Risk Management:

• Oversee project schedules and manage engineering deliverables, ensuring that project milestones are met, budgets are controlled, and risks are identified and mitigated early.
• Provide technical oversight during construction and commissioning, offering support to resolve design issues, optimize performance, and ensure project handoff meets all contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Lead technical reviews of vendor and equipment selection, ensuring that all components meet project specifications and quality standards.

Innovation and Process Improvement:

• Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for technical innovation, cost reduction, and process optimization throughout the project lifecycle.
• Implement best practices and engineering standards that enhance WHC’s technical capabilities and position the company as a leader in utility-scale solar and BESS projects.

Note: In addition to these duties personnel are required to carry out such other duties as may be reasonably required in order to support the objectives of the company.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or related field; advanced degree or PMP certification preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 6 years of progressive experience in utility-scale solar PV project management, engineering, or development.
• Proven track record of leading the design and execution of large-scale solar PV projects, with strong capabilities in overseeing project lifecycles from concept to commissioning.
• Ability to review, execute, and manage sub-contracts and service agreements with vendors and suppliers
• Deep technical expertise in solar PV system design and optimization, experience with energy modeling (PVSyst), interconnection implementation, SCADA design, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong project leadership experience, including managing multidisciplinary teams, overseeing budgets and schedules, and delivering projects on time and within budget.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proficient in industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, Bluebeam, Civil3D, ArcGiS, PVSyst, and project management tools (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Build, Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Exceptional communication and leadership skills, with experience leading technical discussions, negotiating client contracts and managing external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel (10-20%) for client meetings, site visits, and project reviews.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is based at our The Woodlands, TX office. Travel is required, approximately 10-20% for client meetings, site visits, and project reviews.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Preconstruction Manager reports to the Senior Manager of Engineering & Preconstruction – Solar.

EEO Statement

WHC Energy Services is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veterans’ status, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We thank all applicants in advance. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.