Head of Deployments
Planted Solar
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 Head of Deployments you will be responsible for project execution from pre-construction engineering and planning, construction operations and management, and commissioning to on-going O&M services. 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. We are looking for an experienced hands-on manager and operational leader to rapidly build and grow a team to execute on projects, including project engineers, construction managers, field support engineers, procurement managers, and O&M partners. The Deployments team will also be a key partner to the Engineering R&D team for all field related prototyping and machine testing as well as internal pilot builds and field testing.
The salary range for this full-time position is $160,000 - 220,000 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 8 - 12+ years.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build and lead the Deployments Team. Be a fast and effective hiring manager, and a skilled people and performance manager
- Deliver Planted services in the field. Your team will efficiently guide projects from pre-construction engineering and planning, construction operations and management, and commissioning to on-going O&M services
- Build and lead a team of Project Engineers who own all contractual deliverables for individual projects; project specific engineering such as bid and drawing packages, racking and DC eBOS procurement, program management and schedule, field QA/QC, and commissioning
- Manage or partner with contractors to provide 100% forward deployed construction project management and/or site supervision to enable customer satisfaction with Planted products and services
- Build and lead Field Support team, the company experts for all in-field technology such as Planted Machines and SW, and localization and surveying equipment. This team is also responsible for in-field troubleshooting and operating an escalation matrix in partnership with R&D
- Oversee procurement and logistics of project materials. Work with R&D to manage approved vendor lists and supplier QA/QC. Onboard and manage construction suppliers and subcontractors, equipment rental companies, off-site storage, etc. as necessary
- Own and develop partners for on-going project O&M services delivery
- Be a key part of the feedback loop on product success, help refine product specifications, and provide input to future product roadmap
- Lead by example, flow to problems, drive team culture, processes, and organization
QUALIFICATIONS
- 8+ years experience hiring and managing teams working on solar or other comparable construction industries with large complex project and/or product scope
- 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
- Strong record of safe field operations and ability to integrate safety into product design and project operations
- 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 5-days per week
- Willingness to travel (up to 25% of the time for sustained stretches) with overnight stays required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in construction, energy infrastructure, agriculture, or other comparable natural resources
- Experience with leading operations in outdoor environments
- Experience with 2D and 3D CAD, GIS, mapping and coordinate frames
- Experience with estimating or designing electrical distribution systems
- Experience building ground-mount solar power plants
- Experience with, or ability to learn to operate, construction equipment like skid steers, telehandlers, and excavators
*A note on qualifications: Many people are unlikely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
- A mix of desk work using standard office equipment and outdoor field activities
- Ability to lift 50 lbs
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.