Senior Solar PV Design Engineer

About Sunbird

Sunbird Solar is a pan-European commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar PV developer and EPC, with projects across the UK and the European Union. We design, deliver and optimise on-site renewable energy systems that create long-term value for businesses and property owners. Design sits centrally across all countries and portfolios, so our engineers work across the whole portfolio rather than a single market.

The Role

As a Senior Solar PV Design Engineer, you will work alongside the Head of Engineering to make sure Sunbird's design standards are upheld in every country we operate in. You will deliver your own portfolio of projects with a high degree of autonomy, and review and approve the work of the other engineers in the team, from early layouts for new sites to full drawing packs ready for construction. Strong PV and electrical design skills are critical for this role. You will work closely with our design, engineering and project teams at every stage of a project, making sure every design is sound, consistent and easy to build.

This role suits someone who holds their own work and others' to a high standard, can explain clearly why a design is not ready and how to fix it, and wants to work across several countries.

Reporting to the Head of Engineering, the role can be based in London (United Kingdom), Warsaw (Poland) or Ericeira (Portugal), with regular travel across the UK and Europe, particularly Poland.

Role and Responsibilities

• Review and approve design packs before issue, in accordance with Sunbird's design standard and the relevant design constraints, such as insurance requirements and structural limitations

• Lead the design of our most complex projects, including larger and MV-connected systems, carports and ground-mount

• Build and check PVsyst energy-yield models, and carry out module stringing, inverter allocation and layout optimisation

• Maintain Sunbird's templates, drawing standards and checklists, and make sure they are applied consistently in every country

• Work with our in-country engineers and local consultants so that Sunbird's design and local compliance fit together, particularly in Poland

• Mentor the design engineers and designers, giving review comments that are clear and incorporated promptly and in full

• Respond to complex design queries during construction and commissioning, and represent Sunbird's design to insurers and independent engineers

Required Attributes

• Five or more years' experience in solar PV system design, including at least two years reviewing or approving other engineers' designs

• A degree in electrical, energy, renewable energy or a closely related engineering discipline

• Expert PVsyst modelling and strong LV electrical design (single-line diagrams, cable sizing, protection and earthing), with working knowledge of MV connections

• Experience writing or improving design standards, templates and checklists, not only working to them

• Sound judgement, with the confidence to reject a design and the patience to explain how to fix it

• Organised, with strong attention to detail

• Professional fluency in English

• Team-first focus with a can-do approach

Advantageous Experience

• Polish at professional working level

• Polish PV permitting and grid-connection processes, including building design qualifications (uprawnienia budowlane)

• Rooftop PV requirements in more than one European market, including fire access and insurer conditions

• VirtoSolar (Virto CAD) or a comparable PV layout tool, and working from drone or point-cloud models

• Carport, ground-mount or battery energy storage (BESS) design

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng) status, or working towards it

What We Offer

• A competitive salary, based on experience and location

• Work in a high performing culture with other "A team" players

• Exceptional individual growth and development opportunities, consistent with joining a rapidly growing company at an early stage

• Design authority across multiple European markets

How to Apply

If you are passionate about sustainable energy and thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and a cover letter.

Sunbird is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds.