Solar Design and Drafting Specialist
Grass Valley, CA
Full Time
Mid Level
Design & Drafting Specialist
Overview
- This role is focused on increasing our design capacity and improving front-end project quality.
- You will primarily be responsible for drafting solar and storage systems, managing outsourced design work, and supporting the technical review process to ensure projects are accurate and ready for installation.
- Over time, this role can expand into site validation, quality control, and client-facing energy education, depending on your strengths and interests.
- At Cal-Solar, we design systems that are meant to work in the real world… not just on paper. This role helps ensure what we design is what gets built, cleanly and efficiently.
Core Responsibilities
Drafting & Plan Set Development (Primary Focus)
This is the core of the role.
- Create and revise solar and storage plan sets using CAD and design tools
- Translate proposals and system layouts into permit-ready documentation
- Maintain accuracy across electrical layouts, equipment placement, and system configuration
- Ensure plan sets align with Cal-Solar standards and AHJ requirements
Outsourced Design Coordination
Act as the internal point of contact for external drafting support
- Manage drafting requests with partners like Greenlancer and Aurora
- Review returned plan sets for accuracy, completeness, and constructability
- Provide clear redlines and feedback to improve consistency and reduce rework
- Track turnaround times and help improve overall design throughput
Design Quality Control Support
Support the Technical Operations Director and the team in tightening up front-end quality
- Review projects for missing information or potential issues before install
- Help identify risks that could lead to change orders or delays
- Ensure designs reflect real site conditions as accurately as possible
Site Survey & Field Support (As Needed)
Support validation of designs when required
- Assist with site surveys to gather measurements, photos, and field data
- Confirm shading, electrical, and structural conditions
- Bridge gaps between design assumptions and field reality
Growth Path
This role can expand over time into:
- Front-end quality control ownership
- Deeper system design and engineering involvement
- Client-facing energy education and support
- Participation in community education efforts like Sunlight to Socket
What Success Looks Like
- Designs are accurate, complete, and ready for install
- Outsourced drafting is efficient and requires minimal rework
- Fewer change orders due to design gaps
- Stronger alignment between design, field conditions, and installation
- Improved overall project flow from sale to install
What We’re Looking For
- Strong attention to detail and technical curiosity
- Experience with CAD or solar design tools
- Ability to review work critically and catch inconsistencies
- Clear communication when coordinating with internal and external teams
- Comfort working both independently and collaboratively
Compensation
- Hourly Pay Range: $30.75 to $49.50
- Based on experience and technical capability
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement (California):
We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.Apply for this position
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