About this role
Job Description
Job DescriptionPolar Racking Inc. is a North American leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems. The company develops ground-mounted and other solar racking solutions for commercial and utility-scale projects, supported by engineering collaboration, technical services and installation support across North America.
The Civil Engineer (Project Lead, Engineering) is responsible for civil/structural design, analysis and technical validation of ground-mounted photovoltaic (PV) mounting systems, with a focus on single-axis solar trackers, structural connections and associated foundations. The role performs static and dynamic structural evaluation, interprets wind-tunnel findings, works with internal R&D teams on calculation methods and product improvements, and coordinates independent wind engineering and structural testing programs.
The position leads engineering deliverables for manufacturing, project execution and field support, and manages technical interfaces with external Engineers of Record (EORs). Structural engineering calculations, drawings, and technical design packages prepared by Polar Racking's engineering team are submitted to external Engineers of Record (EORs) for independent professional review, approval, and sealing, as required by applicable jurisdictional regulations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead structural engineering design, analysis and technical review of utility-scale solar PV mounting systems, including fixed-tilt ground-mount structures and single-axis trackers.
- Perform and review structural calculations under dead, live, wind, snow, ice and seismic loads, evaluating load paths, member capacity, buckling, deflection, structural stability, connections and foundation reactions in accordance with applicable engineering standards.
- Conduct advanced static and dynamic structural analysis of solar tracker systems, including finite element modeling (FEA), vibration, torsional response, connection stiffness and wind-induced dynamic effects.
- Evaluate site-specific topographic, geotechnical and construction conditions, and develop structural solutions involving driven steel piles, helical piles, concrete foundations and ballasted systems.
- Interpret wind-tunnel test reports and aerodynamic data, assess static and dynamic wind effects, and coordinate with third-party wind engineering specialists to establish appropriate design loads, wind-stow strategies and structural performance criteria.
- Collaborate with external engineering and testing specialists to plan, conduct and evaluate structural, fatigue, durability and service-life testing of tracker systems, structural components and connections, incorporating findings into product design improvements.
- Develop and enhance structural engineering calculation tools, finite element models, parametric design methods and automated analysis processes to improve design accuracy, efficiency and consistency.
- Evaluate and recommend structural materials, connection details, construction specifications and installation procedures for PV mounting systems, while optimizing structural performance, manufacturability, cost-effectiveness and constructability through DFM/DFA principles.
- Lead technical coordination with external Engineers of Record (EORs), ensuring compliance with applicable North American design codes, including ASCE 7, AISC 360, IBC, NBCC and CSA S16, and supporting engineering reviews and the preparation of sealed design packages by the responsible licensed engineers.
- Prepare and review structural calculation reports, engineering drawings, technical specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and engineering change records. Coordinate with EPC customers, project managers, manufacturing and field teams to investigate site conditions, review field measurements and cons