PV Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: PV Design Manager

Company: A2B DEVELOPMENT LLC

Location: Rocklin, CA, US; Wheeling, IL, US; US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Operations - Engineering Design & Management

Date Posted: August 03, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and development of photovoltaic (PV) electrical drawing packages for solar energy projects, ensuring high-quality AutoCAD deliverables.

• Manage and mentor a team of PV Designers, overseeing daily workloads, prioritizing tasks, and ensuring adherence to project schedules and company standards.

• Act as a key liaison between design, engineering, project management, and field installation teams to support seamless project execution and problem resolution.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the design department, focusing on enhancing design standards, processes, and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within an operations-focused engineering function, emphasizing process management, team leadership, and the delivery of critical technical documentation. The "PV Design Manager" title, combined with responsibilities for managing design staff and project timelines, clearly places this within a broader operational management scope, rather than a purely individual contributor technical role. The emphasis on AutoCAD, NEC, and constructability highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of the operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Technical Design & Drafting:

  • Design complete electrical PV drawing packages using AutoCAD, encompassing site layouts, single-line diagrams, electrical plans, equipment layouts, and detailed construction drawings.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of AutoCAD detail libraries and standardized electrical installation details to ensure consistency and efficiency.
  • Create and revise PV system drawings to rigorously meet project specifications, customer requirements, and all applicable codes and industry standards.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of project designs for accuracy, completeness, constructability, and strict compliance with company standards and best practices.
  • Coordinate closely with engineering teams to effectively incorporate design changes and integrate project updates seamlessly into the drawing packages.

• Team Leadership & Management:

  • Manage and prioritize the daily workloads and project schedules for the PV Design team, ensuring optimal resource allocation.
  • Monitor project timelines meticulously, ensuring all design deliverables are completed and submitted on schedule to avoid project delays.
  • Assign tasks effectively and balance resources across multiple concurrent projects to maximize team output and efficiency.
  • Provide essential technical guidance, mentorship, and ongoing support to all design team members to foster skill development and problem resolution.
  • Conduct rigorous quality reviews of all design work, implementing continuous improvement initiatives based on feedback and performance analysis.
  • Maintain team accountability for project milestones and ensure successful achievement of design objectives.

• Project Coordination:

  • Collaborate proactively with project managers, engineers, permitting teams, and field installation personnel to provide comprehensive support for project execution.

  • Actively participate in project planning meetings, providing clear and concise design status updates and identifying potential design challenges.

  • Assist in the timely resolution of design-related issues encountered during permitting, procurement, or construction phases.

  • Support the development and implementation of robust design standards, procedures, and operational best practices across the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities are structured to clearly delineate technical design duties from management and coordination functions, reflecting a typical operations management role. The emphasis on "standards," "procedures," and "best practices" points to a focus on process optimization and scalability, which are core to revenue operations and sales operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate degree required, preferably in Drafting, Design Technology, Engineering Technology, CAD Design, or a closely related technical field.

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related discipline is considered a strong advantage. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in PV system design, electrical drafting, or a directly related engineering field.

• Previous experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity, managing a team of designers or technical staff, is strongly preferred.

• Direct experience with commercial, industrial, or utility-scale solar projects is highly desirable and will be a significant differentiator. Required Skills:

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD for complex electrical design and drafting.

• Strong, foundational understanding of photovoltaic system design principles and electrical construction practices.

• Demonstrated ability to create and maintain detailed electrical installation drawings and standardized design elements.

• Solid knowledge of National Electrical Code (NEC) requirements and relevant solar industry standards for compliance.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and general project management software. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with solar design software beyond AutoCAD (e.g., Helioscope, Aurora Solar).

• Familiarity with permitting processes and requirements for solar installations.

• Knowledge of AC/DC electrical components and their integration within PV systems.

• Experience with creating and managing design libraries and templates.

• Strong understanding of project lifecycle management from concept to construction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize practical, hands-on technical skills (AutoCAD, NEC) alongside leadership and project management capabilities, characteristic of an operations manager who needs to bridge technical execution with team performance and project delivery. The preference for specific solar project experience and additional design software highlights industry-specific operational needs.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 comprehensive PV electrical drawing packages that demonstrate proficiency in AutoCAD and adherence to design standards.

• Include examples of site layouts, single-line diagrams, electrical plans, and detailed construction drawings, highlighting complexity and scale.

• Present at least one case study detailing a challenging design problem and the process used to develop an effective, code-compliant solution.

• Demonstrate experience in developing or maintaining standardized design libraries or templates to improve efficiency and consistency.

• Quantify the impact of your design work where possible, e.g., reduction in design revisions, cost savings, or improved installation times. Process Documentation:

• Candidates are expected to articulate their approach to developing and documenting design processes, from initial scope definition to final drawing package submission.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would implement and enforce design standards, quality control checks, and peer review processes within a team environment.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design processes integrate with broader project management workflows, including permitting, procurement, and construction phases.

• Discuss methods for tracking design progress, managing revisions, and communicating design status to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an operations-focused role like this, a portfolio is crucial for demonstrating practical application of skills and process adherence. The requirements are tailored to showcase not just technical output but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, ensure quality, and contribute to efficient workflow, which are key operational competencies.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• The estimated annual salary range for this position is $90,000 - $130,000 USD. This range is based on the provided salary data, considering the experience level (5-10 years), the technical and leadership responsibilities of a Design Manager, and the specified locations (Rocklin, CA and Wheeling, IL). Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance plans.

• Company-paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with a generous Company Match to support long-term financial planning.

• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual for work-life balance and personal needs.

• Paid Company Holidays (6 observed annually) for recognized breaks.

• Significant opportunities for professional growth and career development within the organization. Working Hours:

• This is a full-time position, typically requiring 40 hours per week. While the role is remote-flexible, adherence to project deadlines and team collaboration needs will necessitate consistent availability and proactive time management. Periodic travel to company offices is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly extracted from the input data. The benefits are listed as provided, with a note on how they support operations professionals. The working hours are based on the standard for a full-time role and the provided "40" hours, with context added about remote flexibility and travel.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Energy (specifically Solar Photovoltaics)

Company Size: A2B DEVELOPMENT LLC is part of a larger entity (implied by ADP's platform usage) that likely operates within the medium to large enterprise category. This size suggests established processes but also potential for agility.

Founded: Information on founding date is not explicitly provided, but the company operates within the rapidly growing solar energy sector, indicating a forward-thinking and dynamic environment.

Team Structure:

• The PV Design team is likely composed of several PV Designers, reporting directly to the PV Design Manager.

• The PV Design Manager reports into a Director of Engineering or Operations, overseeing the technical design function.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, with close interaction expected with Project Management, Engineering, Permitting, and Field Operations teams. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The team relies on accurate data from site assessments and engineering inputs to inform design decisions. Performance metrics are used to drive improvements.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Focus on efficient workflow design using AutoCAD and standard procedures to meet project timelines and quality standards.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated, an emphasis on standardized details and libraries suggests an underlying drive for automation and efficiency in the design process.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=418fb26e-9362-4e60-8d8c-2b5ab3acf2a9 (Note: This is an ADP recruitment portal link, not a direct company site)

📝 Enhancement Note: Inferences about company size and culture are made based on the use of a large HR platform (ADP) and the industry. The emphasis on structured teams and cross-functional collaboration is standard for operations roles in engineering-focused companies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a mid-to-senior level management position within the engineering operations function. It requires a blend of advanced technical expertise in PV design and proven leadership capabilities to manage a team and drive operational efficiency. The scope includes direct impact on project timelines and quality, which are critical operational metrics.

Reporting Structure: The PV Design Manager typically reports to a senior engineering or operations leader (e.g., Director of Engineering, VP of Operations). They will have direct reports within the PV Design team.

Operations Impact: The role has a significant impact on revenue and project success by ensuring that electrical drawing packages are accurate, compliant, and delivered on schedule. High-quality designs reduce costly rework in the field, minimize permitting delays, and contribute to the overall profitability and reputation of the company.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Leadership: Potential to advance into higher-level operations management roles, such as Director of Engineering, Director of Operations, or a broader GTM operations role if skills are transferable.

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced PV design, energy storage integration, or complex utility-scale project design.

• Process Improvement: Lead initiatives focused on optimizing design workflows, implementing new technologies, or developing comprehensive design standards across multiple regions or project types.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to other operational areas like project management, procurement, or field operations through collaborative projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This analysis focuses on how the "PV Design Manager" role fits into a broader operational career path, emphasizing the transition from technical execution to operational management and strategic impact.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, with a preference for candidates to work from their Rocklin, CA or Wheeling, IL offices. A remote position may be considered, but it requires periodic travel (typically quarterly) to one of the company offices. This suggests a culture that values in-person collaboration while also embracing flexibility.

Office Location(s):

• Rocklin, CA: Situated in the Sacramento metropolitan area, offering access to a significant business hub.

• Wheeling, IL: Located in the suburban Chicago area, providing a strategic base in the Midwest. Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and expectation of office visits indicate a workplace that balances individual focused work with team-based collaboration, essential for design reviews and problem-solving.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to advanced CAD software (AutoCAD), potentially other design and project management tools, and standard office technology will be provided to facilitate efficient work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow designers, engineers, and project managers are built into the work structure, fostering knowledge sharing and efficient communication.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is expected to be 40 hours per week. While remote work is an option, the role demands a high degree of responsibility, requiring candidates to manage their time effectively to meet project deadlines and availability for team needs, especially during scheduled office visits.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of the work environment focuses on the operational implications of a hybrid model, including collaboration needs, technology access, and the balance between remote and in-office work, which are critical considerations for operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical qualifications, leadership experience, and alignment with job requirements.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve in-depth questions about your AutoCAD proficiency, PV design principles, NEC knowledge, and experience with solar projects. Be prepared to discuss specific design challenges you've overcome.

• Managerial/Leadership Interview: Focus on your experience leading teams, managing workloads, conflict resolution, and your approach to performance management and mentorship.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work from your portfolio, walking through a complex design project, your process, and the outcomes. This is a key opportunity to demonstrate your operational thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest PV electrical drawing packages that showcase a range of project types (commercial, industrial) and complexity.

• Highlight Process & Problem-Solving: For each project, clearly articulate the design objectives, the challenges encountered (e.g., site constraints, code interpretation), your specific role, the design solutions implemented, and the final outcome. Focus on your decision-making process.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics that demonstrate the positive impact of your designs, such as reduced material costs, improved installation efficiency, compliance adherence, or minimized revisions.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If you have examples of mentoring junior designers, improving team processes, or contributing to design standard development, be ready to discuss these.

• Prepare for Questions: Anticipate questions about your AutoCAD techniques, your understanding of NEC, your leadership style, and how you handle conflicting priorities or difficult stakeholders.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready for a potential design challenge, which might involve a simplified scenario requiring you to outline the steps you would take to design a PV system or resolve a design issue.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely. Focus on your methodology, considerations for code compliance, constructability, and efficiency.

• Prepare to discuss how you would manage the task, prioritize steps, and communicate your progress and findings.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section provides actionable advice tailored for an operations-focused engineering role, emphasizing not just technical output but the strategic thinking, process adherence, and leadership that are critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Advanced proficiency is a core requirement. Expect to demonstrate expertise in creating complex 2D electrical drawings, managing layers, blocks, xrefs, and utilizing design automation features.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Essential for daily operations, including Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and tracking, and PowerPoint for presentations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While specific tools aren't listed, expect to use Excel or potentially BI tools for tracking design team performance metrics (e.g., on-time delivery, revision rates, resource utilization).

• Familiarity with project management software (e.g., MS Project, Asana, Monday.com) is beneficial for coordinating tasks and timelines. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design function, but understanding how design deliverables feed into the broader sales and project management CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) is an advantage.

• Experience with workflow automation within AutoCAD or related design processes would be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the essential technical tools for a PV Design Manager, emphasizing AutoCAD's centrality and the operational use of office productivity and project management software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A strong emphasis on delivering precise, code-compliant, and constructible designs that minimize field errors and ensure project success.

• Efficiency & Productivity: Driving operational excellence through streamlined processes, effective resource management, and timely delivery of design packages.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive team environment where knowledge is shared, challenges are tackled collectively, and cross-functional partnerships are strong.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging the adoption of best practices, new technologies, and process enhancements to stay ahead in the evolving solar industry.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of design responsibilities, project timelines, and team performance to ensure successful outcomes.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role requires seamless collaboration with engineering, project management, permitting, and field installation teams, necessitating clear communication and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• Process Review Culture: Openness to feedback and regular reviews of design processes and standards to identify areas for improvement and ensure best practices are shared and adopted.

• Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages sharing of technical expertise, design tips, and lessons learned among team members and across departments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The inferred values and collaboration style are typical for operations roles in technical fields, emphasizing precision, efficiency, teamwork, and a proactive approach to improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Effectively managing the competing demands of numerous solar projects with varying deadlines and complexities. Mitigation: Robust prioritization, resource allocation, and clear communication with stakeholders.

• Evolving Codes & Standards: Keeping abreast of changes in the National Electrical Code (NEC) and industry standards that impact PV system design. Mitigation: Continuous learning, professional development, and proactive engagement with industry resources.

• Technical Problem-Solving: Resolving complex design issues that arise from unique site conditions, equipment integration, or permitting requirements. Mitigation: Leveraging team expertise, thorough research, and creative application of design principles.

• Remote Team Management: Effectively leading and motivating a design team that may be geographically dispersed or working remotely. Mitigation: Strong communication protocols, regular check-ins, and fostering a sense of team cohesion.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to develop advanced project management, team leadership, and process optimization skills relevant to engineering operations.

• Industry Certification & Training: Pursuing certifications or specialized training in advanced solar design software, renewable energy technologies, or electrical engineering principles.

• Mentorship & Leadership Development: Gaining leadership experience through team management and potentially mentoring junior engineers or designers, with pathways to senior operational roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section addresses common challenges in design operations and highlights specific growth paths, framing them as opportunities for skill development and career advancement within the operations domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for managing a team of designers working on multiple solar projects simultaneously. How do you prioritize tasks and ensure deadlines are met?" (Focus on resource management, prioritization frameworks, and communication strategies.)

• "Walk me through a complex PV design challenge you faced. What was the problem, what steps did you take to solve it, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a specific case study demonstrating problem-solving, technical knowledge, and process adherence.)

• "How do you ensure the accuracy and compliance of electrical drawing packages with NEC and other relevant standards?" (Discuss your quality assurance processes, review steps, and strategies for staying updated on codes.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about A2B DEVELOPMENT LLC and the solar energy industry?" (Research the company's mission, recent projects, and market position. Connect your passion for solar to their work.)

• "How do you foster a collaborative environment within a design team, especially if some members are remote?" (Discuss your leadership style, communication methods, and strategies for team cohesion.)

• "How do you measure the success of your design team and your own performance in this role?" (Prepare to discuss key operational metrics like on-time delivery, revision rates, and team productivity.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each portfolio piece, clearly state the project objective, your role, the key design decisions and challenges, the solutions implemented, and the quantifiable results or impact.

• Emphasize Process: Highlight the workflow, tools used (especially AutoCAD features), and any standards or templates you developed or utilized. Show your operational thinking.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, code interpretations, and technical trade-offs.

• Demonstrate Leadership: If applicable, discuss instances where you mentored team members, improved team processes, or contributed to design strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: These interview questions and preparation tips are designed to help candidates showcase their operational acumen, leadership potential, and technical expertise in the context of a design management role.

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📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP recruitment portal link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in PV system design, AutoCAD proficiency, team leadership, and project management. Quantify achievements whenever possible (e.g., "Managed a team of 5 designers," "Reduced design revisions by 15%").

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a strong portfolio showcasing your best AutoCAD-generated PV electrical drawing packages. Ensure it includes site layouts, single-line diagrams, and construction details. Be ready to articulate the process, challenges, and solutions for each project.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions related to technical design, leadership, and operational efficiency. Focus on clear, concise communication and demonstrating your problem-solving approach.

• Research the Company: Understand A2B DEVELOPMENT LLC's role in the solar industry, their project types, and their values. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.