$90K - 130K a year
Lead and coordinate preconstruction activities for utility-scale solar and battery storage projects ensuring engineering, permitting, cost estimating, and contracting are aligned for construction readiness.
5+ years managing renewable energy preconstruction projects, knowledge of permitting, civil engineering, grid interconnection, onsite work in Chicago 3 days/week, and willingness to travel up to 50%.
Taylor Hopkinson is currently in active pursuit of a Senior Project Manager ifor the Precon team in Chicago, Illinois with a leading renewable energy company driving the clean energy transition with investments in wind, solar, and battery storage across nearly 30 countries. The Senior Preconstruction Project Manager is responsible for preparing utility-scale solar (PV) and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects for construction across the U.S., with a strong focus on projects located on the East Coast. The role ensures that engineering, permitting, cost estimating, and contracting processes are fully aligned and ready for seamless transition into execution. Key Responsibilities • Lead preconstruction activities for large-scale renewable energy projects, primarily utility-scale PV and BESS in the East Coast of US. • Oversee and coordinate all engineering deliverables, ensuring timely completion of geotechnical, civil, electrical, and BESS designs. • Collaborate with development and engineering teams to ensure topographic and ALTA surveys, civil permits, and utility crossing agreements are secured. • Manage the preconstruction schedule, third-party engineers, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver cost-effective, build-ready designs. • Participate in site layout optimization and design reviews to ensure constructability, stormwater compliance, and cost efficiency. • Support interconnection planning and coordination with utilities, ensuring project readiness for backfeed and grid export. • Work closely with O&M teams to capture operational requirements in project scopes. • Develop, review, and finalize scopes of work for civil, electrical, and mechanical contracts, ensuring no gaps before handoff to procurement. • Partner with procurement to support bid evaluations, contract negotiations, and long-term contractor relationships. Qualifications • Minimum 5+ years of experience in renewable energy construction, engineering, or project management, with direct involvement in utility-scale PV and BESS projects. • Proven track record managing preconstruction for projects in the Eastern US. • Strong understanding of permitting, civil engineering, and grid interconnection processes. • Engineering degree preferred; PMP certification a plus. • Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously. • Willingness to travel up to 50% of the time. • Candidate must be based in Chicago and available to work on-site three days per week - no exceptions.
This job posting was last updated on 10/23/2025