Civil Engineer I

Civil Engineer – Distributed Solar & Energy Storage

On-Site | Chicago, IL

Build What's Powering the Future

We're hiring a Civil Engineer to support the design and development of distributed solar and battery storage projects (2–20 MW) across the U.S.

Based on-site in Chicago, this role offers hands-on involvement across the full project lifecycle —from early feasibility through construction support—giving you real ownership and visibility into impactful renewable energy projects.

This is a great opportunity for early-to-mid career engineers (1–6+ years) looking to grow within solar, land development, and energy infrastructure while working alongside a collaborative, tight-knit team.

What You'll Do

• Support civil engineering design and scope development for solar + storage projects
• Evaluate site feasibility including grading, drainage, stormwater, hydrology, geotechnical conditions, and site access
• Assist in developing and refining site layouts and grading plans
• Design and support drainage and stormwater systems
• Contribute to planning of access roads and utility routing
• Support foundation design for PV arrays and battery energy storage systems (BESS)
• Collaborate with engineering, development, construction, and external partners
• Work across multiple projects at once (typically 3–5), gaining broad exposure quickly
• Participate in design reviews and contribute to process improvements
• Communicate effectively with team members to keep projects on track

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)
• 1–6+ years of civil engineering experience (entry-level candidates with strong internships welcome)
• Experience or exposure to:
  • Site development / land development
  • Grading and drainage design
  • Stormwater management systems
• Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D (academic or professional)
• Ability to support site feasibility evaluations (grading, drainage, access, etc.)
• Strong communication skills and willingness to learn in a team environment
• EIT or on track to obtain

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to solar, renewable energy, or energy infrastructure projects
• Experience with transmission, distribution, or utility-related projects
• Internship or project experience in land development or site design
• Interest in growing within renewable energy and taking on increasing responsibility

Why This Role Stands Out

• Clear path for career growth and advancement into project ownership roles
• Opportunity to gain exposure to the full lifecycle of solar + storage projects
• Work directly with experienced engineers in a hands-on, mentorship-driven environment
• Join a company driving the transition to clean energy
• High visibility role where your work makes a direct impact

Work Environment

You'll work on-site in Chicago alongside a collaborative civil/structural team, including engineers and designers focused on renewable energy development.

This is a tight-knit, supportive environment where:

• You'll receive daily mentorship and technical development
• Your contributions will be seen and valued
• You'll gain real responsibility early in your career

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Chicago, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.87 - $55.29/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.