Civil Engineer ( Project Lead, Engineering)

Polar 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 construction deviations, resolve RFIs, and develop technically supported corrective solutions.
• Provide technical leadership throughout engineering projects, coordinate design reviews, identify and mitigate structural risks, and mentor junior engineers and designers while maintaining appropriate engineering quality-control and approval procedures.
• Review structural and assembly drawings of solar tracker systems, evaluating structural interfaces, connection forces, load transfer, and compatibility with tracker drive components in coordination with mechanical engineering teams.
• Collaborate with R&D, mechanical engineering and manufacturing teams to develop and optimize structural members, connections, foundation interfaces and mounting details for PV systems, supporting prototype evaluation, structural validation and product release.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline with a strong background in structural design and analysis.
• Minimum five years of structural engineering experience, including direct involvement in the design, development, or verification of ground-mounted PV structures or single-axis tracking systems.
• Strong proficiency in structural calculations, static and dynamic analysis, finite element modeling, and steel structure and connection design, using software such as RISA-3D, SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, or equivalent.
• Understanding of wind engineering principles, including wind-tunnel test interpretation, aerodynamic loading, wind-induced dynamic amplification, and their application to PV mounting and tracking systems.
• Experience interpreting geotechnical investigation reports and performing pile foundation analysis and design, including driven steel piles, helical piles, axial and lateral resistance, uplift capacity, pile deflection, and soil-structure interaction.
• Experience evaluating complex terrain conditions, site grading, slope tolerances, structural clearances, and installation constraints to develop practical and cost-effective PV mounting solutions.
• Ability to review structural and assembly drawings using CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or equivalent, with an understanding of structural connections, fabrication tolerances, and interfaces between tracker structures and mechanical drive components.
• Knowledge of PV module mounting requirements, structural interfaces, clamping systems, and manufacturer installation specifications, with experience supporting component testing, structural validation, and engineering design improvements.
• Experience developing engineering analysis and calculation tools using parametric workflows, spreadsheets, scripting (such as Python), Mathcad, or automated model verification methods.
• Solid knowledge of North American structural design codes and standards, including ASCE 7, AISC 360, IBC, NBCC, and CSA S16, with experience preparing structural engineering documentation and coordinating technical reviews with external Engineers of Record (EORs).
• International engineering project experience, including familiarity with European structural design standards (Eurocodes) and the ability to interpret, compare, and adapt engineering requirements across different national codes and jurisdictions.
• Written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to interpret engineering standards, prepare technical reports, and communicate effectively with clients, internal engineering teams, and external Engineers of Record (EORs).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of emerging solar PV mounting technologies and competing products in the global market, including cable-supported or flexible mounting systems, dual-axis trackers, modular or containerized PV solutions, and other innovative mounting concepts, with the ability to evaluate their technical advantages, limitations, and potential applications to future product development.
• Product development or R&D experience with a solar tracker OEM or manufacturer, including wind-stow strategy development, system optimization, prototype development, and manufacturing release, with an understanding of steel fabrication, galvanizing, corrosion protection, and relevant manufacturing processes.
• Experience collaborating with R&D and software development teams to define engineering requirements, develop and validate advanced structural analysis tools, and integrate engineering calculation methods into automated design workflows.
• Experience coordinating third-party wind-tunnel studies, structural component testing, accelerated fatigue testing, life-cycle testing, or instrumented full-scale structural validation.
• Familiarity with PV mounting system certification and compliance processes, including UL 2703, applicable IEC standards, certification documentation, and ongoing certification maintenance.
• Familiarity with electrical interfaces in solar PV mounting systems, including grounding and bonding, cable routing and management, cable support systems, and integration with tracker structures and electrical equipment.
• Knowledge of cold-formed steel manufacturing processes, including coil-fed roll forming, material properties, and hot-dip galvanizing processes. Familiarity with Chinese steel material standards (GB standards) is preferred, as a significant portion of the company's steel materials and components are sourced from China.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng./PE) licence or eligibility for professional registration is an asset. Where professional registration is required, final engineering approvals and sealing must be undertaken by an appropriately licensed engineer.

Why Polar Racking?

Join our team and become part of a dynamic company at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. In addition to competitive compensation, we offer a comprehensive benefits package including RRSP contributions, generous vacation time, and the opportunity for career growth.

As a valued member of our team, you'll also enjoy perks such as a company vehicle and a collaborative, fun work environment where innovation and teamwork are celebrated. If you're passionate about making a positive impact in the world while working with a supportive team, we invite you to apply and embark on an exciting journey with us.

We value an innovative, diverse workplace where all colleagues feel empowered to be their authentic selves. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.