Senior Civil Engineer - Solar

The world needs 3 TW of new solar capacity every year. The legacy approach of developing and building infrastructure is mathematically incapable of catching up.

Planted is the autonomous power deployment company. We transform power plants from bespoke construction projects into manufactured products. By integrating planning software, high-density arrays, energy storage, and field robots, we deliver more power where it's needed most.

The physics are solved; what remains is relentless execution. Led by repeat founders and an engineering core from SpaceX and Tesla, we are backed by Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Piva Capital, Google, Gigascale Capital, Khosla Ventures, and RA Capital Management.

We’re scaling fast and looking for operators and engineers who want to own real pieces of the system. You don't need a traditional energy background; we care whether you can finish hard things. Come build with us.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As our lead civil subject matter expert, you'll make sure every Planted site is buildable before our robotic installation machines arrive. Because our arrays follow the terrain instead of requiring a flat site, the civil questions are different from typical solar: how accurately do we know the ground, where does slope exceed what the array can follow, what has to change before construction starts, and what is the optimal site configuration for construction?

You'll own the survey, slope and topography data for each project, review customers' civil designs for constructability, and act as Planted's civil voice with customers, engineers of record and permitting agencies. Projects range from distributed generation to utility scale across the US. We are looking for a technically excellent hands-on engineer with experience deploying solar at scale. You will be a key part of driving project outcomes.

This role is based in our Oakland, CA office, with occasional ( Relocation assistance is available for candidates moving to the Bay Area.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Act as Planted’s primary civil engineering subject matter expert, from the early stages of project development through construction.

Own survey data for each project. Scope and manage surveying and drone-mapping vendors, verify ground control and coordinate systems, and QC topographic surveys and DEMs/DTMs before they're used in design.

Design access roads and equipment laydown areas for safe, efficient construction logistics.

Review civil designs from customers' engineers of record for compatibility with Planted's arrays and installation methods.

Analyze site topography to identify slopes, drainage features and areas that need grading or earthwork before installation.

Visit project sites to verify that designs match actual conditions.

Serve as the civil liaison with customers, engineers of record and permitting agencies on stormwater, SWPPP, site stabilization and local civil requirements.

Own project-specific civil cost scope definition and cost estimating. Support contracting civil-subcontractors.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, or other related discipline

8+ years in site civil design, land development or construction, ideally in utility-scale solar or energy infrastructure

Ability to read and interpret grading plans, topographic maps and civil drawings

Experience with survey data, DEMs/DTMs and coordinate systems

Proficiency in Civil 3D or similar

A track record of organization, adaptability, attention to detail, and project management skills

Located in the SF Bay Area or willing to relocate for in-person role

NICE TO HAVE

Experience estimating civil construction costs, including roads, fencing, grading, clearing and grubbing, and trenching.

Professional Engineering (PE) license.

Experience with 2D CAD and 3D CAD tools, such as Civil3D or SolidWorks

Geotechnical design experience with design of foundations, equipment pads, and/or utility trenches

Field experience in a construction environment

PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

A mix of desk work using standard office equipment

This role may require occasional ( WHAT WE OFFER

11 paid company holidays and flexible Paid Time Off (PTO)

Company-paid in-office lunches

Stock options

Medical, vision, dental, and other benefits

Pre-tax commuter benefits

401(k)

This will be a great fit if:

You want to solve challenging problems

You are fiercely outcome-driven

You are biased towards action and focus on the vital work that drives the most impact

You prioritize the physical and psychological safety of yourself and those around you

You are humble, embrace change, and deliver and receive candid feedback

You are optimistic about the future and can make tough decisions to help get there

You have high expectations and coach, develop, and make time to help others

Philosophy On Qualifications And Compensation

Many people only apply for jobs if they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider equivalent combinations of knowledge, skills, education, and experience. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Additionally, we believe compensation should reflect the value people bring and give them a real stake in what we're building. Our total compensation package includes a base salary, meaningful equity through stock options, and benefits including company holidays, paid time off (PTO), and in-office lunches. Individual pay may vary within the posted range and is determined by a number of factors including relevant experience, skills, and location.

How We Work

We are using sunlight, software, and robots to power the world. It is historic work, and it is hard work. If you want a paved, predictable path, this isn't for you. If you'd rather invent the path, this is the best job you'll ever have.

Call it out. We put big robots in the field alongside our crews and partners. Anyone can stop any operation at any time. The same trust runs everywhere: a bug in the code, a flaw in the plan, a risk in the dirt, a design that no longer makes sense. Say it while it's small and cheap to fix, directly to the person who can fix it. Sometimes that person is you.

Commit and complete. We work problems, not tasks. A confident guess is not a commitment; “I'll find out by Thursday” is. If a date slips, say it early and bring the new plan. Every decision has one owner: bring data, argue hard, push back in the room, then the owner calls it and we lock arms. Execution compounds.

Convention isn't evidence. “Industry standard” is a red flag. Most conventions were answers to constraints that no longer exist. We respect physics and obey the law. Everything else is a choice, and we get to make it.

Let machines do the work. We are system builders: AI and robots do repetitive work in the field and in the office. Every task a machine takes ove