Associate Director, Preconstruction

As Scout’s Associate Director of Preconstruction, you will play a leading role in the development, design and construction planning of Scout’s utility-scale wind and solar energy projects. You will take ownership and lead the engineering, procurement, and construction planning scope of work for assigned projects from early development through to notice to proceed (aka the preconstruction phase). You will develop relationships with technical consultants and manage them closely to deliver technical work products. You will report to Scout’s Vcie President of Technical Services and may be assigned other duties to support Scout’s growth as technical experts in renewable energy.

Your attention to detail and ability to concurrently drive multiple work streams forward on time and on budget will be key to your success. Your technical knowledge of utility-scale wind or solar plants and your ability to communicate with audiences who have a wide range of technical proficiency will determine your effectiveness in this role. You must have the ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams whose success depends on soliciting and integrating the technical expertise of every member.

Preconstruction Responsibilities

At the outset of your engagement on each project, you will work closely with the multidisciplinary Scout team to define project constraints and prioritize metrics for the project’s success. Through the process you will be expected to communicate clearly and frequently and represent Scout effectively and professionally with a variety of project partners and stakeholders. You will use your technical knowledge and practical experience to inform the Scout team’s approach to developing and designing the wind or solar facility, including:

Engineering

• Interface with Development, Interconnection, Site Assessment, Procurement, Construction and Operations teams to optimize project design; including site selection, major equipment selection, balance of plant (BOP) layout, and interconnection options.

• Interface with Third-Party Engineering Consultants to scope engineering and design work, manage execution to budget/schedule, review technical drawing and specification deliverables, and seek approval from Scout team.

• Lead value engineering exercises to maximize the financial performance of our projects.

Procurement

• Evaluate and stay current on the best-in-class offerings from major equipment suppliers.

• Draft RFPs and conduct competitive selection processes for general contractors, subcontractors, and major equipment suppliers.

• Develop technical exhibits and provide input on technical aspects of the BOP/EPC contract.

• Assist with BOP/EPC contract negotiations required to properly and effectively plan the project.

Construction Planning

• Develop the construction strategy, identifying key resource needs, risks, and mitigation strategies.

• Review project documentation to perform technical due diligence on project acquisition opportunities.

• Travel to remote project locations to conduct site inspections, constructability reviews and micro-siting evaluations.

• Perform risk assessment analysis by creating risk/opportunity matrices.

• Provide BOP cost estimates to support Finance and Origination.

• Create Level 1 and Level 2 EPC schedules and attain alignment with project stakeholders on the critical path activities

• Support Development efforts, including permitting efforts and attending landowner meetings.

• Leverage your technical expertise to ensure efficient and effective project transitions into the construction phase.

Team Leadership

• Develop, manage, and mentor junior team members and direct reports.

• Support and lead the hiring process and selection of junior team members.

Cross-Functional Leadership & Collaboration

• Own, coordinate, and participate in complex, cross-functional initiatives by translating organizational priorities into clear plans, timelines, and deliverables, and proactively managing dependencies across teams to ensure work stays aligned with Scout’s broader goals.

• Build, sustain, and engage in effective cross-functional working groups by intentionally engaging partners with a meaningful range of experience, expertise, perspectives, and problem-solving approaches to drive stronger outcomes.

• Lead and effectively engage in cross-team meetings and forums with clear purpose and structure, balancing competing stakeholder needs while guiding groups toward decisions, next steps, and accountability.

• Act as a connector and point of integration across teams by ensuring information flows clearly, risks and tradeoffs are addressed early, and teams understand how their work fits into the larger system.

• Navigate ambiguity and competing priorities by exercising sound judgment, adapting plans as needed, and maintaining forward momentum.

• Model inclusive collaboration and influence without authority, creating space for diverse viewpoints while driving alignment and commitment to shared outcomes

Other Responsibilities

Scout is a dynamic and quickly growing organization. Based upon your skills and interests, your Manager will assign other tasks focused on improving Scout’s preconstruction and engineering discipline and your career. These may include:

• Building business cases/protocols to support other areas of the company.

• Process improvement and documentation.

• Integration of commercially available software or development of internal software tools.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a relevant technical field required.

• Minimum 8 years of experience as an engineer or project manager focused on the engineering, procurement, or construction aspects of planning and executing utility-scale wind or solar projects

Technical skills:

• Solid knowledge and understanding of key value drivers for wind or solar power projects.

• Experience providing preconstruction cost estimates based on industry knowledge.

• Demonstrated ability to review and revise plans and specifications for civil and electrical work.

• Experience with developing contract exhibits for BOP contracts.

• Strong verbal and written communication, organizational, project management, problem-solving and team-building skills.

• Ability to solve problems and make informed decisions quickly.

• BESS experience a plus.

Proficient with computers with strong working knowledge of the following:

• MS Excel - Creation and debugging of spreadsheets for data analysis and cost estimating

• SharePoint - Document management system

• Google Earth, ArcGIS or GlobalMapper

• Bluebeam Revu

• MS Project or similar scheduling software

• Abilities in Civil/Electrical design software a plus.

Work Environment and Work Style:

• Experience working with cross-functional internal and external technical advisors and stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a flat organization, successfully leveraging the expertise of multiple colleagues in different lines of reporting.

• Ability to multi-task and arbitrate between conflicting priorities with clear target setting and follow-through capability in a fast-paced and rapidly changing work environment.

Scout’s Values

• Mission-Orientation. High achievers who want to make a difference in this world and contribute to Scout’s stated mission.
• Teamwork. Respectful and appreciative colleagues with strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering positive relationships across organizational boundaries to deliver on shared team goals.

• Safety. Uncompromising advocates for the health and safety of fellow employees, contractors, customers, and community members.
• Integrity. Ethical professionals who do the right thing even when it is difficult.
• Initiative. Resourceful self-motivators who thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment because of their exceptional leadership, work ethic, and organizational skills.
• Intelligence. Problem-solving learners who can make informed decisions quickly and create innovative and pragmatic solutions to challenging problems.

Timeline and Location

Located in or willingness to relocate to a commutable distance to our Boulder, CO office to work on a hybrid (3/2) schedule is preferred. Remote work (with monthly travel to the office) will be considered for the right candidate.

This position requires up to 25% travel to project sites in the U.S.

This role is expected to close by January 30, 2027.

Invitation to Women and U.S. Underrepresented Groups

We encourage applications from all demographics and especially those that are traditionally underrepresented in the energy industry. Consistent with our core values, Scout celebrates the diversity of thought and experience that comes from a range of backgrounds including, but not limited to, gender, race, and ethnicity.

Invitation to Veterans

Scout welcomes veterans of the United States Armed Forces to apply for this position. Scout includes veterans of all branches and a diverse set of occupational specialties. We value the independent thinking, problem solving, leadership, and teamwork that our veterans have developed through their service. We welcome applications from any service and any military occupational specialty.

Benefits

Target base salary: $170,000 - $200,000 (Negotiable for the right candidate.)

Attractive bonus potential.

Scout offers a full range of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance with attractive premiums, 401(k) match, STD, LTD, an Employee Assistance Program, and a range of optional supplemental insurance coverage.