Design Engineer
Apply NowCompany: Wan Bridge Group
Location: Houston, TX 77084
Description:
Electrical & Solar Systems Designer - Scope of Work
We are seeking an innovative and skilled Electrical & Solar System Designer to lead the design of
photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems and related electrical infrastructure for our residential development
projects. This role will be responsible for end-to-end electrical design - from initial system concept
through construction documents - ensuring that solar installations are seamlessly integrated into our
build-to-rent communities. The designer will work closely with an architectural and structural design team
based in Beijing, coordinating designs across time zones to meet U.S. codes and standards. The ideal
candidate has a strong background in electrical engineering and solar PV design, excellent
communication skills, and the ability to bridge international design collaboration.
This Electrical & Solar Systems Designer role is pivotal in bringing Wan Bridge's solar initiative to life. The successful
candidate will ensure our solar designs are safe, efficient, code-compliant, and well-integrated into our
communities, setting a benchmark for sustainable rental housing. If you are an electrical design
professional with a passion for solar energy and collaborative global projects, we invite you to join our
innovative team.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Solar PV System Design: Design residential rooftop solar panel systems for new single-family
rental homes and community amenities. This includes conducting site and roof layout analysis,
sizing PV systems to match energy goals, selecting solar modules, inverters, and racking
systems, and producing one-line electrical diagrams and panel schedules for the PV installations.
Electrical Design of Buildings: Develop and review overall electrical plans for each project's
homes in collaboration with the Beijing design team. Ensure the homes' electrical distribution
(metering, breaker panels, wiring, lighting and outlet layouts) accommodates the integration
of solar power systems. Verify that designs conform to the National Electrical Code (NEC 2020)
and local amendments
Code Compliance and Permitting: Serve as the in-house expert on relevant electrical and
building codes for solar. Prepare documentation needed for permits - including electrical
diagrams and calculations stamped by a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Texas when required
Ensure all designs meet Texas building codes (e.g. International Residential Code) and any local
ordinances governing solar panel installations (such as panel setback requirements on roofs and
rapid shutdown compliance for firefighter safety.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Act as the liaison between the U.S. project team and the design
team in Beijing. Coordinate design inputs and outputs, resolve discrepancies, and conduct video
meetings or design reviews to align the solar and electrical plans with the architectural drawings.
Provide guidance to the Beijing team on U.S.-specific design practices and standards. (For
example, communicate spacing needed on roof plans for solar or placement of electrical
equipment so that the Beijing team can incorporate those in the CAD models.
Vendor and Contractor Coordination: Work with procurement and construction teams to
incorporate specific vendor products and installation methods into the design. Evaluate and
specify major components (solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, batteries if applicable) in
consultation with preferred vendors. During construction, support the project managers by
answering RFIs related to the electrical/solar design and by performing site inspections or virtual
walkthroughs to ensure the installation matches the plans.
System Modeling and Analysis: Use solar design software (such as PVsyst, HelioScope, or
Aurora) to model energy production and optimize system performance. Analyze the output vs.
load profile of the homes to recommend optimal system sizes. Perform electrical calculations
(wire sizing, voltage drop, inverter loading, etc.) and ensure adequate provision for equipment
clearances, ventilation, and service access in the design.
Quality Assurance and Innovation: Establish quality standards for all electrical drawings
and solar designs. Review designs produced by external partners or junior designers for accuracy
and completeness. Stay updated on emerging solar technologies, design tools, and code
changes (e.g. NEC updates, new UL safety requirements) and incorporate improvements into the
design process. Propose innovative solutions, such as energy storage integration or smart
inverters, to enhance the value of Wan Bridge's solar-equipped communities.
The above listing represents the general duties considered essential functions of the job and is not to be
considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. Other
duties may be assigned, as necessary.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or
related field. (Master's degree is a plus but not required.)
Experience: 3+ years of experience in electrical design, with at least 2 years focused
on solar PV system design (residential or commercial). Experience designing grid-tied
rooftop solar systems is highly preferred. Familiarity with designing electrical systems for new
construction homes or multi-unit developments is a strong advantage.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in electrical drafting and design tools, such as AutoCAD, Revit, or
BIM software for electrical plans. Hands-on experience with solar energy modeling software
(PVsyst, HelioScope, or similar) to predict system performance. Solid understanding of NEC code
provisions for solar installations (Article 690, 705, etc.) and knowledge of Texas's adoption of the
2020 NEC
Ability to perform load calculations and design services for residential electrical systems (per the
IRC and NEC).
Licenses/Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering in the state
of Texas is highly desirable. (If not already a PE, the candidate should be willing and able to
obtain licensure. Designs for permit may need a Texas PE seal
Additionally, certification such as NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners) Solar PV Installation Professional is a plus, as it demonstrates proficiency
in solar design best practices.
Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the solar industry landscape, including common
vendors, equipment types, and emerging technologies (such as module-level power electronics,
energy storage systems, EV charging integration). Familiarity with utility interconnection
processes in Texas and knowledge of net metering or solar buy-back programs in the area is
helpful to optimize designs for client benefit.
Software: Experience with SKM Power Tools or ETAP for any detailed electrical analysis (short-
circuit, coordination studies) that might be needed for larger community-scale electrical systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other tools for performing energy savings and economic
analyses of solar installations (to support internal decision-making on system sizing and
payback).
Design Aesthetics: Ability to work with architects to achieve a balance
between solar functionality and visual impact. For instance, experience with low-profile or
building-integrated PV products could be useful in meeting aesthetic goals or HOA requirements
while still delivering performance.
Soft Skills: Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Must be comfortable working in a
cross-cultural environment - the role requires daily coordination with a design team in Beijing, so
clarity in written and spoken communication is essential. Experience collaborating across different
time zones or on international projects is preferred. Bilingual skills (English and Mandarin
Chinese) are a bonus (not required), as they can facilitate smoother communication with the
Beijing team.
Other Requirements: Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple
project designs concurrently and meet deadlines. Attention to detail and a proactive approach to
problem-solving design conflicts. A passion for sustainable design and renewable energy,
aligning with Wan Bridge's mission to build future-forward, energy-efficient communities.
Essential Functions:
Report to the Office daily to adhere to schedule that can include weekends and holidays
Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer and/or electronic device.
Excellent organization, coordination, and project management skills.
Lift or move items up to 25 pounds or up to 50 with a "shared lift".
Ability to walk, sit or stand for long periods of time.
Reliable transportation that meets job responsibilities
Valid Texas Driver's License
Maintain at least minimum car insurance required by Texas law
Ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communication in English.
Wan Bridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We are seeking an innovative and skilled Electrical & Solar System Designer to lead the design of
photovoltaic (PV) solar panel systems and related electrical infrastructure for our residential development
projects. This role will be responsible for end-to-end electrical design - from initial system concept
through construction documents - ensuring that solar installations are seamlessly integrated into our
build-to-rent communities. The designer will work closely with an architectural and structural design team
based in Beijing, coordinating designs across time zones to meet U.S. codes and standards. The ideal
candidate has a strong background in electrical engineering and solar PV design, excellent
communication skills, and the ability to bridge international design collaboration.
This Electrical & Solar Systems Designer role is pivotal in bringing Wan Bridge's solar initiative to life. The successful
candidate will ensure our solar designs are safe, efficient, code-compliant, and well-integrated into our
communities, setting a benchmark for sustainable rental housing. If you are an electrical design
professional with a passion for solar energy and collaborative global projects, we invite you to join our
innovative team.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Solar PV System Design: Design residential rooftop solar panel systems for new single-family
rental homes and community amenities. This includes conducting site and roof layout analysis,
sizing PV systems to match energy goals, selecting solar modules, inverters, and racking
systems, and producing one-line electrical diagrams and panel schedules for the PV installations.
Electrical Design of Buildings: Develop and review overall electrical plans for each project's
homes in collaboration with the Beijing design team. Ensure the homes' electrical distribution
(metering, breaker panels, wiring, lighting and outlet layouts) accommodates the integration
of solar power systems. Verify that designs conform to the National Electrical Code (NEC 2020)
and local amendments
Code Compliance and Permitting: Serve as the in-house expert on relevant electrical and
building codes for solar. Prepare documentation needed for permits - including electrical
diagrams and calculations stamped by a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Texas when required
Ensure all designs meet Texas building codes (e.g. International Residential Code) and any local
ordinances governing solar panel installations (such as panel setback requirements on roofs and
rapid shutdown compliance for firefighter safety.
Cross-Team Collaboration: Act as the liaison between the U.S. project team and the design
team in Beijing. Coordinate design inputs and outputs, resolve discrepancies, and conduct video
meetings or design reviews to align the solar and electrical plans with the architectural drawings.
Provide guidance to the Beijing team on U.S.-specific design practices and standards. (For
example, communicate spacing needed on roof plans for solar or placement of electrical
equipment so that the Beijing team can incorporate those in the CAD models.
Vendor and Contractor Coordination: Work with procurement and construction teams to
incorporate specific vendor products and installation methods into the design. Evaluate and
specify major components (solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware, batteries if applicable) in
consultation with preferred vendors. During construction, support the project managers by
answering RFIs related to the electrical/solar design and by performing site inspections or virtual
walkthroughs to ensure the installation matches the plans.
System Modeling and Analysis: Use solar design software (such as PVsyst, HelioScope, or
Aurora) to model energy production and optimize system performance. Analyze the output vs.
load profile of the homes to recommend optimal system sizes. Perform electrical calculations
(wire sizing, voltage drop, inverter loading, etc.) and ensure adequate provision for equipment
clearances, ventilation, and service access in the design.
Quality Assurance and Innovation: Establish quality standards for all electrical drawings
and solar designs. Review designs produced by external partners or junior designers for accuracy
and completeness. Stay updated on emerging solar technologies, design tools, and code
changes (e.g. NEC updates, new UL safety requirements) and incorporate improvements into the
design process. Propose innovative solutions, such as energy storage integration or smart
inverters, to enhance the value of Wan Bridge's solar-equipped communities.
The above listing represents the general duties considered essential functions of the job and is not to be
considered a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. Other
duties may be assigned, as necessary.
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or
related field. (Master's degree is a plus but not required.)
Experience: 3+ years of experience in electrical design, with at least 2 years focused
on solar PV system design (residential or commercial). Experience designing grid-tied
rooftop solar systems is highly preferred. Familiarity with designing electrical systems for new
construction homes or multi-unit developments is a strong advantage.
Technical Skills: Proficiency in electrical drafting and design tools, such as AutoCAD, Revit, or
BIM software for electrical plans. Hands-on experience with solar energy modeling software
(PVsyst, HelioScope, or similar) to predict system performance. Solid understanding of NEC code
provisions for solar installations (Article 690, 705, etc.) and knowledge of Texas's adoption of the
2020 NEC
Ability to perform load calculations and design services for residential electrical systems (per the
IRC and NEC).
Licenses/Certifications: Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering in the state
of Texas is highly desirable. (If not already a PE, the candidate should be willing and able to
obtain licensure. Designs for permit may need a Texas PE seal
Additionally, certification such as NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy
Practitioners) Solar PV Installation Professional is a plus, as it demonstrates proficiency
in solar design best practices.
Industry Knowledge: Understanding of the solar industry landscape, including common
vendors, equipment types, and emerging technologies (such as module-level power electronics,
energy storage systems, EV charging integration). Familiarity with utility interconnection
processes in Texas and knowledge of net metering or solar buy-back programs in the area is
helpful to optimize designs for client benefit.
Software: Experience with SKM Power Tools or ETAP for any detailed electrical analysis (short-
circuit, coordination studies) that might be needed for larger community-scale electrical systems.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or other tools for performing energy savings and economic
analyses of solar installations (to support internal decision-making on system sizing and
payback).
Design Aesthetics: Ability to work with architects to achieve a balance
between solar functionality and visual impact. For instance, experience with low-profile or
building-integrated PV products could be useful in meeting aesthetic goals or HOA requirements
while still delivering performance.
Soft Skills: Excellent communication and teamwork abilities. Must be comfortable working in a
cross-cultural environment - the role requires daily coordination with a design team in Beijing, so
clarity in written and spoken communication is essential. Experience collaborating across different
time zones or on international projects is preferred. Bilingual skills (English and Mandarin
Chinese) are a bonus (not required), as they can facilitate smoother communication with the
Beijing team.
Other Requirements: Strong project management and organizational skills to handle multiple
project designs concurrently and meet deadlines. Attention to detail and a proactive approach to
problem-solving design conflicts. A passion for sustainable design and renewable energy,
aligning with Wan Bridge's mission to build future-forward, energy-efficient communities.
Essential Functions:
Report to the Office daily to adhere to schedule that can include weekends and holidays
Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer and/or electronic device.
Excellent organization, coordination, and project management skills.
Lift or move items up to 25 pounds or up to 50 with a "shared lift".
Ability to walk, sit or stand for long periods of time.
Reliable transportation that meets job responsibilities
Valid Texas Driver's License
Maintain at least minimum car insurance required by Texas law
Ability to communicate effectively through written and verbal communication in English.
Wan Bridge is an Equal Opportunity Employer.