Preconstruction Project Manager (Commercial Solar)

Location: Hawthorne, NJ

About the Role:

We are seeking a Preconstruction Project Manager with experience in C&I distributed generation solar EPCs to support our expanding portfolio of commercial renewable energy projects. The Preconstruction Project Manager (Precon PM) is responsible for managing the full preconstruction lifecycle. This position requires strong technical understanding of solar PV systems, excellent communication skills, and the ability to coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Construction, Procurement, and Finance. The Precon PM reports to the Director of Preconstruction and must be located near Hawthorne, NJ with hybrid flexibility and travel to job sites as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

RFP Management & Technical Review

• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, surveys, and contract documents.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of project scope, contract requirements, risks, and deliverables.
• Lead the full preconstruction lifecycle: kickoff, Q&A, clarifications, addenda review, and submission coordination.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs, material counts, and system component validations.
• Conduct constructability reviews and participate in site walks.

Estimating, Cost Modeling & Value Engineering

• Collaborate with Estimating to validate scope, phasing, and manpower projections.
• Develop complete and normalized bid comparisons (bid-leveling) and perform subcontractor/vender descopes.
• Build and maintain cost databases, benchmarking tools, and historical cost libraries.
• Collaborate closely with Engineering and Procurement to analyze multiple design options and provide value-engineering recommendations (racking, modules, inverters, electrical topology, structural considerations, etc.) based on codes, AHJ requirements, equipment availability, and constructability.
• Prepare budget forecasts, variance analyses, and pricing summaries for leadership review.

Subcontractor & Vendor Management

• Manage the entire subcontractor RFP process, including distribution of bid packages, NDAs, clarifications, evaluations, and award recommendations.
• Prequalify subcontractors and maintain updated capability, cost, and performance records.
• Coordinate with racking vendors and geotechnical/pull-testing providers to obtain required data prior to bid.
• Negotiate scope, terms, pricing, and risk allocations; assist in drafting, revising, and executing subcontract agreements.

Utility, AHJ, and Permitting Coordination

• Coordinate with utilities to evaluate interconnection requirements, timeline, fees, and scope impacts.
• Research permitting requirements, zoning constraints, and local code amendments for each jurisdiction.
• Engage with AHJs to understand inspection sequences, fire code constraints, and design requirements affecting project cost.
• Integrate interconnection, permitting, and code requirements into estimates and risk assessments.

Project Planning, Scheduling & Risk Management

• Develop preliminary construction schedules in partnership with Engineering, Construction, and Project Management.
• Identify permitting, interconnection, structural, geotechnical, supply-chain, and schedule-driven risks.
• Create bid-level risk logs and mitigation plans.
• Prepare early project budgets and establish financial control frameworks.
• Review and track preconstruction-phase cost commitments; support change order generation as needed.

Internal Collaboration & Handoff

• Set up preconstruction documentation in Procore, including bid packages, submittal logs, and scope definitions.
• Lead internal page-turn and handoff meetings to ensure smooth transition from estimating to execution teams.
• Provide Construction and Project Management teams with complete estimating backup, assumptions, vendor quotes, schedules, and risk summaries.

Process Improvement & Continuous Learning

• Lead lessons-learned sessions post-project and drive implementation of recommendations.
• Review actual cost data from completed projects to refine estimating accuracy.
• Track subcontractor field performance feedback and incorporate into future bid strategies.
• Identify process inefficiencies and propose creative, practical solutions to improve organizational performance.
• Facilitate periodic internal training with subject matter experts.

Education & Experience Requirements:

• 3+ years of preconstruction, estimating, or project management experience at a Solar EPC (C&I DG preferred).
• Experience with subcontractor tendering, bid-leveling, and contract negotiation is required.
• Experience developing or reviewing solar PV designs (electrical, structural, civil) is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Experience with self-perform estimating is a plus.

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel (advanced functions), MS Office, and MS OneNote preferred.
• Experience with Procore, Bluebeam, Smartsheet required.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent deadlines.
• Strong organizational, data-entry, and project management skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication with strong technical documentation skills.
• Exceptional note-taking, retention, and follow-through abilities.
• Analytical mindset with strong mathematical and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of NEC solar PV requirements (Articles 690, 705, etc.) preferred.
• Ability to perform basic structural and electrical design reviews.
• Natural curiosity, ownership mentality, and a drive for continuous improvement.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Performance-Based Bonuses
• Employee Referral Bonuses
• Matching 401(k)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Reimbursement Account
• Life, AD&D, Accident, Disability, and Critical Illness Insurance
• Employee Discount Program
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future employment sponsorship.

Note to Agencies: We are not accepting solicitations from recruiters or staffing agencies for this position. All candidates must apply directly. Unsolicited outreach or submissions will not be considered.

Pfister Energy is a nationally recognized renewable energy company helping businesses control rising energy costs through turnkey onsite energy solutions. Since 2005, we’ve developed, designed, financed, and installed more than 900 MW of clean energy systems for commercial and industrial clients. Our expertise includes solar, storage, microgrids, EV charging, O&M, and asset lifecycle services. Known for trusted expertise and efficient execution, we deliver future-ready solutions that strengthen resilience, reduce costs, and support long-term sustainability goals.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.