Solar Lead

Company Description

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world.

We believe infrastructure creates opportunity for everyone. Whether it's improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive.

Our clients trust us to bring together the best people, ideas, technical expertise and digital solutions to our work in transportation, buildings, water, the environment and new energy. We're one global team – 47,000 strong – driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking an experienced Solar Lead to provide programme-level governance, technical oversight, and executive escalation support for utility-scale solar generation assets within a large renewable energy programme. The role acts as the PMO governance and technical escalation owner for the Solar package, transforming site findings, performance data, risks, and interface challenges into strategic recommendations that support client decision-making.

The Solar Lead is responsible for overseeing EPC delivery performance, managing critical interfaces, assessing project readiness, and ensuring alignment with programme objectives related to safety, quality, schedule, ESG commitments, commissioning, and handover requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Governance & Delivery Oversight

• Provide programme-level oversight of Solar EPC contractors and associated delivery partners.
• Monitor contractor performance against contractual scope, schedule, quality, commissioning, and ESG commitments.
• Support governance processes, executive reporting, and escalation management for solar package delivery.
• Ensure project execution remains aligned with programme objectives, milestones, and client expectations.

Technical Leadership & Escalation Management

• Review and assess critical engineering, design, construction, commissioning, and operational issues escalated by site teams.
• Provide technical guidance and recommendations on complex project challenges and interface matters.
• Support the evaluation of technical risks, design changes, and corrective action plans.
• Facilitate resolution of high-priority issues impacting project performance and delivery.

Interface & Integration Management

• Coordinate key interfaces between solar facilities, grid connectivity infrastructure, BESS systems, common infrastructure packages, and PMO functions.
• Ensure integration activities are effectively managed and reflected within programme schedules and delivery plans.
• Monitor interface risks and recommend mitigation strategies to minimize programme impacts.
• Support integrated planning and readiness reviews across interconnected workstreams.

Performance & Readiness Assessment

• Assess project readiness related to construction completion, commissioning, energization, performance testing, and handover requirements.
• Review contractor recovery plans, acceleration proposals, and milestone achievement strategies.
• Provide recommendations regarding schedule improvement opportunities and delivery optimization.
• Support client decision-making through objective performance assessments and readiness evaluations.

Risk Management & Client Advisory

• Review package-level risks, exceptions, and critical decision requirements before executive escalation.
• Maintain visibility of key project risks, opportunities, and mitigation measures.
• Support client technical reviews covering plant completion, operational readiness, performance testing, and HOTO requirements.
• Prepare executive-level recommendations to support informed programme and investment decisions.

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary PMO focal point for solar package governance and escalation matters.
• Collaborate with project controls, engineering, construction, commissioning, environmental, and commercial teams.
• Interface with clients, contractors, consultants, and programme leadership to facilitate issue resolution and strategic alignment.
• Present findings, recommendations, and governance reports to senior management and client stakeholders.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.
• Master's Degree is desirable.

Experience

• Minimum 15 years of professional experience in utility-scale solar, renewable energy, power generation, or major infrastructure programmes.
• Proven experience managing large-scale Solar EPC projects through construction, commissioning, and handover phases.
• Experience in programme management, technical governance, client advisory, or project oversight roles.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidiscipline interfaces and stakeholder environments.

Additional Information

• Strong understanding of utility-scale solar PV systems, grid interconnections, substations, transmission infrastructure, and renewable energy integration.
• Knowledge of EPC project delivery, commissioning processes, performance testing, and operational readiness requirements.
• Familiarity with project controls, risk management, contract administration, and governance frameworks.

At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community - where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: REF59523G

Business Line: Energy

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: Europe & India

Career Area: Engineering

Work Location Model: On-Site