EPC Managing Counsel - Qcells

Description

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Module, Development, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells USA is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells USA is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells USA operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

•          Engineering, Procurement & Construction:

• Assist the legal team in handling all issues arising during the process of constructing turnkey utility scale solar power and battery energy storage projects;
• Structure, draft, review and effectively negotiate EPC Agreements, both with developers/owners and subcontractors, service contracts, procurement contracts for equipment and materials, and other solar, solar plus battery energy storage, or standalone battery energy storage project construction related agreements;
• Provide general legal support to finance, development, construction and operations teams regarding issues in the construction and operation of renewables projects;
• Advise business teams regarding issues that arise during construction, including change orders, notices required under EPC and procurement agreements (e.g., force majeure), potential disputes, and after construction, assistance with warranty claims;
• Advise business teams on issues relating to the Inflation Reduction Act, Domestic Content, and requirements of union contractors;
• Provide general legal counsel and strategic guidance to senior management;
• Effectively and efficiently engage and manage outside counsel;
• Assist the legal team with streamlining contract processes across business teams to effectively identify all risks; and
• All other duties as assigned by the Assistant General Counsel or other senior management personnel.

•          Cross Department Support:

• Provides support to the legal department and Qcells USA as needed.
• Such other tasks as the Chief Legal Officer or Assistant General Counsel may assign.

• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position. 
• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5+ years relevant experience 
• Strong background in commercial construction, engineering, and/or procurement contracts
• Strong background in commercial construction as general contractor preferred
• Active membership in at least one state bar
• In-house experience preferred
• Renewable energy experience preferred

EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stationary Position: frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sitting up to 8 hours in a day
• Move/Traverse: infrequently bend, stand, stoop and/or walk
• Carry Weight: infrequently carry weight and/or lift objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds
• Hearing and Speech: frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and all personnel matters; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Sight: frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far
• Climb: occasionally ascends/descends on stairway to get to office upper and lower floors
• Travel: up to 25% as needed

EXAMPLES OF WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Regular professional, office business setting
• Noise level ranges from low to moderate (if in office setting)
• Noise level ranges from moderate to high (if on construction worksite)

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.  As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.  Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.

This job position is specific to Qcells USA Corp. only and not any other Hanwha affiliates. The above-listed salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. The salary range shared in the job description is for the listed position and only pertains to the candidate if they work in Irvine, CA. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, geographic location, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications. If candidates are considered for a nationwide role, then the compensation range will follow the marketability of the job function within those states. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered as part of the overall compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.