Development Engineer

Position Overview

We are looking for a Development Engineer to provide comprehensive engineering support for our distributed energy and microgrid projects. Our projects typically include managing a variety of DER and microgrid assets – such as solar, energy storage, controls, and reciprocating engines. This role will report to our Manager of Development Engineering and is a hybrid position based out of our Location: Oakland, CA or Santa Monica, CA offices.

Key Responsibilities

• Create electrical and physical designs for microgrid and DER systems, considering existing electrical infrastructure, AHJ requirements, and site constraints.
• Utilize strong technical and communication skills to identify and relay technical constraints and possibilities to internal and customer stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Business Development teams to evaluate and develop optimal technical solutions.
• Partner with BD, execution, and commercial teams to ensure microgrid integration is technically sound, practical, and cost-effective, including reviewing and creating service entrance one-line drawings.
• Investigate interconnection processes by submitting applications and modifying existing design concepts as needed.
• Work with switchgear manufacturers, such as Schneider Electric, to ensure designs meet site, utility, cost, and schedule requirements across various voltage levels.
• Provide input to optimize solar, battery, and generator designs for performance, reliability, and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the development engineering team and other stakeholders to continuously improve design templates and processes.

Required Qualifications

• Experience Required: 5+ years in the design and construction of power, generation, or renewable energy projects.
• Qualifications: Thorough technical understanding of distributed energy technologies, including combinations of solar, battery, and reciprocating engines/turbines.
• Understanding of onsite power generation, including parallel operations with the utility bus and with other DERs in both grid parallel and island modes.
• Qualifications: Solid grasp of utility interconnection requirements, DER power source integration, emissions, and systems controls for DERs.
• Qualifications: Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Education: A BS in Engineering is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Qualifications: Deep understanding of rotating power with reciprocating engines in the 200 to 2000 kW range per engine.
• Education: A BS in Electrical Engineering with a focus on the power side is preferred.
• Qualifications: PE in power or progress towards licensure is preferred.
• Education: Advanced courses in power or a higher-level degree in the field are preferred.

Benefits & Perks

• Compensation: Competitive compensation package.
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits program including medical benefits, paid vacation and holidays, and 401K matching.