Staff Electrical Engineer, Balance of Plant

About the role

The role defines, models, and protects electrical infrastructure for utility-scale battery energy storage. The engineer executes power system studies and specifies major equipment to align with grid requirements and code.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

These studies are conducted to ensure designs meet application needs and regulatory compliance.

These models support analysis assumptions and project requirements.

This work ensures selective and reliable protection for energy storage systems.

Sizing supports system reliability, safety, and operational performance.

These models provide a digital representation for analysis and design verification.

Documentation is produced for internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

Direct experience designing and commissioning PV and BESS systems spans 3+ years. This requirement ensures practical knowledge of energy storage projects.

An MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with specialization in power systems is required. The degree provides foundational theory and analytical methods.

Power system analysis foundations cover fault calculations, symmetrical components, arc flash calculations, cable sizing, and protective device selection and coordination. Mastery supports safe and compliant designs.

ETAP proficiency is required for modeling and studies. Experience with SKM or EasyPower is highly preferred for broader analysis capabilities.

grounding and cable ampacity analysis tools such as CYMCAP and CDEGS are preferred for detailed assessments. Familiarity enhances accuracy in complex environments.

Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards including NEC, IEEE, and related industry practice is required. Compliance supports integration with grid infrastructure.

Experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS), inverter-based generation, and/or data center electrical systems is a plus. Exposure informs design decisions for similar technologies.

Familiarity with short circuit and protective relay software tools such as ASPEN and/or CAPE is a plus. These tools support efficient study execution.

Familiarity with PSCAD and/or PSS®E is a plus for advanced simulation needs. These tools aid in dynamic analysis.

Familiarity with Python for analysis automation or data processing is a plus. Scripting improves consistency and efficiency.

Practical notes

Attendance and performance must meet defined productivity standards.

Essential physical requirements include climbing, standing, stooping, and extended typing. Occasional travel, weekends, nights, or on-call availability may be required.

Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Battery energy storage systems convert and store electrical energy at utility scale. Professionals in this field apply power engineering principles to ensure safe and efficient operations.

Power system studies analyze electrical behavior under normal and abnormal conditions. Tools such as ETAP and SKM help model networks and validate protection schemes.

Protective relay coordination ensures devices operate in the correct sequence during faults. Settings must balance speed and selectivity to protect equipment.

Arc flash analysis quantifies incident energy to guide personal protective equipment requirements. Standards such as IEEE and NEC define boundaries and safety practices.

Utility-scale energy storage facilities connect to transmission or distribution networks. Design work interfaces with grid studies, permitting, and interconnection processes.