Job Summary:
The Project Engineer supports the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) delivery of utility-scale Battery Energy Systems (BESS) and high-voltage substations. They are the technical link between design engineers, the owner, the interconnecting utility, equipment vendors, and field construction teams, driving projects from detailed design through energization and commercial operation. This role suits an engineer who is equally comfortable reviewing a protection one-line and walking a site with a superintendent, and who wants ownership over how complex energy infrastructure gets built.
Essential Duties
- Coordinate and review detailed design deliverables from internal teams and third-party engineering firms, including single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, protection and control schematics, cable schedules, grounding, and physical layouts.
- Review and track studies such as load flow, short circuit, arc flash, grounding (IEEE 80), insulation coordination, harmonics, and battery augmentation/degradation analyses.
- Ensure designs meet contract specifications, interconnection agreement requirements, and applicable codes and standards (NEC, NESC, IEEE, NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A, and utility standards).
- Manage the RFI, submittal, and document control process; maintain the drawing register and ensure issued-for-construction (IFC) packages are complete and current.
- Support resolution of design conflicts and field issues and manage engineering change requests.
- Support integration of battery enclosures, power conversion systems (PCS/inverters), MV transformers, and the energy management system (EMS).
- Coordinate fire protection, HVAC, and thermal management requirements with the BESS integrator and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
- Review vendor documentation for battery modules, racks, containers, and PCS, including hazard mitigation analyses and emergency response plans.
- Support design and construction of project substations and switchyards (typically [34.5kV–345kV]), including main power transformers, breakers, disconnect switches, CCVTs, relay and control panels, and control enclosures.
- Coordinate with the interconnecting utility or transmission operator on protection settings, metering, telecommunications, SCADA point lists, and interconnection facility requirements.
- Support grid compliance efforts, including NERC requirements, IEEE 2800 performance, and model validation, as applicable.
- Prepare technical specifications and bid evaluations for major equipment and subcontracts (main power transformers, switchgear, breakers, PCS, BESS, cable, and SCADA).
- Track long-lead equipment manufacturing, attend factory acceptance tests (FATs), and manage vendor document submittals and delivery schedules.
- Provide on-site technical support to construction teams and subcontractors; interpret drawings and specifications for field personnel.
- Develop and track punch lists, inspection and test plans (ITPs), and QA/QC documentation.
- Coordinate pre-commissioning, commissioning, and energization activities, including relay testing, SCADA point-to-point checks, site acceptance testing (SAT), capacity testing, and utility witness testing.
- Compile turnover packages, as-built drawings, and O&M documentation for handover to the owner.
- Support the Project Manager with schedule development and updates, cost tracking, change order preparation, and progress reporting.
- Participate in owner, utility, and subcontractor meetings; prepare meeting minutes and action trackers.
- Promote and uphold a strong safety culture, including electrical safety and NFPA 70E practices.
- Other duties as assigned.
