Power Engineer, Utility Interconnection

Job description

Position Title: Senior Power Engineer – Energy Storage Position Location: Remote - work virtually from anywhere in the United States Salary DLB recognizes salary ranges from job boards do not necessarily reflect our pay ranges. In many instances we out-compete those ranges for well-qualified candidates. Job Summary DLB is expanding its energy storage engineering services and is seeking a Senior Power Engineer – Energy Storage to support and help grow this practice. This role is responsible for the engineering delivery of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), microgrid, and other inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnections across utility, renewable, data center, and industrial markets, from concept through construction, commissioning, and energization. The Senior Power Engineer – Energy Storage will provide technical input, support engineering decisions, and represent the firm with clients, utilities, and partners. This position is hands-on, blending detailed engineering execution with quality-focused delivery and support of business growth. The Senior Power Engineer – Energy Storage works with a high degree of independence on day-to-day work and receives general direction on new projects, tasks, or assignments. Will execute projects, tasks, or assignments of complex scope. May coordinate activities of other personnel. The Senior Power Engineer – Energy Storage will communicate and operate in line with organizational goals and values, as well as departmental objectives. Essential Functions Energy Storage Engineering (40%) Serve as a senior engineering contributor for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, performing advanced engineering work with general oversight. Perform detailed design, analysis, and engineering of BESS, microgrid, and other inverter-based resource (IBR) systems, ensuring compliance with customer requirements, utility requirements, industry standards, codes and regulations Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to integrate BESS and IBR designs seamlessly into larger electrical systems, including substation, generation, and grid interconnection infrastructure Support technical scoping, design, and utility/developer coordination for Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), microgrid, and other inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnections at the medium- and high-voltage level, including protection philosophy, interconnection studies, and compliance with IEEE 1547 / IEEE 2800 Contribute to engineering approaches, design standards, and technical risk management. Support project delivery as engineer of record (or in support of the EOR), contributing to technical accuracy, constructability, and code compliance. Apply and help maintain engineering standards, design criteria, and quality expectations for energy storage work. Energy Storage Design Activities (25%) BESS one-line, three-line, and AC/DC schematics Physical layouts, equipment arrangements, and site plans for containerized/modular BESS installations DC architecture including battery racks, inverters/power conversion systems (PCS), and medium-voltage collection systems Grounding systems and electrical safety designs Protection & control philosophies, relay schemes, and coordination BESS/microgrid interconnection one-lines, protection & control schemes, and anti-islanding / transfer trip logic Fire detection/suppression and thermal management coordination with mechanical disciplines Develop and review equipment specifications for major BESS components including battery modules, power conversion systems (PCS), transformers, switchgear, protection relays, and communications/SCADA systems. Perform complex engineering studies with general guidance Perform and/or direct short-circuit, arc flash (IEEE 1584), harmonic (IEEE 519), power flow, and EMT/transient (e.g., PSCAD or equivalent) studies, including fault, harmonic, and dynamic contribution from BESS and other inverter-based resources Support interconnection application processes and LGIA/SGIA coordination with utilities, developers, and BESS vendors Ensure compliance with applicable standards and utility requirements while identifying and helping resolve technical conflicts and ambiguities. Utilize AutoCAD and Revit software to prepare drawings and visual aids Support timely and effective coordination of the project design team, including resource forecasting Identify potential project scope changes and aid in development of strategies to minimize impact and control deviations from estimated costs and project deadlines Project Execution / Pre-Construction / Client Interface (25%) Support execution of the firm’s client value system and help assure that the project is executed in accordance with company policies and standards Work closely with clients to understand their specific project requirements, provide technical insights, and ensure client satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle Support resolution of design, construction, and field issues, escalating to leadership when business or contractual risk requires involvement. Support construction, testing, commissioning, and energization through RFIs, field engineering, and technical troubleshooting. Participate in technical reviews, design meetings, and client presentations. Prepare project design and construction documents Reporting (10%) Prepare project progress reports for internal and external stakeholders Update and maintain shop drawing and RFI log Manage personal hours using company tools Technology, Digital Tools & AI-Enabled Efficiency Identify opportunities and lead the strategic use of technology, digital platforms, and AI-enabled tools to enhance efficiency through workflow automation, reduced manual effort, and improved accuracy in forecasting, documentation, reporting, and quality processes. Support adoption of emerging technologies - including advanced analytics, data visualization tools, and digital construction management platforms - to strengthen readiness, quality assurance, and project controls. Collaborate with internal teams to ensure technology solutions align with DLB standards for data security, privacy, and operational integrity. Support a culture that embraces innovation, continuous improvement, and the strategic use of technology to optimize performance and scalability. Completion of Assigned Tasks and Deliverables on Time and on Budget Performs Other Related Duties as Assigned Position Requirements (Intermediate to Advanced level for all the following) Knowledge of medium- and high-voltage electrical systems including BESS, microgrid, and IBR configurations, protection & control philosophies, and utility-scale grounding and electrical safety design Knowledge of various electrical topologies and distribution systems Strong working knowledge of applicable electrical codes and standards, specifically NESC, NEC, NFPA (including NFPA 855 for battery energy storage systems), ANSI, and utility interconnection standards, along with IEEE 1547 and IEEE 2800 (interconnection of inverter-based resources), IEEE 1584 (arc flash), IEEE 519 (harmonics), and IEEE 80 (substation grounding grid design), with ability to apply requirements through code analysis and system design. Knowledge of power systems engineering / design software including short-circuit, arc flash, harmonic, and power flow analysis tools (e.g., ETAP, SKM, or ASPEN), equipment sizing, and EMT/transient simulation (e.g., PSCAD or equivalent) Strong working knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), microgrids, and inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnection requirements, including protection coordination, anti-islanding/transfer trip schemes, and utility interconnection processes (LGIA/SGIA) Hands-on experience with protective relay platforms (e.g., SEL or equivalent), including settings development, coordination, and field commissioning support Skilled at using MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams), along with exceptional organizational skills for file management Highly organized with strong attention to detail, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet tight deadlines under pressure. Ability to leverage AI and emerging technologies to streamline workflows, optimize operational processes, and contribute to company-wide innovation. Ability to work successfully in a remote environment through effective communication and organizational skills, self-motivation, proactiveness and resourcefulness in a distraction free workspace Ability to follow company and site safety requirements Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical audiences and serve as a client-facing point of contact. Physical Demands The following physical demands must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is Frequently required to remain in a stationary position Frequently moving through office, facility and other environments On occasion the employee may move equipment weighing up to 25 pounds Travel / Relocation Requirements Up to 20%, this may include travel to any or all 50 US states Travel is defined as physically leaving home on behalf of business activities including but not limited to client sites, meetings with other employees, meetings for business development purposes, running errands on behalf of the business, attending industry conferences, etc. Education / Experience Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering. 5+ years of progressive energy storage or power systems engineering experience, with demonstrated depth in protection & control (P&C) design (8+ years preferred). Experience supporting engineering delivery on medium- to high-voltage BESS, microgrid, or IBR interconnection projects, including in an engineer-of-record support capacity. Hands-on protective relay experience (SEL or equivalent platform), including settings development and coordination. Direct experience navigating LGIA/SGIA processes and utility interconnection requirements. Experience supporting multidisciplinary BESS or power systems design and working with utilities and/or owner engineering teams on utility, renewable, data center, or industrial projects. Preferred / Strong Plus Direct, hands-on experience on at least one BESS, microgrid, or inverter-based resource (IBR) interconnection project, from interconnection application/study through protection design and commissioning. Working knowledge of IEEE 2800 and/or IEEE 1547 interconnection standards for inverter-based resources. Electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation experience using PSCAD or equivalent tool. Familiarity with NFPA 855 or battery energy storage fire protection and life safety design. Benefits DLB Associates offers a very competitive benefits package; highlights include Choice of comprehensive medical plans (including two PPO-style plans and a HDHP w/ HSA option) Flex spending accounts (FSA) Dental and vision plans Comprehensive medical, dental and vision benefits extended to spouse / domestic partner and dependent children up to age 26 401k with company match and self-directed brokerage account option PTO including additional paid time off during the last week of the year Company paid life insurance coverage for employees and their eligible dependents Short and long-term disability, AD&D coverage Professional development opportunities, tuition reimbursement and professional licensing assistance Paid parental leave after one year of employment CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC law, the range provided is DLB's reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may differ based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location. DLB Associates is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and participates in the E-Verify program with the Department of Homeland Security. We encourage diversity in our workforce. Are you ready to challenge yourself and redefine standards in the AEC industry? Apply now and join our award-winning team!​ ​NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES: DLB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to DLB in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where DLB has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of DLB and DLB will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service. DLB Associates is a premier engineering and consulting firm specializing in innovative, mission-critical solutions across hyperscale data centers, advanced infrastructure, and high-performance building systems. With over four decades of expertise, we partner with some of the world’s most influential companies to design and optimize environments that demand precision, scalability, and resilience. Join us and be part of a team where your voice matters, your work makes an impact, and your growth is a shared priority.