Lead Power Systems Engineer, Data Centers

Energy Vault•Tysons, VA

22h•$146,000 - $190,000•Remote

About The Position

The Power Systems Engineer for Data Centers is responsible for leading the design of power architecture from grid todata center load, with individual site loads of approximately 50MW. This role owns the design, reliability philosophy, and technical integration of utility interconnections, high-reliability substations, medium- and low-voltage distribution systems, and on-site and co-located generation assets. The role ensures that data center power infrastructure meets stringent availability, resiliency, and safety requirements, with possible integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as photovoltaic generation, gas turbines, and battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Requirements

Bachelorâs degree in Electrical or Power Systems engineering, Masterâs preferred.
8+ years of experience in power system design for mission-critical, industrial, utility-scale, or data center environments.
Strong expertise in: high-reliability substations and MV/LV distribution; protection and control systems; generator and UPS systems; DER and microgrid architectures.
Proficiency with power system analysis tools (e.g., load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, arc-flash).
Deep understanding of electrical codes, standards, and best practices applicable to data centers.
Ability to operate as a technical authority across disciplines and stakeholders.
Strong written and verbal communication skills for executive, engineering, and external audiences.
Comfortable balancing reliability, cost, constructability, and scalability trade-offs.
Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 25%
Comfortable thriving in a fast-paced, rapid growth environments.

Nice To Haves

3+ years of BESS or PV project experience, preferred.
Experience with grid-interactive or grid-forming power systems, preferred.
Familiarity with sustainability-driven power strategies (e.g., low-carbon generation, energy optimization), preferred.
Familiarity in permitting processes with local authorities, preferred.
A passion for sustainability, our mission, and our vision is a bonus!

Responsibilities

Identify relevant design criteria for high availability power system supplying data centers.
Define and own the overall power system architecture for data centers from utility point of interconnection through IT load.
Design high-reliability substations aligned with Tier III / Tier IV reliability standards for up to 50MW data centers.
Lead failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), short-circuit studies, coordination studies, and reliability assessments.
Ensure systems are designed for maintainability without downtime, including concurrent maintenance strategies.
Support black-start, islanded operation, and degraded-mode operating scenarios where applicable.
Design on-site or co-located generation, including: diesel or gas turbine generators; Battery energy storage systems (BESS); Co-located or on-site photovoltaic (PV) systems.
Define control strategies for dispatch, load-shedding, islanding, resynchronization, and grid interaction.
Coordinate integration of DERs with UPS systems, static switches, and data hall distribution.
Lead technical engagement with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and interconnection authorities.
Support interconnection studies, protection coordination with utility systems, and compliance with grid requirements.
Interface with EPCs, OEMs, and equipment suppliers to ensure design intent is preserved through execution.
Establish and maintain design standards, reference architectures, and technical guidelines across multiple sites or regions.
Provide technical oversight during design reviews, FATs, SATs, commissioning, and energization.
Support operational teams with troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and system upgrades over the asset lifecycle.
Work cross-functionally with engineering, legal, commercial, and executive teams to align project goals.