Sr. Project Engineer - PV + BESS

Elevate Infrastructure • Washington, DC

10h • $95,000 - $130,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

In this Senior Project Engineer role, you will be a hands-on execution driver responsible for taking BESS and PV+BESS projects from 30% design through to commercial operation. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Project Engineering, your primary focus will be managing engineering deliverables, EPC and consultant performance, construction oversight, and commissioning activities — ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and to the required quality and safety standards.
This role is ideal for someone with direct execution experience on utility-scale BESS and solar projects. You will be a critical contributor to a lean, growing Project Engineering team executing complex projects across multiple ISO markets.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in engineering with direct, hands-on experience executing utility-scale BESS and solar PV (PV+BESS) projects through construction and commissioning.
• Demonstrated experience working with EPCs and third-party engineering consultants during the execution phase of utility-scale energy projects.
• Familiarity with grid integration, interconnection energization, and protection and control requirements for BESS and solar projects.
• Direct experience supporting or leading FAT, SAT, and commissioning activities for BESS and/or PV systems.
• Proficiency in engineering design and markup tools such as AutoCAD and Bluebeam.
• General familiarity with interconnection processes and ISO/RTO requirements.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; comfortable managing multiple open project threads simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to translate complex technical issues for non-technical stakeholders and project leadership.
• Willingness and ability to travel to project sites during key construction and commissioning milestones (up to 25%).

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for projects starting from the 30% design phase through to commercial operations.
• Develop and review detailed engineering plans and designs for BESS and PV+BESS projects.
• Prepare and review layout drawings, single-line diagrams, technical specifications for procurement, and other electrical calculations.
• Review and support development of 30/60/90% design packages from EPCs and Owner’s Engineers (OEs); coordinate resolution of design issues between internal stakeholders and external parties.
• Manage the IFC design process with EPCs and OEs, tracking open RFIs, design comments, and resolution status through construction completion.
• Review and redline contractor submittals, shop drawings, and equipment datasheets for conformance with project specifications.
• Actively manage engineering EPCs and external engineering consultants (including EORs and specialized engineering consultants) to verify deliverables and ensure alignment with project requirements.
• Review and approve consultants’ reports, designs, and other outputs.
• Ensure that EPC and consulting activities comply with industry regulations, standards, and safety protocols.
• Track and drive resolution of engineering RFIs and punch list items through to close-out.
• Serve as the Owner’s technical representative during execution, providing on-site oversight at key project milestones and hold points.
• Act as the Technical Project Manager, working closely with the Project Director and providing technical solutions to design and construction issues.
• Oversee the installation, pre-commissioning, and commissioning of BESS and PV+BESS systems, ensuring compliance with OEM requirements and project specifications.
• Coordinate factory acceptance testing (FAT) and site acceptance testing (SAT) activities with OEMs, EPCs, and the utility.
• Support interconnection energization activities, protection and control verification, and final grid integration testing.
• Monitor and enforce safety protocols, quality standards, and environmental requirements during execution and commissioning phases.
• Track and manage all engineering deliverable milestones — including design package submissions, review cycles, approval workflows, and resubmittits — ensuring alignment with the overall project schedule.
• Maintain and own the project-level engineering open items log, RFI register, and submittal tracker; drive timely resolution of technical issues across EPC, OE, and OEM workstreams.
• Maintain and update project-level engineering trackers and milestone reporting for internal leadership review.
• Identify engineering and technical risks and develop mitigation strategies in coordination with the project team.
• Provide technical guidance and support throughout the project lifecycle, with particular depth during execution and commissioning phases.
• Act as the primary technical liaison between the project team, EPC, OEMs, and utility interconnection personnel.
• Support resolution of field technical issues, design conflicts, and equipment non-conformances during construction.
• Ensure all engineering work and field installations comply with industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements (NEC, NFPA 855, IEEE, IBC/IFC, OSHA).
• Review and approve engineering documentation, including design calculations, factory test reports, and commissioning test results.
• Identify potential risks associated with EPC and consultant work and develop mitigation strategies.
• Maintain comprehensive records of engineering work, including design documents, test results, commissioning packages, and project closeout reports.
• Develop and document lessons learned and best practices for future projects.
• Stay current with advancements in the BESS and solar PV industry, construction practices, and commissioning standards.
• Perform all other duties as required to support project goals and organizational objectives.

Benefits

• Accelerating the energy transition by contributing to transformative, utility-scale energy storage projects
• Collaborative environment where every team member has a voice and is empowered to make a difference
• Opportunity to shape strategy, influence outcomes, and grow professionally

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed