Associate Electrical Engineer- Distributed Energy Resources

McKinstry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 111,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Distributed Energy Resources Engineer to join their dynamic team in Chicago. This role offers the opportunity to lead innovative projects that focus on sustainable energy solutions, including solar and battery storage systems. You will work collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders to drive project success while mentoring junior engineers. The company values strong leadership and technical excellence, providing a supportive environment for professional growth. With a commitment to building a thriving planet, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a positive impact through engineering.

Benefits

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off and holidays

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision

Family formation benefits

Paid parental leave

Community service time

Learning and advancement opportunities

Onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Electrical Engineering with a focus on DER.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering or equivalent work experience required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of various DER projects including solar and battery storage.
• Mentor and train project engineers on DER-specific design principles.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

Project Management

People Management

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer registration

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

Microsoft Office Suite

Bluebeam

Procore

Electrical analysis software (SKM, EasyPower, ETAP)

Job description

Associate Electrical Engineer- Distributed Energy Resources

Build the future, spark innovation and align your career with purpose.

McKinstry is innovating the waste and climate harm out of the built environment and creating lasting impact. Together, we’re building a thriving planet.

Buildings are a leading contributor to the climate crisis, generating nearly 40% of total global energy-related carbon emissions. We’re making a lasting impact on our industry and within our communities by addressing the climate, affordability and equity crises through:

• renewables and energy services
• engineering and design
• construction and facility services

To get where we’re going, we need big thinkers, problem solvers and collaborative mindsets. Does that sound like you?

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are seeking a skilled Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Engineer to join our expanding Engineering and Design division in Chicago. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in DER to meet customer needs and lead the delivery of high-quality, sustainable energy solutions. You will collaborate closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure project success. Key responsibilities include:

Team Leadership & Development

• Mentor and train project engineers on DER-specific design principles and technical skills.
• Identify and allocate engineering resources to optimize project timelines and meet critical deadlines.
• Conduct regular performance and goal reviews with direct reports, aligning them with project objectives.

Project & Design Management

• Lead the design and implementation of various DER projects, including solar, battery storage, microgrids, and other renewable energy solutions for key clients and industry sectors.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to establish and uphold best practices in DER project design and delivery.
• Oversee engineering analyses that support both pre-design efforts and sales proposals, ensuring alignment with DER objectives.

Technical Excellence & Standards Development

• Develop and maintain technical standards for DER projects, contributing to the continuous improvement of design methodologies.
• Provide clear direction on DER design requirements and deadlines to team members, coordinating work to maintain project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Support the professional growth of junior engineers through training in DER design standards and project-specific technologies.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster strong relationships with clients by understanding their unique DER needs and aligning project scopes and solutions accordingly.
• Coordinate with utility providers to ensure seamless interconnection and compliance for DER installations, proactively addressing any technical or regulatory challenges.
• Engage in strategic initiatives within the Engineering & Design group to drive DER innovation and enhance service delivery.

Project Oversight & Financial Accountability

• Collaborate with estimating and construction teams to optimize project budgets and reduce costs, particularly on design-build DER projects.
• Participate in all phases of project planning and execution, from proposal preparation and scope alignment to monitoring financial health and achieving project milestones.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent work experience required.
• Professional Engineer registration and ability to acquire licensure in additional states required.
• Experience in the design and construction of Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Photovoltaic (PV) systems design, PV + Storage systems designs, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design, and Microgrid designs.
• Utility Scale PV system design experience preferred.
• Ability to evaluate power systems and perform studies for arc flash, short circuit current, coordination, underground cable thermals, grounding, and load flow analysis.
• Medium-Voltage (15 kV and below) design experience required, protective relaying experience preferred.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams.
• Working Knowledge of Bluebeam.
• Working knowledge of Procore.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit required.
• Skilled in electrical analysis software (SKM, EasyPower, ETAP, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Efficient time management, ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while delegating to Junior engineers.
• Development of Engineering fee proposals, resource plans, and provide financial analysis of projects.
• Overall: 5 to 10 years’ experience in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on DER.
• Project management: 3-5 yrs.
• People management: 1-3 yrs.

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay.
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan.
• Paid time off and holidays.
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums.

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance.
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave.
• “Building Good” paid community service time.
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University.
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers.

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

If you’re driven by our vision to build a thriving planet together, McKinstry is the place to build your career.

The pay range for this position is $111,420- $162,165 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.