Principal Engineer, Utility

AES; Louisville (KY); Remote; USD 145,000 - 181,000; Full time

Job summary

AES is seeking a Principal Engineer – Utility Projects to lead engineering for large-scale PV and battery storage projects, managing third-party partners from late-stage development through operation. You will guide design reviews, specify equipment, and coordinate procurement and contract negotiations.

The role requires deep energy-system design experience, mentoring of engineers, and the ability to work remotely with up to 25% travel to project sites and partner offices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor or higher in engineering with emphasis on energy systems.
• 10+ years in energy system design, development or construction.
• 5+ years in project management or as a project engineer.
• Experience with PV and BESS projects and related design standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead project execution for utility-scale PV and BESS deployments from development to operation.
• Manage third-party EPCs, consultants, and vendor contracts and submittals.
• Oversee design reviews, specifications, and procurement support.
• Coordinate with internal teams and market managers on technical solutions.
• Support commissioning, QA/QC, and site field activities.
• Mentor engineers and drive continuous improvement across projects.
• Stay current with codes, safety standards, and industry practices.

Skills

Electrical design

Project management

Procore

MS Office

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Vendor management

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering (electrical, mechanical, or civil)

Graduate degree in engineering

EIT or PE certification

NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification

Tools

AutoCAD Civil3D

ETAP

SKM

PVsyst

Job description

Are you ready to be part of a companythat’snot just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company witha teamof 8,300employees across 12 countries.

AES has been ranked #1 byBloombergNEF in renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricityfor millions of peopleworldwide.

We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where weoperate. AES was also named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Ifyou’reready to be part of a companythat’snot just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you.We’renot just building a more sustainable future,we’repowering it.

The Principal Engineer – Utility Projects will be responsiblefor managing third parties inthe design and engineeringof large,utility-scale solarphotovoltaic (PV)andbatteryenergystorage(BESS)projects in late-stage development, construction,and operationwithin the[Market]market. Responsibilities includeengineermanagement, design reviews,contract document development and negotiation, procurement specification preparation, and other technical support activities.

The Principal Project Engineer will join a team of utility-scale project execution engineers reporting to the[MARKET] market engineering manager and will serve as the lead project engineer for assigned projects. Additional responsibilities include mentoring and training other Engineers, directly supporting additional projects as a subject matter expert, driving innovation within the team, and driving institutional change within the wider organization.

The successful candidate will have a depth of experience in thedevelopment, analysis, anddesignof utility scale, transmission interconnectedPVsystemsandbattery storage systems.Experience with other renewable technologies including wind, green hydrogen,nuclear,hydroelectric, or data center designis a plus.Excellent communication, task management,and planning skillsareneeded, in addition totechnicaldepth andbreadth.

The position isat one ofAESUS Renewables & Poweroffices orremote andwillinclude up to 25% travel to project locations and partner offices.

Key Responsibilities

Project Execution

• Support EPC engagement by preparing contract exhibits and supporting RFI’s during contract negotiations.
• Seekand evaluate proposals for engineering services.
• Manageengineering consultantsandEngineer Procure Construct (EPC)contractors through development of project construction drawings and support materials.
• Perform technical project due diligence and project engineering design reviewsto ensure compliance with company and industry standards.
• Lead external andinternal design review meetings.
• Coordinate feedback from internal stakeholders and subject matter experts (SMEs) on design reviews.
• Value engineer system designsto maximize reliability and reduce overall project cost.
• Establish/review technical specifications of ownerfurnishedequipment in coordination with Procurement and Sourcing.
• Manage Procore RFIs and submittals and ensure complete andtimelyresponses in coordination with other internal teams.
• Technical support during construction including:
• Respond to contractor requestsfor information (RFIs).
• Support fieldquality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC).
• Review test reports for compliance with contract requirements and technical standards.
• Support the technical resolutionofpunch list items.
• Support commissioning activities.
• Support internal Owner’s Engineering team through financing activities.
• Support Operations/Asset Management teams to resolve technical issues at operating sites.
• Assist Development and Project Management teams with development of key financial inputs.
• Develop and implement technical solutions to market specific requirements in coordinationwith market manager.

Growth and Leadership

• Contribute toprocess improvement initiativesfor the execution of safe, quality,and high-performance projects.
• Providetimelyfeedback on EPC and external engineer performance, and document lessons learned to influence internal process enhancements.
• Mentor and educate team on changing trends in technology, best practices,code enforcement,and safety.
• Direct mentorship ofotherEngineersonjob requirements and technical acumen.
• Support the team as a technical subject matter expert.
• Supportevaluation ofemergingtechnologiesand companies fortheApproved Vendor List.

Safety

• Attend site safety walks andidentifyjobsite hazards.
• Obtain andmaintainsafety trainingcertifications (NFPA 70E,OSHA 10-hour,andCPR/first aid).
• Lead by example.

Skills and Qualifications

Primary Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree inengineering(electrical, mechanical,or civil preferred)or equivalent technical field.
• 10+yearsprofessional experience inenergysystem design,project or landdevelopment,and/orconstruction.Advanced degrees in a related field may be credited towards years of experience.
• 5+yearsofexperiencein project management,consulting,or as a project engineer.
• Engineering design experience including either:
• Electrical design experienceof the generator side of utility scale PVand BESS projects
• Stormwater and gradingexpertisewith athoroughunderstanding ofpermittingprocessesandtimelines.
• Strong communicationand interpersonal skills, includingabilityto successfully work cross-functionally across a large organization.
• Self-starter withabilityto work effectively in a remote and/or distributed team environment.
• Ability toeffectivelymanage third party consultants, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficientwith MS Office Suite.
• Direct project experience with Procore.

PlusQualifications

• Graduate degree inengineering
• EIT or PE qualifications
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional certification
• Knowledge of BESS Fire Safety Codes and Standards
• Experience with ETAP, SKM, PVsystand other advanced modeling tools
• Substation/High Voltage design experience
• Structural/SCADA/commissioning engineering design experience
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil3D
• Fluency in Spanishor Portuguese

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $145,000 and $181,050/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.