Senior BESS Engineer

Socket.dev; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Summit Ridge Energy is seeking a Senior BESS Engineer to lead electrical design for grid-scale and distributed Battery Energy Storage Systems, from concept through IFC and commissioning. You will coordinate with civil, structural, fire & life safety, HV electrical, SCADA teams and lead document packages.

The role requires a PE or PE/EIT eligibility preferred, with 5+ years in BESS or related fields, strong schematic and study software skills, and ability to travel to project sites and industry

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in BESS, power generation, renewables, or power system controls design.
• Experience with EPC or design-build projects in energy or critical infrastructure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop conceptual layouts, one-line diagrams, schematics and wiring diagrams for BESS projects through IFC.
• Prepare drawings including site plans, routing, grounding, equipment and inverter layouts.
• Review system studies (short circuit, load flow, arc flash, protection) using ETAP or SKM.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, fire, HV electrical, SCADA and geotechnical engineers.
• Provide construction-phase support, RFIs, submittals and change orders.

Skills

BESS design

Electrical engineering

Project coordination

Communication skills

Travel willingness

PE/license eligibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ETAP

SKM

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

We are seeking a Senior BESS Engineer to lead the electrical design and engineering of grid-scale and distributed Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), from early conceptual layouts through Issue for Construction packages and into commissioning. This role combines hands‑on technical design with cross‑discipline coordination and project execution support across the full BESS project lifecycle.

About Us

Summit Ridge Energy is the nation’s leading commercial solar power company. By merging financial innovation and unmatched execution, we deliver reliable, locally generated energy that reduces reliance on foreign energy and contributes to a more resilient and secure electric grid. Summit Ridge is driving a future where solar power generation strengthens local economies and ensures energy independence for businesses and communities across America.

Role and Responsibilities

Design & Engineering

• Develop conceptual layouts, one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, schematics, and wiring diagrams for BESS projects, and carry designs through to complete Issue for Construction (IFC) packages.
• Prepare engineering drawings and construction documents, including site plans, conduit and cable sizing/routing, grounding design, general arrangements, and equipment and inverter layout drawings.
• Develop and review engineering design plans, technical specifications, equipment data sheets, cost estimates, purchase requisitions, and bid evaluations at each design milestone.

Technical Studies & Compliance

• Review system studies — short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and protection & relay coordination — using tools such as ETAP or SKM.
• Evaluate interconnection standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., FERC, NERC, IEEE 1547, UL 9540) and guide designs to ensure compliance, along with NEC, NESC, NFPA, IEEE, and applicable state/local codes.
• Review and validate electrical, civil, and mechanical system designs and vendor submittals for technical compliance and quality.

Cross-Discipline & Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate closely with civil, structural, fire & life safety, high‑voltage electrical, SCADA/telecommunications, water, and geotechnical engineers to deliver complete, well‑integrated design packages.
• Participate in design reviews and value engineering efforts with contractors, vendors, and permitting/governing agencies; serve as technical point of contact and represent technical solutions in meetings.

Construction & Field Support

• Provide construction‑phase technical support, including bid addenda, submittal reviews, RFIs, construction progress reports, and change orders, incorporating agreed‑upon changes into project documents.
• Conduct site walks and support field activities during installation and commissioning.
• Identify technical risks and propose mitigation strategies in coordination with project management, and provide guidance on design, construction, and commissioning schedules.

Project & Team Leadership

• Coordinate project workload and schedules to ensure on‑time delivery of documents and milestones, and support business development activities.
• Support development of and updates to internal design guidelines, catalogs, and templates.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and designers.

Required Skills/Competencies

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in BESS, power generation, renewables, electrical distribution, or power system controls design.
• Working knowledge of BESS technologies and their integration into traditional power generation and renewable energy facilities.
• Strong understanding of electrical schematics, single‑line diagrams, equipment layouts, system studies, protection & control, and relay coordination.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and power system study software (e.g., ETAP, SKM).
• Familiarity with communication network topology, fire alarm systems, and applicable electrical codes and standards (NEC, NESC, IEEE, NFPA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise technical documentation for varied audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent, complex, and time‑sensitive projects.
• Ability to travel to project sites and industry events as needed.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license, or PE/EIT eligibility preferred but not required.
• Experience with EPC or design‑build projects in the energy or critical infrastructure sector preferred.
• Experience supporting BESS projects, including coordination with EPC contractors, OEMs, and design consultants preferred.
• Familiarity with commissioning protocols and close‑out procedures for electrical systems preferred.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Summit Ridge Energy, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values and respects the importance of a diverse and inclusive workforce. It is the policy of the company to recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job titles without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a driving force in the success of our company.

Occupational Health and Safety

SRE provides a workplace free from recognized hazards and complies with standards, rules and regulations issued under the OSH Act.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, printers, scanners, and teleconferencing software.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.