Senior Electrical Engineer - Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

HDR; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 117,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee assistance program

Paid time off

Parental leave

Paid holidays

Employer 401k match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer – Battery Energy Storage Systems to lead grid-scale storage projects. You will develop conceptual layouts, perform detailed electrical design, and collaborate with a broad team of engineers.

You’ll evaluate storage technologies, prepare technical reports, and coordinate with civil, structural, and high‑voltage teams. Travel up to 10% is expected as projects span multiple U.S. locations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in design of BESS, power generation, renewables, electrical distribution, or power system controls.
• Understanding of BESS technologies and integration with traditional generation facilities.
• Strong communication skills for diverse audiences and ability to travel up to 10% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Support grid-scale BESS projects with concepts, one-line diagrams, and construction design packages.
• Evaluate energy storage tech and support client vendor selection and implementation.
• Develop electrical design plans, specs, cost estimates, and construction docs at design milestones.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, FLS, high‑voltage, SCADA, and geotechnical engineers to complete design packages.
• Provide technical reports, design guideline updates, and QA/QC on work of other engineers and technicians.
• Mentor junior team members and support business development and client meetings.

Skills

Battery Storage

BESS design

Electrical design

NEC/IEEE standards

Project coordination

Education

PE license

Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

AutoCAD

Revit

SKM

AGI

Easy Power

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story: https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world. We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of the Senior Electrical Engineer – Battery Energy Storage Systems, we’ll count on you to:

• Support grid scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) projects developing conceptual layouts and one‑line diagrams and supporting the detailed design through the completion of Issue for Construction design packages.
• Evaluate and analyze energy storage technologies, products, and vendors and support clients with technology and vendor selection and implementation. Support microgrid and distributed energy resources projects by developing detailed electrical engineering designs.
• Develop and review engineering design plans, technical specifications, cost estimates, and construction documents at various design milestones for BESS projects.
• Support developers, utilities, and other clients with identifying, defining, and implementing use‑cases for battery energy storage systems in both centralized and distributed locations.
• Develop written technical reports that effectively convey battery energy storage concepts, use‑cases, and feasibility study results to various types of audiences.
• Coordinate closely with civil, structural, fire & life safety (F&LS), high‑voltage electrical, SCADA/telecommunications, water, and geotechnical engineers to develop complete Issue for Construction design packages for BESS projects.
• Participate in design reviews with various stakeholders including governing and permitting agencies.
• Support development of and updates to internal design guidelines, catalogs, and templates for power generation projects.
• Conduct quality assurance/quality control on the work of other electrical engineers, electrical designers, or technicians.
• Provide construction phase technical support including bid addenda, submittal reviews, Requests for Information (RFI), Construction Progress Reports (CPR) and change orders, and incorporate agreed‑upon changes into the project documents, as needed.
• Participate in meetings with clients, contractors, and vendors to support business development and project execution.
• Coordinate project workload to deliver documents on schedule.
• Serve as a mentor or counsellor to junior members of the team.
• Provide technical support and assistance to HDR’s team and clients.

Preferred Qualifications

• Design experience adhering to National Electrical Code, National Electric Safety Code, IEEE codes and standards, and county, city and state codes, ordinances and standards.
• Technical writing experience with equipment, construction and procurement specifications.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in design of BESS, power generation, renewables, electrical distribution, or power system controls.
• Understanding of BESS technologies as well as integration of these systems into traditional power generation and renewables generation facilities.
• Understanding of typical communication network topology, fire alarm systems, and relay coordination
• Technical knowledge to analyze and interpret technical data and documents related to battery energy storage systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for a broad range of audiences.
• Ability to effectively support multiple complex and time sensitive projects.
• Ability to multi‑task by prioritizing, organizing, and scheduling work.
• Identify and resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to interact with clients as well as design and construction teams in a positive and proactive manner.
• Ability to adapt to change within a fast‑paced business environment.
• Ability to interface with diverse personalities.
• Self‑motivated and Team player.
• Demonstrable technical writing/editing ability, commitment to quality in work products.
• Ability to travel to support projects, meet with clients, or attend industry events. Travel required up to 10% domestic and international.
• Strong interpersonal skills.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
• Previous experience in electrical design of buildings (lighting/power/systems)
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Strong computer skills using AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, Revit, SKM, AGI and Easy Power
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other’s life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.) California: $122,815 - $199,375; Colorado: $111,650 - $175,450; Nevada: $111,650 - $159,500; Minnesota: $117,233.00- $167,475.00; Illinois: $117,233- $167,475; Primary Location: United States-Arizona-Phoenix Other Locations: United States-Texas-Round Rock, United States-Nevada-Reno, United States-Texas-Austin, United States-Colorado-Denver, United States-Oregon-Portland, United States-Illinois-Chicago, United States-Minnesota-Minneapolis, United States-Arizona-Tucson, United States-Michigan-Ann Arbor, United States-Nevada-Las Vegas, United States-Texas-Dallas, United States-New Mexico-Albuquerque, United States-Wisconsin-Madison, United States-Wisconsin-Milwaukee Industry: Power Schedule: Full‑time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Power Generation Job Posting: Aug 26, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.