Solar & BESS Project Engineer – Energy Systems

Zero Impact Energy; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Company parties

Dental insurance

Job summary

Zero Impact Solutions in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Project Development Engineer to own the technical and economic development of Solar, BESS and microgrid projects from data through handoff.

You will analyze load data, tariffs, and dispatch models; size PV and BESS; develop EMS strategies; and produce financials for investment decisions.

Exempt, in-person, 8-hour shift, Mon-Fri; salary $72,000-$80,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Energy, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in Solar PV, BESS, microgrids, DER, or renewable energy project development.
• Proven experience developing Solar + BESS projects from feasibility through engineering handoff.
• Strong knowledge of utility tariffs, TOU/demand charges, interval load analysis, and BESS sizing/dispatch optimization.
• Proficiency in Excel modeling and experience with PV Watts/PVsyst; Python or MATLAB preferred.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD, SLDs, ETAP/SKM, utility interconnection, NEC/NFPA, and applicable PV/BESS standards.
• Experience with CAPEX/OPEX and financial analysis including NPV, IRR, payback, and sensitivity analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and stakeholder-management skills

Responsibilities

• Own technical and financial development of Solar, BESS and microgrid projects from utility data and site requirements through feasibility and engineering handoff.
• Analyze 15-minute/hourly load data, utility tariffs, TOU rates, demand charges and project bill savings.
• Develop and validate PV + BESS dispatch models for peak shaving, energy shifting, self-consumption, resiliency and grid reduction.
• Size PV and BESS systems based on site constraints, load profile, SoC, DoD, efficiency, degradation, curtailment and operating requirements.
• Develop EMS strategies for demand management, PV capture, battery dispatch and backup reserve.
• Develop electrical concepts including SLDs, PCS/inverter interfaces, transformers, switchgear, breakers, protection, metering and interconnection.
• Perform or coordinate load studies, equipment sizing, short-circuit/AIC checks, grounding, protection coordination and code compliance.
• Support utility interconnection, AHJ coordination, EPC/OEM/vendor reviews and technical project execution.
• Develop CAPEX/OPEX estimates and financial models including savings, EaaS/PPA revenue, payback, NPV, IRR, XIRR, MOIC and sensitivity analysis.
• Prepare feasibility studies, sizing reports, proposals, executive summaries and investment decision materials.
• Support projects through design, procurement, construction, commissioning and performance verification.
• Audit engineering and financial models to ensure calculations, assumptions and project economics are accurate and defensible.

Job description

Zero Impact Solutions in Costa Mesa, CA seeks a Project Development Engineer to own the technical and economic development of Solar, BESS and microgrid projects from data through handoff.

You will analyze load data, tariffs, and dispatch models; size PV and BESS; develop EMS strategies; and produce financials for investment decisions.

Exempt, in-person, 8-hour shift, Mon-Fri; salary $72,000-$80,000.