Staff BESS Electrical Design Engineer, EPC

Redwood Materials; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Redwood Materials is seeking a Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Electrical Design Engineer to lead utility-scale BESS projects from sizing and layout through construction.

You will interface with utilities, perform interconnection studies, and serve as SME for BESS technical challenges. The role requires deep knowledge of NEC 705/706, IEEE 1547, UL 9540, NFPA 855, and experience with ETAP/SK M/PSSE/PSLF/PSCAD tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from ABET accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Nevada or eligible for reciprocity. Must get their PE in Nevada and South Carolina within 2 months of start date.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in solar, energy storage, or microgrid sectors, with at least 3 years focused on BESS design and deployment.
• Proven expertise in interconnection and regulatory compliance for BESS systems.
• SME in knowledge of NEC 705, NEC 706, IEEE 1547, UL 9540, and NFPA 855.
• Advanced proficiency in: HOMER or similar for microgrid/hybrid modeling.
• Power system modeling using ETAP, SKM, or similar.
• Preferred proficiency in transmission-level load flow and stability using PSSE/PSLF; EMT simulations with PSCAD/EMT.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering efforts for utility-scale BESS projects from concept to construction.
• Interface with utilities and ISO/RTOs for interconnection studies and permitting.
• Serve as SME for BESS technical challenges and design of AC/DC systems.
• Develop schematics, single-line diagrams, and protection strategies for AC/DC systems.
• Coordinate with other design teams to produce IFC packages and specs.
• Perform power system studies including short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and device coordination.
• Lead R&D on MV DC distribution for BESS integration with other sources.
• Prepare engineering cost estimates and project schedules with project controls.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to internal design standards.

Skills

BESS design experience

Interconnection & regulatory

Power system modelling

HVDC systems design

Code knowledge NEC/IEEE/NFPA

Communication & leadership

Education

ABET-accredited EE program

PE license in NV or eligible

Tools

ETAP

SKM

PSSE

PSLF

PSCAD

HOMER

Job description

Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling—keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded in 2017,we’re delivering low-cost and large-scale energy storage and producing battery materials in the U.S. for the first time, all from batteries we already have.

Staff BESS Electrical Design Engineer, EPC

Redwood Materials is seeking a Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Electrical Engineer to join our EPC team. This role is central to the design of scalable, high-performance energy storage infrastructure for utility-scale and distributed applications. Our mission is to build a sustainable circular economy for lithium-ion batteries by transforming recycled materials into high-quality inputs for new batteries.

Responsibilities will include:

• Lead electrical engineering efforts for utility scale lithium-ion BESS projects from concept (system sizing, layout) through construction.
• Interface with utilities and ISO/RTOs to support interconnection studies/submittals, permitting, and compliance for new renewable and BESS projects.
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert (SME) for technical challenges related to BESS.
• Design AC and DC electrical systems for BESS using medium voltage transformers, inverters, DC combiners, energy managers, and battery modules. Specify and procure long-lead AC equipment.
• Develop schematic diagrams, single-line diagrams, wiring schematics, raceway plans, grounding plans, and protection strategies for AC and DC systems.
• Specify and evaluate components such as circuit breakers, contactors, fuses, disconnects, emergency power off (EPO), and metering devices.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, fire & life safety, SCADA/telecom, geotechnical, and DC system design teams to produce complete IFC packages and technical specifications.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards such as NEC 705, NEC 706, IEEE 1547, UL 9540, NFPA 855, and local amendments.Lead code reviews and provide summary to internal teams.
• Integration of BESS with grid infrastructure and other renewable and traditional energy sources.
• Perform power system studies for short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and protective device coordination for AC and DC systems.
• Serve as the Electrical Engineer of Record for assigned projects.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of BESS technologies, codes, and industry trends.
• Lead R&D efforts to perform feasibility analysis of using medium voltage DC distribution system for integrating BESS with other sources.
• Provide CA support for RFIs, submittal reviews, change orders, and site inspections.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external consultants to track scope, schedule, and budget.
• Prepare engineering cost estimates and project schedules in collaboration with project controls at various design milestones.
• Perform QA/QC reviews of electrical designs and mentor junior engineers.
• Contribute to internal design standards, templates, and best practices.
• Manage project workload and ensure timely delivery of engineering documents.
• Support strategic initiatives related to grid integration, renewable energy, and energy storage.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from ABET accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Nevada or eligible for reciprocity. Must get their PE in Nevada and South Carolina within 2 months of start date.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in solar, energy storage, or microgrid sectors, with at least 3 years focused on BESS design and deployment.
• Proven expertise in interconnection and regulatory compliance for BESS systems.
• SME in knowledge of NEC 705, NEC 706, IEEE 1547, UL 9540, and NFPA 855.
• Advanced proficiency in:
• Microgrid and hybrid power systems modeling tools using HOMER or similar
• Power system modeling using ETAP, SKM, or similar
• Preferred proficiency in:
• Transmission-level load flow and stability using PSSE and PSLF
• Electromagnetic Transient Simulations using PSCAD, EMTC or similar
• SEL Relay Settings using SEL AcSELerator or equivalent
• Design of HVDC systems and converter station
• Strong understanding of energy storage use-cases including peak shaving, load shifting, demand response, and frequency response.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and detail oriented.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and visual formats.

In accordance with California pay transparency laws, the salary range for this position is listed below. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and skills.

The position is full-time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

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