Staff Project Engineer – Grid Scale

Mainspring Energy

. Lead the technical definition and direction of assigned grid-scale projects, including site layouts, single-line diagrams, equipment selection, controls, communications, network security, protection, metering, grounding, code compliance, fuel systems, and safety systems .

Posted 10/18/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesLead💰 $135,265 - $159,135 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading grid-scale project engineering, including technical integration across multiple disciplines, compliance with industry standards, and effective project management. Proficient in power systems engineering, including design, analysis, and implementation of medium-voltage systems and renewable energy technologies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Grid-Scale Project EngineeringPower Systems DesignMedium-Voltage Distribution SystemsTechnical Compliance and StandardsProject Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Electrical EngineeringPower System StudiesMedium-Voltage Protection DesignTechnical Drawings and Construction PlansSCADA SystemsRenewable Energy TechnologiesLoad Flow AnalysisRelay CoordinationEPC Design Package ReviewInterconnection Requirements

Soft Skills

Decision-MakingCommunicationTime ManagementDocumentationOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

ETAPSKMCYMEPSS/EDNP3ModbusIEC 61850

Industry Keywords

NECNESCIEEE 1547UL 1741FERCNERCUtility InterconnectionGrid CodesConstruction ProcessesLean Methodologies

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Flash

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the technical definition and direction of assigned grid-scale projects, including site layouts, single-line diagrams, equipment selection, controls, communications, network security, protection, metering, grounding, code compliance, fuel systems, and safety systems
Serve as technical integrator across electrical, mechanical, civil, controls, fuel, and utility scopes
Coordinate designs, value engineering, interface reviews, project managers, development, procurement, and stakeholders within timelines and budgets
Support interconnection applications, studies, agreements, and technical data requirements
Define plant service and protection schemes for large-load and data center sites, including islanding, load-following, and transfer schemes
Specify medium-voltage and plant interconnection equipment, fuel equipment, EPC scopes, design standards, sequences of operation, and testing procedures
Work with clients and engineering partners to translate requirements into plan sets and close design, performance, scope, and responsibility gaps
Answer RFIs, approve submittals, review designs, and approve design variances
Conduct engineering reviews of site assessments, inspections, and power system studies
Ensure controls and protection settings meet utility, ISO/RTO, IEEE, NERC, and FERC requirements
Monitor changes to grid codes, utility handbooks, and industry standards and compile compliance risks
Support permitting for large facilities
Lead final grid code compliance demonstrations, relay checkout, commissioning, energization, witness testing, metering checkout, utility acceptance testing, and final Permission to Operate
Develop improvement initiatives using Lean or similar methods
Document execution challenges and create training and instructional materials
Travel to project sites at varying stages based on availability

Requirements

What you’ll need

B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline; power systems emphasis preferred; Mechanical, Systems, Controls, or Mechatronics considered
Technical degree and equivalent experience may be substituted
8+ years of relevant experience as a project engineer or power systems engineer
At least 2–5 years in a direct contributing role on grid-scale generation or storage projects
Experience with technologies including solar PV, central inverters, battery energy storage systems, modular generation packages, microturbines, reciprocating engines/gensets, large fuel cells, cogen/CHP, plant controllers/DERMS, or virtual power plants
Experience with project management, medium-voltage (5 kV+) distribution and protection system design, SCADA/PPC/EMS, technical drawings and construction plan sets, and electrical system troubleshooting
Familiarity with construction processes, sequencing, and contractor management for large generation sites
Ability to review, cross-reference, and approve multidisciplinary EPC design packages
Knowledge of NEC, NESC, IEEE 1547/2800 and C37 series, UL 1741, utility interconnection handbooks, regional grid codes, and power system equipment practices
Working knowledge of FERC interconnection requirements and NERC reliability standards
Understanding of medium-voltage protection functions, utility-grade protective relays such as SEL, revenue metering, and point-of-interconnection design
Ability to interpret power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, coordination, arc flash, power quality, and dynamic/ride-through studies, using ETAP, SKM, CYME, or PSS/E
Familiarity with SCADA systems, power plant controllers, and industrial network protocols/devices including DNP3, Modbus, and IEC 61850
Excellent decision-making, communication, time-management, documentation, and organizational skills
Self-directed, with an ownership mindset and enthusiasm for building processes within a growing team

Benefits

Comp & perks

Pre-IPO stock options
Benefits
Salary adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location and experience
Opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge