Principal Engineer - Distributed Energy Resources

The Opportunity with McKinstry

We are seeking a skilled Principal Engineer to join our expanding Distributed Energy Resources (DER) division. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in DER to meet customer needs and lead the delivery of high-quality, sustainable energy solutions. You will collaborate closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders to drive innovation and ensure project success. Key responsibilities include:

Leadership

• Act as a senior subject matter expert in the DER space by providing thought leadership, quality assurance/control, and driving new creative solutions to support successful projects and growth of DER business.

• Mentor and train project engineers on DER-specific design principles and technical skills. Support the professional growth of newer engineers through training in DER design standards and project-specific technologies.

• Identify and allocate engineering resources to optimize project timelines and meet critical deadlines.

• Conduct regular performance and goal reviews with direct reports, aligning them with project objectives.

• Develop and maintain technical standards for DER projects, contributing to the continuous improvement of design methodologies.

Project Management

• Develop new methods for project designs that increases efficiency and accuracy. Work to make sure that the improved methods get incorporated into company standards.

• Directly lead high level client engineering projects and portfolios requiring deep industry knowledge and expertise.

• Directly lead and/or support the design and implementation of various DER projects, including solar, battery storage, microgrids, and other renewable energy solutions for key clients and industry sectors. Support project through conception, permitting, and end of construction.

• Provide clear direction on DER design requirements and deadlines to team members, coordinating work to maintain project scope, schedule, and budget.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to establish and uphold best practices in DER project design and delivery.

• Oversee engineering analyses that support both pre-design efforts and sales proposals, ensuring alignment with DER objectives.

What You Need to Succeed at McKinstry

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent work experience required.

• Professional Engineer registration and ability to acquire licensure in additional states preferred.

• Experience in the design and construction of Commercial & Industrial (C&I) Solar Photovoltaic (PV)systems design, PV + Storage systems designs, Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design, and Microgrid designs.

• Utility Scale PV system design experience preferred.

• Ability to evaluate site power systems and utility interconnections including utility coordination through agreement and permission to operate.

• Medium-Voltage (15 kV and below) design experience required, protective relaying experience preferred.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Microsoft Teams.

• Working knowledge of Bluebeam.

• Working knowledge of Procore.

• Working knowledge of AutoCAD and Revit required.

• Strong written and verbal communications skills.

• Efficient time management, ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while delegating to Junior engineers.

• Development of Engineering fee proposals, resource plans, and provide financial analysis of projects.

• Overall: 5 to 10 years' experience in power and Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on DER and renewable energy technologies

  • Project management: 3-5 years

  • People management: 1-3 years

PeopleFirst Benefits

When it comes to the basics, we have you covered:

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with employer match and profit-sharing plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision with low or zero deductible options and low out of pocket maximums

People come first at McKinstry, and we go beyond the basic benefits with:

• Family formation benefits, including adoption and IVF assistance
• Up to 16 weeks paid parental leave
• Transgender-inclusive benefits
• Commuter benefits
• Pet insurance
• "Building Good" paid community service time
• Learning and advancement opportunities via McKinstry University
• McKinstry Moves onsite gyms or reimbursement for remote workers

See benefit plan documents for complete details.

The pay range for this position is $114,210- $192,900 per year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Base pay information is based on market location. A bonus may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered.

The McKinstry group of companies are equal opportunity employers. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, race, color, creed, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to employment, advancement, assignment, and training. This commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity is made equally as a social responsibility and as an economic and business necessity.

McKinstry is a drug-free workplace. Employment iscontingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, complying with the requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act and a Confidentiality Agreement, in addition to successful outcomes of background and reference checks.

Applicants for this role will only be considered if they possess current US Work Authorization, and do not require employer-sponsored VISA support to begin or remain in this role.