Principal Project Engineer

Own end-to-end technical execution across a portfolio of BESS projects, ensuring scope, schedule, and stakeholders remain aligned from development through commissioning and turnover.

Proactively identify gaps in scope, responsibility, and interfaces across the engineering, procurement, construction, and permitting process; drive resolution with stakeholders to protect project success. 

Serve as the technical authority on complex project issues, applying engineering principles and engaging subject matter experts to drive sound, timely solutions. 

Define equipment specification standards and lead the specification, technical evaluation, and selection of major equipment, including transformers, switchgear, and protection solutions. 

Act as the primary technical interface with internal (project managers, product engineers, sales team) and external stakeholders (utilities, AHJs, EPC contractors, end customers), representing Energy Vault in critical technical discussions. 

Lead the review and approval of project design documents, including single line drawings, communication diagrams, layouts, and equipment test reports; maintain design configuration control. 

Review and assess electrical designs for BESS projects, covering MV/HV substation design, switchgear, transformers, protection systems, grounding, and balance of plant. 

Direct and review electrical system studies, including load flow, short circuit, protective relay coordination, arc flash, grounding, and cable sizing; ensure designs meet utility interconnection requirements and applicable IEEE/ANSI, IEC, and NEC standards. 

Plan, direct, and oversee BESS project commissioning across multiple sites. 

Provide technical input to proposals and early-stage project development, including design approach, cost, and technical risk. 

Establish and continuously improve engineering processes, standards, and lessons-learned practices; provide strategic feedback to shape internal processes and product. 

Mentor and provide technical guidance to project engineers across the team, strengthening the team's electrical and substation engineering capability. 

12+ years of experience with a Bachelor’s degree in an electrical or power systems engineering program, or 10+ years of experience with a Master’s degree in the same programs. 

Proven track record leading project design and technical execution, preferably in the building of large power stations or PV or other utility-scale power projects 

Strong electrical engineering background with hands-on experience in MV/HV substation design and engineering, including switchgear, power transformers, protection and control, and grounding 

Experience performing or overseeing power system studies (load flow, short circuit, relay coordination, arc flash, grounding) using tools such as ETAP, SKM PowerTools, or CDEGS 

Background with a utility, engineering consultancy, or EPC firm in substation or utility-scale generation design is a strong plus 

7+ years of BESS project experience, preferred 

5+ years of experience working on EPC projects 

Demonstrated experience serving as technical lead across multiple concurrent projects and mentoring engineers 

PE certification or equivalent, preferred 

Strong working knowledge of permitting processes with local authorities 

Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) 

Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 30% 

Comfortable in fast-paced, rapid growth environments 

A passion for sustainability, our mission, and our vision is a bonus!