The Power Systems Applications Engineer reports to the Applications Engineering Manager and is responsible for the electrical design and technical validation of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) plants and associated balance of system equipment. This role serves as the primary technical resource for power system studies, protection coordination, equipment sizing, and distribution system design during the proposal and pre-execution phases.
This position bridges sales, system engineering, drafting, supply chain, and project management by translating customer requirements into engineered electrical solutions supported by detailed studies and compliant designs. The engineer will be responsible for performing and documenting electrical analyses using ETAP and similar tools to ensure safe, reliable, and code-compliant system configurations.
Requirements
Essential duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
- Develop conceptual and detailed electrical designs for utility-scale BESS plants and associated MV/LV distribution systems.
- Perform load flow, short-circuit, and arc-flash studies using ETAP; interpret results and implement required design modifications.
- Size breakers, switchgear, transformers, cables, grounding systems, and auxiliary distribution equipment in accordance with NEC, IEEE, and utility requirements.
- Design and review single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, control schematics, and panel layouts.
- Evaluate equipment interrupting ratings, withstand ratings, and thermal limits to ensure code compliance and system reliability.
- Develop specifications for MV and LV switchgear, protective relays, transformers, and distribution panels.
- Review vendor technical submittals and validate compliance with study assumptions and project specifications.
- Contribute to the development of standardized study templates, protection philosophies, and design guidelines.
- Support customer technical discussions related to BESS, fault current, protection schemes, grounding strategy, and system performance.
- Interface with controls and EMS teams to ensure proper integration of protection, SCADA, and substation automation systems.
- Provide technical input during project handover to execution and commissioning teams.
- Lead development of technical proposals supporting the sales process, including conceptual and detailed system designs.
- Review customer RFPs and translate requirements into system configurations, layouts, and performance expectations.
- Serve as a subject‑matter expert on company’s BESS platform and system architecture
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Knowledge
o Strong understanding of LV and MV power systems, including protection, distribution, and equipment selection.
o Strong understanding of power electronics, battery systems, and utility scale battery energy storage systems operation, engineering, and design.
o Working knowledge of electrical calculations (fault current, ampacity, arc flash, etc.).
o Familiarity with industrial communications and EMS/SCADA interfaces.
o Understanding of relevant industry standards (UL 1741, UL 9540, IEEE 1547, NEC).
Skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Abilities
o Ability to develop and review single‑line diagrams, schematics, and layouts.
o Ability to interface with customers and internal cross‑functional groups.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field required.
- Minimum 8 years of experience in application engineering, power systems engineering, or BESS/renewables engineering.
- Experience with BESS systems, inverters, transformers, MV/LV switchgear, or utility‑scale power systems preferred.
Physical Requirements & Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of
those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions.
Physical Demands Matrix
o Regularly required to stand and walk, with frequent lifting or moving of up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
o The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Hearing protection may be recommended and/or required in some work locations.
Travel Requirements (if applicable)
- Domestic and international travel may be required.
Similar Jobs
What you need to know about the Colorado Tech Scene
Key Facts About Colorado Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 260,000; 8.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Lockheed Martin, Century Link, Comcast, BAE Systems, Level 3
- Key Industries: Software, artificial intelligence, aerospace, e-commerce, fintech, healthtech
- Funding Landscape: $4.9 billion in VC funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Access Venture Partners, Ridgeline Ventures, Techstars, Blackhorn Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: Colorado School of Mines, University of Colorado Boulder, University of Denver, Colorado State University, Mesa Laboratory, Space Science Institute, National Center for Atmospheric Research, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Gottlieb Institute
