Principal Project Engineer - Substations Power Generation

Principal Project Engineer

We seek an experienced electrical Project Engineer to lead engineering and design integration for utility‑scale and behind‑the‑meter power projects, with primary responsibility for high‑ and medium‑voltage substations and the electrical balance of plant. The role spans concept development, utility interconnection, detailed design, procurement, construction support, commissioning, and energization. The ideal candidate has direct experience integrating natural‑gas reciprocating‐engine (RECIP) generator plants.

• Establish the electrical design basis, scope boundaries, interface matrix, deliverable register, design schedule, and technical risk register; identify and close scope gaps across owners, EPC contractors, utilities, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
• Review electrical design packages including: single‑line and three‑line diagrams, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, equipment layouts, grounding and lightning‑protection designs.
• Create or technically evaluate specifications for all major equipment including: transformers, HV/MV switch gear, disconnect switches, power cables, CTs/VTs, metering and protection relays and UPS systems.
• Coordinate electrical interfaces with natural‑gas engine‑generator OEMs, including alternator ratings, neutral grounding, excitation/AVR, governor and synchronizing controls, generator protection, starting systems, plant auxiliaries, black‑start or islanding requirements, and CHP interfaces where applicable.
• Review load‑flow, short‑circuit, protection‑coordination, grounding, arc‑flash, cable‑ampacity; ensure study assumptions remain aligned with the issued‑for‑construction design.
• Manage utility interconnection requirements, including point‑of‑interconnection design, revenue metering, communications and relay settings.
• Review EPC and vendor drawings, calculations, equipment data sheets, test plans, FAT/SAT reports, deviations, and technical submittals; provide clear dispositions and maintain design configuration control.
• Support procurement through equipment specifications, technical bid evaluations, supplier selection and vendor‑document review.
• Provide construction engineering support, respond to RFIs and field changes, participate in site walkdowns, and verify that installations conform to the design, applicable codes, and approved quality plans.
• Plan and support substation energization, generator synchronization, commissioning, and turnover, including test procedures, protection and control testing, punch‑list closure, and coordination with utilities, commissioning agents, and plant operations.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (electrical or power system engineering) or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience leading project design, preferably in the building of large generator power stations and substations.
• Direct experience in HV/MV substation design.
• Direct experience with natural‑gas reciprocating‑engine power plants, CHP facilities, or distributed generation is strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of applicable IEEE, ANSI, NFPA 70/NEC, NESC, NETA, OSHA, and utility standards.
• PE certification or equivalent, preferred.
• Familiarity in permitting processes with local authorities.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, up to 30%.
• Comfortable thriving in fast‑paced, rapid growth environments.
• A passion for sustainability, our mission, and our vision is a bonus!
• Must successfully pass a pre‑employment background check.
• Energy Vault participates in E‑Verify.

• Annual bonus plan.
• Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
• 401K employer matching.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for employees and family.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Company‑paid Life insurance, Short‑ and Long‑term disability insurance.
• 8‑weeks for Paternity leave.
• Generous holiday allowance.
• Flexible time off plus sick leave.
• Reimbursement for home office equipment, phone, and internet expenses.

At Energy Vault we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. We believe inclusion creates opportunity for collaborative excellence through diversity of thought. We invite individuals of all genders, races, identities, ethnicities, sexual orientations, national origins, abilities, protected veteran status, religions, educational and socioeconomic backgrounds to explore employment with our organization.

Apply now and become a catalyst for change at Energy Vault!