Development Engineer

Overview

We are looking for a Development Engineer to provide comprehensive engineering support for distributed energy and microgrid projects. Our projects typically include managing a variety of DER and microgrid assets—such as solar, energy storage, controls, and reciprocating engines. This role will report to the Manager of Development Engineering and is a hybrid position based out of Oakland, CA or Santa Monica, CA.

• Create electrical and physical designs for microgrid and DER systems, accounting for existing electrical infrastructure, AHJ requirements, and site constraints.
• Communicate technical constraints and possibilities to internal and customer stakeholders using strong technical and communication skills.
• Work with business development (BD) teams to evaluate and develop the right technical solutions.
• Collaborate with BD, execution, and commercial teams on projects to ensure the microgrid integration is technically sound, practical, and cost‑effective. This includes working with existing service entrance one-line drawings or creating new ones to provide the best design interface for functionality and cost.
• Investigate interconnection, including submitting interconnection applications and modifying existing design concepts applicable to each site.
• Coordinate with switch gear manufacturers (and other OEMs) to ensure switch gear designs meet project requirements, site constraints, and utility requirements within cost and schedule constraints. This includes work at voltage levels of 34.5kV, 23kV, 13.8kV, 4160V, 480V, and 208V depending on site and system size.
• Provide input to solar, battery, and generator designs to optimize performance, reliability, and sustainability for each customer site.
• Collaborate with the development engineering team and other internal stakeholders to continually improve templates and processes for continuous improvement.

• 5+ years of experience in the design and construction of power/generation/renewable energy projects.
• Solid technical understanding of distributed energy technologies, including solar, battery, and reciprocating engines/turbines.
• Deep understanding of rotating power with reciprocating engines in the 200 to 2000 kW per engine size range is preferred.
• Understanding of onsite power generation, including parallel operation with the utility bus and other DERs, in grid parallel and island modes.
• Strong understanding of the utility side of interconnection.
• Knowledge of various DER power sources within the microgrid and how they interface with the utility to improve efficiency.
• Knowledge of emissions from the utility side as well as each DER.
• Knowledge of systems controls for the DERs to achieve operating goals within the microgrid, contributing to economic return for both the company and the customer.
• Strong communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• A BS in Engineering is required; a BS in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power is preferred.
• PE (Power) license or progress toward it is preferred.
• Advanced courses in power or a higher-level degree are preferred.

Scale is redefining resilience with advanced microgrids that go beyond traditional backup power to enable businesses to adapt and thrive amid energy challenges. As a vertically integrated provider of turnkey microgrid systems, Scale combines project design, engineering, and execution with microgrid‑as‑a‑service financing to deliver systems optimized for value from day one while ensuring reliable operations and fast power.

Scale is backed by EQT, with assets and capital that support Scale’s growth. To learn more, visit

EQT is a leading global investment organization with significant assets under management and operations across Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas. To learn more, visit

Scale strives to attract a workforce that reflects the diversity of our customer base and communities. We are committed to providing a work environment that offers equal access and opportunity to contribute and drive meaningful outcomes. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply and will consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.