Alternative Energy Engineer in Training or Designer

About the role

This on-site role in Missoula, Montana supports the design of solar, battery storage, and microgrid systems for utility-scale and large commercial projects. The position is open to candidates entering as an Engineer in Training or as a Designer, depending on background and licensure path. Occasional travel is required, typically three to five site visits per year.

Working under a senior engineer, you will help design PV systems, battery storage, and microgrids for grid-tied and standalone projects, ranging from commercial solar installations to utility-scale battery systems. Day-to-day tasks include drafting one-line diagrams, performing load calculations, and using PVSyst and Homer Pro/Grid to size generation and storage systems. You will also coordinate with other disciplines by reading architectural and civil plans to produce contract documents.

By the end of your first year, you will be comfortable with drafting programs and able to take a project's goals and floor plans to lay out PV systems and develop single-line diagrams while ensuring code compliance. You will work on a small, high-growth team projected to expand from four to eight people, gaining exposure to behind-the-meter microgrid projects.

Responsibilities

• Draft and revise electrical design drawings for solar, battery storage, and microgrid systems under the guidance of a licensed engineer, including setup, input, and redline corrections
• Perform load calculations and develop one-line diagrams for electrical services, sizing systems by voltage, phase, amperage, and kVA
• Apply National Electrical Code requirements for grounding, conductor sizing, demand factors, and conduit fill as you build code competency under senior engineer supervision
• Calculate solar generation and system sizing using PVSyst and Homer Pro/Grid for both utility-scale and building-connected power generation projects
• Analyze utility electrical tariffs to calculate system payback timelines for clients
• Coordinate with architectural and civil teams by reading and interpreting their plans to produce accurate, consistent contract documents
• Take on ambiguous project scopes and fill in technical details independently as you grow into the role

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related energy field, or two to three years of relevant alternative energy design experience in place of a degree
• Zero to three years of job-related experience
• Basic knowledge of AC and DC electrical systems and design practices
• Competency with Microsoft Office Products, specifically Microsoft Excel
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills with excellent written and verbal communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Willingness to sit for the FE exam within the first year, or a current EIT certification
• Experience with System Advisor Model (SAM), PVSyst, or Homer Grid/Pro
• Exposure to utility-scale or commercial-scale solar or battery storage system projects
• Familiarity with NEC and IEEE codes and standards
• Working knowledge of Autodesk Revit MEP, AutoCAD, and Bluebeam

Benefits

Cushing Terrell offers a competitive benefits package, work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets, and a company culture that celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. The firm is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and over 500 team members focused on creating sustainable systems and spaces.

Pay

The expected salary range for this position is $65,000 to $80,000 annually. Actual pay will be determined based on the candidate's years of experience, licensure status, location, level of proficiency, and other job-related factors. This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.