Civil Engineer - Development
About Sparkfund
Sparkfund is the utility services company unlocking capacity on the grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities, energy majors, and large-load customers to deploy front-of-the-meter batteries and gensets as distribution infrastructure. By adding targeted capacity exactly where and when the grid needs it most, DCP helps meet demand, support reliability, and put downward pressure on rates.
Sparkfund supports program design, grid value assessment, asset host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment with maximum system value and lowest cost. With more than 3,200 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming customer-sited assets into a valuable portfolio resource for the benefit of our society.
Civil Engineer - Development
At Sparkfund, we help organizations deploy and scale distributed energy solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable energy future. Our work sits at the intersection of energy infrastructure, engineering, and emerging technologies — helping bring distributed energy resource (DER) projects from concept to reality. We’re looking for a Civil Engineer - Development to support the technical development of battery storage and distributed energy projects across Sparkfund’s growing portfolio.
- Support Technical Project Development
- Conduct technical site assessments and feasibility reviews for DER projects
- Support engineering design development, technical reviews, and constructability evaluations
- Aid in interconnection applications, utility coordination, and technical documentation
- Assist with preparing permitting packages and supporting plan review processes with local jurisdictions
- Engineering & Design Support
- Develop and review technical drawings, project documentation, and engineering deliverables
- Ensure designs align with applicable electrical codes, utility requirements, and project standards
- Support project teams in identifying and resolving technical or constructability issues
- Maintain accuracy and attention to detail across engineering and development documentation
- Partner Cross-Functionally
- Collaborate with Development, Engineering, Permitting, and Project Execution teams to support successful project advancement
- Coordinate with third-party consultants, permitting partners, utilities, and environmental teams as needed
- Support smooth handoffs from project development into construction and execution phases
- Aid in stakeholder and community coordination activities related to project development
- Operational Excellence
- Track project development milestones, deliverables, and timelines
- Help identify project risks, delays, or permitting constraints and escalate concerns appropriately
- Support the development and maintenance of technical standards, templates, tracking tools, and process documentation
- Aid in preparing preliminary project scopes, schedules, and development budgets
What You’ll Do
Support Technical Project Development
Conduct technical site assessments and feasibility reviews for DER projects
Support engineering design development, technical reviews, and constructability evaluations
Aid in interconnection applications, utility coordination, and technical documentation
Assist with preparing permitting packages and supporting plan review processes with local jurisdictions
Required Experience
- 2–5 years of experience in electrical engineering, project development, or distributed energy system design
- Knowledge of electrical systems, utility interconnection processes, and applicable electrical codes (NEC)
- Strong technical documentation and organizational skills
- Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
Preferred Experience
- With solar, battery storage, EV charging, or distributed energy systems
- Exposure to utility interconnection applications and permitting workflows
- FE/EIT certification or interest in pursuing PE licensure
- Experience supporting construction or field-based infrastructure projects
Benefits & Perks
- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Flexible time away policy designed to support work-life balance
- Federal holidays observed plus Friday half-days
- 12 weeks gender-neutral paid caregiver leave
- Monthly communication stipend
- Opportunities to grow within a rapidly evolving energy industry
Compensation
$101,500 – $123,700 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and geographic location alignment.
Location & Travel
This role is based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with remote and hybrid flexibility. Occasional travel may be required for project site visits, stakeholder meetings, and company gatherings.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Sparkfund also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment.