Development Engineer

The Role We are seeking a seasoned Development Engineer with direct experience designing, engineering, and developing the technical components of C&I microgrid and distributed energy resource projects. In this role, you will translate customer resiliency, cost, and sustainability goals into engineered microgrid solutions capable of operating in parallel with the utility and independently in island mode. You will conduct site investigations, negotiate with utilities, navigate AHJ requirements and procedures, and orchestrate a complex set of constraints into a project scope that Scale can contract, construct, and operate. You will collaborate with internal cross-functional team members within project deal teams, holding yourself to the highest standard of integrity from start to finish. This is not an entry-level design position: you will own the technical strategy for each assigned project, shaping customer solutions that integrate PV, BESS, controls, and generator assets into a complete microgrid or DER system. This role will report to our Senior Manager, Project & Development Engineering, and will be a hybrid role based out of our HQ in Ridgewood, NJ, or NYC offices. Key responsibilities will include: Support Business Development throughout opportunity qualification and proposal development, providing the technical foundation for the customer-facing solution and stepping in for direct, technical customer conversations when neededPerform desktop audits and onsite investigations to evaluate electrical and overall site conditions and translate findings into project-specific design constraints while also flagging discovered risksDevelop microgrid designs, including one-line diagrams, layouts, and bills of material, progressing from initial concept through contract-ready deliverables. Use production modeling tools to optimize solar, battery storage, and generator assets for performance, resiliency, and economic returnSupport RFP responses and contract negotiations as the technical lead of the deal teamOwn utility interconnection strategy. Engage directly with utility personnel to distinguish requirements that are strictly necessary from those a utility initially assumes are required, challenging impact studies where appropriate to secure the most economical interconnection outcomeLead internal and third-party produced detailed engineering deliverables including interconnection, issue for bid and issue for permit drawing sets, sequence of operations and network diagrams. Oversee innovative custom switchgear designs that integrate Scale's proprietary microgrid control system to enable autonomous operation, specifying and integrating instrument transformers, metering and protective relaysSupport the technical permitting process with authorities having jurisdiction throughout the Northeast, including both discretionary and ministerial approvalsAdvise on major equipment selection for inverters, generators, and battery energy storage systems, balancing performance, cost, and schedule to inform procurement decisionsServe as the overall technical owner of assigned projects, flagging risks and proposing engineered solutions backed by thorough desktop and on-site diligenceProactively refine the internal tools and processes that keep results accurate and consistent as project volume scales The Ideal Candidate 4+ years of experience in the design, development, or construction of power generation, renewable energy, or utility-scale distributed energy resource projects, with a track record of measurable resultsComfort serving as the primary technical point of contact across business development, customers, utilities, and internal engineering and product teams, with the work ethic to manage several fast-moving projects at onceWorking knowledge of low voltage and medium voltage electrical systems, typically 480V through 34.5kV, along with the switchgear, protection, and control equipment required to operate them safelyWorking knowledge of utility distribution infrastructure, including transformers, reclosers, metering, line and substation protection, and SCADA, sufficient to design sound interconnection strategies and confidently question or challenge utility study assumptionsUnderstanding of onsite generation dynamics, including grid parallel and island mode operation, transition types, associated emissions considerations, and the complexities of DER control systems to meet specific operating and economic goalsExposure to reciprocating engines or turbines in the 200 kW to 2000 kW range is a plusExperience with property development or diligence platforms, such as Paces or Landgate, is a plusWorking knowledge of and experience with PV modeling tools such as Helioscope and PVsystExperience with AutoCAD, including the ability to build and maintain templates and automations that improve efficiency and consistency across the teamFamiliarity with utilities and AHJs throughout the Northeast is strongly preferredConfidence delivering a clear technical recommendation to internal and customer stakeholders even when no perfect option existsBS in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field is requiredProfessional Engineer (PE) license in power, or active progress toward one, is preferred This is a great opportunity to have a long-term impact on a fast-paced, private equity-backed growth business. Some of the core virtues embraced by Scales’ employees include: Do the Right Thing Act Like an Owner Hustle Demand Results Go Together Evolve or Disappear We offer a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive benefits program including medical benefits, paid vacation and holidays, and 401K matching. About Scale Microgrids Scale is redefining resilience, with advanced microgrids that go beyond traditional backup power solutions to give businesses the power to adapt and thrive amid all of today’s growing energy challenges. As a vertically-integrated provider of turnkey advanced microgrid systems, Scale combines project design, engineering, and execution expertise with microgrid-as-a-service financing to offer our customers systems that are optimized to deliver maximum value from day one while ensuring ultra-reliable operations and fast time-to-power. Scale is backed by EQT, a firm with :$250B in assets, bringing a depth of experience, resources, and capital that will enable Scale to continue pursuing our vision of powering the world with distributed energy. The investment enables Scale to own and operate billions of dollars in distributed generation assets. To learn more about Scale Microgrids, please visit https://www.scalemicrogrids.com. About EQT EQT is a leading purpose-driven global investment organization with EUR 246 billion in total assets under management, divided into two business segments: Private Capital and Real Assets. EQT owns portfolio companies and assets in Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Americas and supports them in achieving sustainable growth, operational excellence, and market leadership. To learn more about EQT, please visit https://eqtgroup.com. Scale strives to attract and retain a workforce that reflects the composition of our customer base and communities. We are committed to providing a work environment that provides everyone with 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, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. 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.