Staff BESS Electrical Design Engineer, EPC

Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling — keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded in 2017, we’re delivering low-cost and large-scale energy storage and producing battery materials in the U.S. for the first time, all from batteries we already have.

About the role

Redwood Materials is seeking a Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Electrical Engineer to join our EPC team. This role is central to the design of scalable, high-performance energy storage infrastructure for utility-scale and distributed applications. Our mission is to build a sustainable circular economy for lithium-ion batteries by transforming recycled materials into high-quality inputs for new batteries.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering efforts for utility scale lithium-ion BESS projects from concept (system sizing, layout) through construction.
• Interface with utilities and ISO/RTOs to support interconnection studies/submittals, permitting, and compliance for new renewable and BESS projects.
• Serve as the internal subject matter expert (SME) for technical challenges related to BESS.
• Design AC and DC electrical systems for BESS using medium voltage transformers, inverters, DC combiners, energy managers, and battery modules.
• Specify and procure long-lead AC equipment.
• Develop schematic diagrams, single-line diagrams, wiring schematics, raceway plans, grounding plans, and protection strategies for AC and DC systems.
• Specify and evaluate components such as circuit breakers, contactors, fuses, disconnects, emergency power off (EPO), and metering devices.
• Coordinate with civil, structural, fire & life safety, SCADA/telecom, geotechnical, and DC system design teams to produce complete IFC packages and technical specifications.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable codes and standards such as NEC 705, NEC 706, IEEE 1547, UL 9540, NFPA 855, and local amendments.
• Lead code reviews and provide summary to internal teams.
• Integration of BESS with grid infrastructure and other renewable and traditional energy sources.
• Perform power system studies for short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and protective device coordination for AC and DC systems.
• Serve as the Electrical Engineer of Record for assigned projects.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of BESS technologies, codes, and industry trends.
• Lead R&D efforts to perform feasibility analysis of using medium voltage DC distribution system for integrating BESS with other sources.
• Provide CA support for RFIs, submittal reviews, change orders, and site inspections.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders and external consultants to track scope, schedule, and budget.
• Prepare engineering cost estimates and project schedules in collaboration with project controls at various design milestones.
• Perform QA/QC reviews of electrical designs and mentor junior engineers.
• Contribute to internal design standards, templates, and best practices.
• Manage project workload and ensure timely delivery of engineering documents.
• Support strategic initiatives related to grid integration, renewable energy, and energy storage.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from ABET accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in Nevada or eligible for reciprocity. Must get their PE in Nevada and South Carolina within 2 months of start date.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in solar, energy storage, or microgrid sectors, with at least 3 years focused on BESS design and deployment.
• Proven expertise in interconnection and regulatory compliance for BESS systems.
• SME in knowledge of NEC 705, NEC 706, IEEE 1547, UL 9540, and NFPA 855.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in:
  • Microgrid and hybrid power systems modeling tools using HOMER or similar
  • Power system modeling using ETAP, SKM, or similar
  • AutoCAD/Revit, Navisworks, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office
• Preferred proficiency in:
  • Transmission-level load flow and stability using PSSE and PSLF
  • Electromagnetic Transient Simulations using PSCAD, EMTC or similar
  • SEL Relay Settings using SEL AcSELerator or equivalent
  • Design of HVDC systems and converter station
• Strong understanding of energy storage use-cases including peak shaving, load shifting, demand response, and frequency response.
• Highly motivated, proactive, and detail oriented.
• Ability to communicate effectively through verbal, written, and visual formats.

Pay

In accordance with California pay transparency laws, the salary range for this position is $190,000 USD - $252,500 USD. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and skills.

Schedule

The position is full-time.