Motive Companies

Compensation

Full Description

We are seeking an ambitious and driven Utility Scale Engineering Development Manager (Solar and Storage) to lead engineering efforts and support all phases of project development within a growing grid-scale storage portfolio in the U.S. The Energy team has multiple gigawatts of solar and battery energy storage projects in the pipeline across North America, with several projects nearing operation. This role will work closely with development and execution teams to advance projects from concept through commercial operations. This position provides a unique opportunity to help build one of the largest portfolios of utility-scale solar and BESS assets globally. Key Responsibilities Engineering Leadership & Project Development • Act as the technical lead for utility-scale storage projects during early-stage development, supporting site selection, feasibility studies, and system optimization. • Perform and review conceptual engineering, including site layouts (5%, 10%, 30% design), SLDs, and equipment configurations for PV + BESS and standalone BESS systems. • Evaluate project viability by analyzing interconnection requirements, land use, floodplain risks, zoning, and permitting. Partner with Development and Real Estate teams to confirm site viability from both civil and electrical standpoints. Conduct site visits during pre-construction and oversee/support 30% CD packages. • Develop and manage interconnection strategies across the project portfolio (hybrid or standalone). Assess grid conditions, queue backlogs, and interconnection opportunities at ISO/RTO and utility levels. • Lead or support field assessments during pre-construction to validate design assumptions and constructability. Design Management & Technical Execution • Direct internal and external engineering teams throughout major project phases-design, interconnection, permitting, procurement, commissioning, and O&M transition. • Prepare, review, and validate electrical SLDs and site layouts for PV + BESS and large-scale BESS solutions. • Ensure deliverables (SLDs, diagrams, protection studies, equipment specifications) align with quality, schedule, and regulatory standards. • Prepare and submit interconnection applications (e.g., CAISO, PJM, MISO, ERCOT, utility programs). Manage technical studies (Feasibility, System Impact, Facilities) with consultants and transmission providers. • Review contractor/EPC designs and provide engineering support during construction. • Apply in-depth knowledge of MV systems, including ampacity calculations, short circuit/load flow, protective device coordination, arc flash, and related topics. • Oversee technical scope for FAT/SAT testing, BESS commissioning, and interconnection compliance. Technology Evaluation & Procurement • Partner with procurement to define technical specifications and support vendor selection for major equipment (MV switchgear, transformers, PCS, controls). • Evaluate BESS technologies and OEM offerings, considering augmentation strategies, efficiency, lifecycle performance, and availability. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Standards • Collaborate with Development, Legal, Real Estate, and Permitting teams to drive project success. • Represent the company in dealings with utilities, ISOs (e.g., CAISO, ERCOT), AHJs, and permitting authorities. • Contribute to the creation and upkeep of technical standards, templates, and best practices for utility-scale energy systems. • Support commercial teams on grid-related diligence for M&A, PPAs, and offtake agreements. • Lead cost optimization and value engineering efforts. Qualifications Required • 5+ years of senior-level experience in engineering, technical project management, or sales engineering within PV and/or utility-scale BESS projects. • Skilled in AutoCAD and capable of developing/reviewing system-level designs, including MV electrical layouts and protection schemes. • Strong knowledge of electrical power systems: ampacity calculations, short circuit/load flow, protective device coordination, arc flash, etc. • Familiarity with interconnection processes, PPAs, clean energy incentive programs, and regulatory frameworks across CAISO, ERCOT, and other ISOs. • Proven track record managing engineering consultants, EPCs, and contractors across project phases. • Strong grasp of system design economics, permitting workflows, and grid integration requirements. • Excellent communication skills and a collaborative, solution-oriented approach. • Willingness to travel up to 20%. Preferred • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Power Systems, or Renewables. • Master's degree. • Professional Engineer license. Compensation Hiring salary range: $122,000 - $185,000. Final compensation (including bonus targets) will be based on location, education, experience, skills, and internal alignment with market data. Education:Employment Type: FULL_TIME