Discipline: Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Career Level: Entry-Level Engineer
About PVInsight
PVInsight is a multidisciplinary engineering and consulting firm supporting utility-scale renewable energy projects across the project lifecycle. Our teams provide engineering services for Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), Solar PV, Power System Studies, Substations, Transmission Lines, Civil Engineering, and Structural Engineering.
Joining PVInsight offers the opportunity to work on large-scale energy storage and renewable energy projects, collaborate with experienced engineering professionals, and build the technical foundation for a rewarding career in the rapidly growing energy storage industry.
Position Summary
PVInsight is seeking a motivated Trainee Engineer – BESS to support the engineering and design of utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System projects. Working under the guidance of experienced engineers, the successful candidate will assist in the preparation of engineering calculations, construction drawing packages, technical documentation, and multidisciplinary project coordination activities.
This position provides hands-on exposure to utility-scale energy storage systems, electrical power systems, equipment integration, safety requirements, and renewable energy project execution while developing technical and professional engineering skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, schedules, and project documentation for utility-scale BESS projects.
- Support the development of BESS site layouts, battery container configurations, power conversion system (PCS) integration, transformer integration, and associated electrical infrastructure.
- Assist with cable sizing, voltage drop calculations, ampacity calculations, grounding evaluations, equipment loading assessments, and quantity take-offs under supervision.
- Prepare and update engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), equipment schedules, and design deliverables.
- Review engineering inputs, vendor documentation, OEM drawings, and software-generated outputs for completeness and consistency.
- Assist with coordination of EMS, SCADA, communication systems, fire protection systems, HVAC systems, and auxiliary equipment interfaces.
- Perform documented self-checks and support quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) reviews.
- Coordinate with Civil, Structural, Solar PV, Power System Studies, Substation, and Transmission Line teams to support multidisciplinary project execution.
- Maintain organized project records and follow document management procedures.
- Participate in project meetings and communicate progress, technical questions, and potential risks to project leads.
- Support engineering teams in responding to technical comments and design review feedback.
Areas of Technical Exposure
The Trainee Engineer will gain experience in:
- Utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System design and engineering.
- Battery enclosure and container layouts.
- Power Conversion System (PCS) and medium-voltage transformer integration.
- DC, low-voltage AC, and medium-voltage AC collection systems.
- Single-line diagrams (SLDs) and electrical equipment layouts.
- Cable sizing, grounding design, voltage drop calculations, ampacity calculations, and equipment loading evaluations.
- Energy Management Systems (EMS), SCADA, communications, and control system interfaces.
- Fire protection systems, HVAC systems, and code-compliant safety design.
- Augmentation planning, constructability considerations, and site development coordination.
- NEC, NFPA 855, utility interconnection, and Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements.
- Coordination with Solar PV, Civil, Structural, Substation, Transmission Line, and Power System Studies disciplines.
- Design validation, vendor data review, and engineering quality management processes.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree (B.S. or B.Eng.) or Master’s Degree (M.S or M.Eng) in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, or a related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.
- 0-1 years of relevant engineering experience.
- Recent graduates with internship, co-op, research, or project experience in electrical power systems, renewable energy, or energy storage are encouraged to apply.
- Basic understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and three-phase power systems.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Preferred Qualifications
- Internship, research, or project experience involving Battery Energy Storage Systems, Solar PV, power systems, utility infrastructure, or EPC projects.
- Familiarity with electrical equipment such as transformers, switchgear, inverters, relays, and power conversion systems.
- Exposure to utility-scale renewable energy or energy storage projects.
- Familiarity with NEC, NFPA 855, IEEE, IEC, utility requirements, and energy storage industry standards.
- Experience using engineering software or electrical analysis tools through academic coursework, internships, or research projects.
Technical Skills
Preferred familiarity with:
- AutoCAD
- Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
- ETAP or similar electrical analysis software
- Battery OEM sizing and configuration tools
- Bluebeam Revu or equivalent PDF review software
- Engineering document management systems
- Basic power system modeling and calculation tools
Expected Proficiency:
Ability to learn and apply PVInsight engineering workflows, quality management procedures, BESS design standards, and project tools while producing accurate and reliable work under technical supervision.
Learning and Development
This role is designed to accelerate technical and professional growth through:
- Mentorship from experienced BESS and renewable energy engineers.
- Exposure to utility-scale battery energy storage project execution.
- Participation in multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Structured technical reviews and quality assurance processes.
- Hands-on experience with industry-standard engineering software and design practices.
- Exposure to emerging energy storage technologies and industry best practices.
Reporting and Accountability
Reports To: Senior Design Engineer, Engineering Manager, or designated discipline lead.
Accountability:
- Take ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables.
- Maintain accuracy, quality, and traceability of engineering work.
- Perform documented self-checks prior to submission.
- Seek appropriate technical guidance and review when required.
- Demonstrate sound engineering judgment when validating calculations, vendor information, and software-generated outputs.
- Continuously develop technical knowledge, engineering judgment, and professional skills.