Director Of Engineering

Director of Engineering (EE EOR) 

About BoxPower:  

BoxPower is on a mission to provide clean, reliable, affordable energy ANYWHERE. BoxPower’s ecosystem of software and hardware solutions optimize performance and accelerate the deployment of microgrids. BoxPower’s hybrid solar microgrids offer immediate savings over line hardening, upgrades, and maintenance in remote areas. Our fire-safe systems provide a permanent energy supply to replace traditional utility lines.  We work with community groups and public utilities to ensure everyone has access to safe, clean, reliable energy.     

About This Role 

BoxPower is seeking a Director of Engineering (DE). The ideal candidate is an Electrical Engineer of Record with experience leading EPC energy projects (Distributed Generation/Microgrids) and managing project engineering across all disciplines. They will lead project engineering teams and subs in executing microgrids and energy projects (solar/BESS/Generator), by overseeing RFP development, feasibility designs, engineering tasks, construction support, and support PMs on managing engineering tasks, schedule and change orders (experience working with product development teams is a plus). This role involves streamlining processes, resource planning, and managing subcontractors. The DE will also act as an Electrical Engineering SME across all projects, lead select microgrid projects (10kW-20MW), and ensure collaboration with clients, vendors, and internal teams (PM, Product, Sales, O&M). They will help standardize designs, BOMs, and foster vendor relationships, and make site visits, as needed, for initial assessment and construction progress reviews. Examples of projects this role may work on include utility-owned ‘Remote Grids’, rural community resiliency microgrids, indigenous electrification projects, EV charging microgrids, and wildfire mitigation projects. 

The Director of Engineering will manage a team of engineers, oversee multiple projects, and ensure alignment with company goals, client needs, and regulatory standards. The position requires 5+ years of experience in the renewable energy (solar and storage) industry, and leadership skills. The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $180,000 depending on experience and extended responsibilities. This can be a remote or hybrid/in-person role at BoxPower HQ in Grass Valley, CA with travel expectations to site or Grass Valley HQ as required.  

Reports to:  

Chief Operating Officer  

Direct Reports:  

Project Engineers 

Responsibilities: 

• Will act as Electrical Subject Matter Expert (SME) across all projects including feasibility studies

• Standardize Electrical Engineering Designs and Documentation, including BOMs

• Responsible for technically owning their projects starting from development through design, construction, testing/commissioning and to project completion. This includes supporting the PM in ensuring project(s) are on budget and schedule.

• Review and determine project technical requirements. Ensure all technical requirements are met with buy-in from customer, AHJ, and other internal/external stakeholders. Ensuring technical decisions/assumptions/design all have a clear and transparent paper trail/calculations.

• Will own all project engineering deliverables. This may include creating your own deliverables or owning deliverables provided by subs. Own comments, submittals, and RFIs for projects.

• Supporting construction bids by coordinating with subs, vendors, clients to support bids from subcontractors. This includes creating technical requirements and clarifying RFIs for subcontractor bids.

• For completed projects, may provide support for BoxPower’s O&M team as well.

• Conduct and support other engineers doing site visits including collecting relevant site-specific information and confirming construction progress through QA/QC. Additionally, attending vendor Factory Acceptance Testing, BoxPower Testing, and site startup/commissioning/closeout as needed.

• Support bidding turnkey standard microgrid projects via technical details, design, and engineering support to the sales team.

• Create, update, and own all plans including electrical plans, SLD, 3LD, controls (a plus), sequence of operations (a plus), cable/conduit schedules, etc.

• Support field service with commissioning, troubleshooting & servicing energy storage systems

Skills and Qualifications: 

• BS in Electrical Engineering. MS in Electrical Engineering is a plus.

• Professional Engineer License in Electrical Engineering.

• 5+ years of designing and executing microgrid projects up to 10MW. Microgrid includes solar PV, Generators, BESS, PV, and other DERs, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

• Familiarity and experienced with using pertinent codes and standards for Microgrid and BESS projects. This may include NEC / CEC, IFC / CFC, NFPA, etc. Ability to review new codes/standards and provide an interpretation.

• Understanding of IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, UL codes a plus.

• LV switchboard/switchgear, MV Switchgear and MV interconnection experience is a plus.

• Implementing microgrids with Tesla Megapack 2 XL a plus.

• Experienced with SEL devices a plus (i.e. SEL-735, 700G, 751, 3530,3350...)

• Experienced with construction and testing

• Experienced with controls is a plus: architecture, sequence of operations for microgrids

• Ability to specify, identify, and approve equipment.

• Ability to effectively multi-task and manage numerous projects/tasks simultaneously, frequently within an aggressive and compressed schedule

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to clearly and effectively present complex information to all levels of employees, management, and clients

• Proactiveness, team player and willingness to teach and learn from others.

• Mentor junior Engineers.

• Must be proficient in technical drawing review (AutoCAD knowledge is a plus)

• Experience using HOMER/Xendee and PVSyst (2+ years a plus)

• Experience with estimating software such as RS Means is a plus.

Working at BoxPower:   

BoxPower is a dynamic start-up entering its 8th year of operations, located in beautiful Grass Valley, California. We provide a casual workplace with flexible work options. Our Headquarters office is a dog-friendly office. Currently, we provide medical, dental, and vision benefits for full-time employees and unlimited PTO plans. Employees all receive equity options and have the opportunity to contribute to a Non-Matching 401K retirement savings account