Data Center, Sr Project Engineer

Job Description

This critical Senior Principal Engineer role will be the first hire of this kind in our newly created Data Center vertical. You will oversee the design and engineering of behind-the-meter (BTM), or off-grid microgrids, gas-fired power plants, and solar storage systems for hyperscale and colocation data centers.

This is a hybrid role based out of our Ridgewood, NJ HQ, but could also be located at our NYC, LA, or Oakland, CA offices.

This key role combines commercial leadership, strong technical skills, and a builder's mindset. You will drive the expansion of our data center power solutions, build trusted partnerships, and ensure Scale remains at the forefront of decarbonized, resilient, and scalable energy infrastructure for mission-critical facilities.

Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Serve as the subject matter expert, Scale's accountable lead engineer for the design and engineering of energy power distribution systems for new data centers and retrofits, including electrical layouts, UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems, generators, PV, and BESS.
• Utilize your strong technical and communication skills to interface with all aspects of the business and customers.
• Work extensively with our execution (project management) team to deliver turn-key solutions for our customers within budget and per schedule.
• Oversee and manage consultants that perform load analysis, short-circuit studies, and reliability assessments to ensure optimal performance of electrical systems. Responsible for reviewing consultant deliverables for technical soundness, providing detailed feedback and guidance.
• Manage and actively participate in the development of detailed power system specifications, schematics, and diagrams for data center projects. Accountable for optimized power system designs for maximum efficiency, scalability, and sustainability while minimizing operational costs.
• Conduct risk assessments and reliability studies to identify potential points of failure and implement corrective actions to enhance system robustness. Develop and implement maintenance strategies and lifecycle management plans for power systems.
• Work with the development, execution, and commercial teams on specific projects to ensure the integration of the Microgrid is technically correct, practical, and cost-effective. This includes working with existing service entrance one-line drawings or creating new ones, to provide the best design interface for functionality and cost.
• Investigate the interconnection, which includes modifications to existing design concepts that are applicable to each site.
• Work with switchgear manufacturers and other OEMs to develop innovative designs and costing that are scalable to many jobs and customer sites. This includes working at voltage levels of 34.5kV, 23kV, 13.8kV, 4.16kV, 480V, and 208V, depending on site and system size.
• Provide significant input to the solar, battery, and generator designs to optimize performance, reliability, and sustainability for each customer site.
• Manage engineering consultants in the preparation of detailed engineering and construction drawings and specifications.

The Ideal Candidate

• A minimum of 10+ years of experience in the design and construction of power/generation/renewable projects with a focus on data centers and/or other types of mission-critical facilities.
• Thorough technical understanding of distributed energy technologies, including some combination of solar, battery, and reciprocating engines/turbines.
• Deep understanding of rotating power with reciprocating engines in the 1MW to 20MW size range per engine. This includes parallel operation with the utility bus as well as with other DER's both in grid parallel mode as well as island mode operations.
• In-depth knowledge of power distribution systems, electrical codes, and industry standards (NEC, IEEE, IEC, etc.).
• Knowledge of the various DER power sources within the Microgrid and how they best interface with the utility to provide the most efficient system.
• Knowledge of emissions from the utility side, as well as each of the DERs.
• Knowledge of systems controls for all of the DERs and how they can be utilized to accomplish specific operating goals while part of the Microgrid. These goals provide economic return to us and the customer.
• Experience in submitting interconnection applications, reviewing Utility studies, which may include Detailed Studies, Facility Studies, and System Impact Studies.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate with technical and non-technical people to make projects work.
• AutoCAD experience (for creating conceptual one-line diagrams and site layouts)
• Professional Engineer's License - Electrical
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (with a focus on power) or a related field (Master's 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.