1 Position Overview
Starting Salary Range: $140,000+
Location: Lower 48 United States
Employment Type: Full-time, Remote
The Lead Power Systems Engineer is a key leadership role reporting to the Executive Vice President. You will lead the design development, planning, modeling, and implementation of energy projects for ProtoGen's clients. Project work spans all types of generation, microgrids, backup power systems, substation integration, controls, and related systems.
ProtoGen typically works at the front of the project development chain. We define the concept, prepare the basis of design, model the system, and establish the budget. Detailed design is usually handed off to third-party engineering firms. A central part of this role is directing that handoff and managing external engineering teams so that the final design reflects ProtoGen's intent and serves the client's interests.
The ideal candidate has a strong background in power systems engineering, holds a Professional Engineer license, and communicates clearly and effectively with clients, contractors, and partner firms, ideally via 3D drawings as well as 2D schematics. You do not need to be an expert in every related system, but you need a working knowledge of each and the judgment to know when to bring in a specialist. You will also be expected to maintain current knowledge of industry trends and technologies.
2 Remote Work
This is a remote position. Candidates living in or relocating to the Eastern Time Zone, specifically Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Lehigh Valley, and South Jersey, are preferred, but we are willing to accommodate the right candidate. Some travel will be required.
3 Key Responsibilities
3.1 Design Development and Engineering
- Lead planning, modeling, feasibility, and design development activities for client energy projects
- Prepare basis of design documents, cost budgets, and conceptual designs that carry a project from idea to executable design
- Plan and design microgrid systems that integrate renewable generation, energy storage, rotating machine generation, and backup power
- Perform power system studies, including load flow, short circuit, and technical and economic analysis, in both grid-connected and islanded modes
- Support substation integration, distribution infrastructure, and controls design for new projects
- Develop or support client proposals, including conceptualizing, writing, and editing
3.2 Management of External Engineering Teams
- Direct the handoff of ProtoGen designs to third-party engineering firms for detailed design and construction documents
- Review external deliverables for conformance with the basis of design, applicable codes, and client requirements
- Oversee external engineering and construction efforts on behalf of ProtoGen's clients
- Serve as the technical point of contact among clients, contractors, and partner firms
3.3 Leadership
- Provide technical support and guidance to clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders
- Collaborate with ProtoGen's subject matter experts to ensure successful project execution and compliance with technical standards and regulations
- Maintain current knowledge of industry trends, technologies, and best practices in power systems and distributed energy
- Help grow ProtoGen's engineering capabilities and, over time, build and manage a team
4 Qualifications
4.1 Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering or a power systems-related technical field from an accredited university
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in good standing; Pennsylvania preferred
- Strong background in power systems engineering
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to manage and coordinate outside engineering teams
- Comfortable and efficient working remotely
4.2 Required Technical Skills & Knowledge
- Power system studies and modeling, including load flow, short circuit, and protection
- Working knowledge of related systems, including controls, SCADA, energy storage, substations, and electric vehicle infrastructure; expert depth in each is not required, but you must understand how these systems interact
- Working knowledge of the NEC, applicable NFPA and IEEE standards
- Experience with distributed and renewable generation technologies such as PV, wind, generators, CHP, and energy storage
- Experience with utility tariffs, rates, and interconnection processes
- Advanced experience with 3D modeling software. SketchUp preferred; AutoCAD, Revit, etc. is a plus
- Ability to quickly develop proficiency with energy and economic modeling tools (for example CYME, ETAP, OpenDSS, PVSyst, Helioscope, SAM, Xendee, or Homer) and in-house spreadsheet models
- Proficient with MS Office; advanced Excel proficiency preferred
4.3 Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to lead design teams and manage multiple concurrent projects
- Experience reviewing and directing third-party engineering deliverables
- Experience developing basis of design documents and conceptual design packages
- Knowledge of energy master planning concepts
- Experience building successful working relationships with project teams and customers
If you are a results-oriented engineer with a passion for energy project development, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team as Lead Power Systems Engineer.
5 What We Offer
5.1 Compensation Overview
The annual base salary for this position begins at $140,000. The salary ultimately offered for this position will be informed by criteria including but not limited to the scope, complexity, and location of the role and the skills, education, training, credentials, and experience of the candidate.
5.2 Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance at no direct cost
- Flexible schedule
- Unlimited paid time off (provided your work is completed on time and on schedule)
- Performance-based bonuses
- 401(k) with company match after 1 year
- Annual professional development budget
6 Application Requirements
Interested candidates must submit:
- Comprehensive cover letter detailing relevant experience and achievements
- Detailed resume demonstrating background in required areas
- Three professional references
6.1 Additional Information
This position is subject to a 90-day probationary period for new hires.
7 About ProtoGen, Inc.
ProtoGen is a leading distributed energy consulting firm specializing in sustainable and resilient energy solutions. Founded with a mission to advance the energy transition by creating alignment among energy stakeholders, we bring together deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and exceptional educational skills to serve our diverse client base.
7.1 Our Core Services
- Energy project lifecycle management from conceptual development through operations and maintenance
- Feasibility studies, design and engineering, and project management
- Workforce development and training program administration
- Curriculum design and learning management system development
- Technical assistance and consulting for complex energy systems
7.2 Our Expertise
We serve clients across multiple sectors including commercial & industrial companies, real estate developers, educational institutions, national laboratories, federal agencies, state energy offices, and municipal and tribal governments. Our team combines decades of experience in microgrids, distributed energy resources, solar PV systems, energy storage, and grid integration technologies.
7.3 What Sets Us Apart
We offer a rare combination in our industry: deep technical expertise and experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to educate and bring along stakeholders. Our approach focuses on impact, transparency, community empowerment, and delivering measurable results that advance the clean energy transition.
7.4 Our Values
- Transparency: Building trust through open communication and honest assessments
- Empowerment: Helping communities enhance sustainability, resilience, and energy equity
- Innovation: Advancing cutting-edge technologies and market solutions
- Collaboration: Creating alignment among diverse energy stakeholders
8 Equal Opportunity Employer
ProtoGen, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.