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Development Engineer I
Sparkfund is the deployment services company utilities rely on to take DERs from grid edge to grid core.
With over a decade of experience as a utility services company, Sparkfund has pioneered a smarter approach to deploying distributed assets as part of a fast-growing grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities to plan, deploy, and dispatch DERs at the scale and pace necessary to meet load growth demand and unlock the full value of the grid. We support program design, assessment of DER grid value, host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment of distributed resources with maximum grid value and lowest cost.
With more than 3,500 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming buildings into a valuable extension of the grid for the benefit of our society.
$101,500 – $123,700 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and geographic location alignment.
(Remote/Hybrid Flexibility)
Friday half-days
Support Technical Project Development
- Conduct technical site assessments and feasibility reviews for DER projects
- Support engineering design development, technical reviews, and constructability evaluations
- Assist with interconnection applications, utility coordination, and technical documentation
- Help prepare permitting packages and support plan review processes with local jurisdictions
Engineering & Design Support
- Develop and review technical drawings, project documentation, and engineering deliverables
- Ensure designs align with applicable electrical codes, utility requirements, and project standards
- Support project teams in identifying and resolving technical or constructability issues
- Maintain accuracy and attention to detail across engineering and development documentation
Partner Cross-Functionally
- Collaborate with Development, Engineering, Permitting, and Project Execution teams to support successful project advancement
- Coordinate with third-party consultants, permitting partners, utilities, and environmental teams as needed
- Support smooth handoffs from project development into construction and execution phases
- Assist with stakeholder and community coordination activities related to project development
Support Operational Excellence
- Track project development milestones, deliverables, and timelines
- Help identify project risks, delays, or permitting constraints and escalate concerns appropriately
- Support the development and maintenance of technical standards, templates, tracking tools, and process documentation
- Assist in preparing preliminary project scopes, schedules, and development budgets
Location & Travel
- This role is based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with remote and hybrid flexibility. Occasional travel may be required for project site visits, stakeholder meetings, and company gatherings.
What We’re Looking For
Required Experience
- 2–5 years of experience in electrical engineering, project development, or distributed energy system design
- Knowledge of electrical systems, utility interconnection processes, and applicable electrical codes (NEC)
- Strong technical documentation and organizational skills
- Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience
Preferred
- Experience with solar, battery storage, EV charging, or distributed energy systems
- Exposure to utility interconnection applications and permitting workflows
- FE/EIT certification or interest in pursuing PE licensure
- Experience supporting construction or field-based infrastructure projects
What Success Looks Like
- Delivering accurate and reliable engineering and development support
- Helping projects move efficiently through development milestones
- Maintaining strong technical documentation and quality standards
- Supporting smooth coordination between technical and operational teams
- Continuously building technical expertise within the DER and energy infrastructure space
Apply through the Sparkfund job posting using the online application form.
