Job Description

The Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt is seeking an experienced electrical engineer to join our microgrid deployment team. The Schatz Center is a leader in microgrid innovation, including behind-the-meter, front-of-the-meter, and networked microgrid systems. We work in close collaboration with state and local agencies, Tribal Nations, and utility partners to develop strong projects that advance grid decarbonization, rural reliability and energy resilience, and Tribal energy sovereignty.

For the full job posting, please reference our website – https://schatzcenter.org/jobs/

We are looking for an electrical engineer to support our growing portfolio of work related to clean energy microgrids and distributed energy. These technologies are critical to enable a broad transition to renewable and clean energy systems. The chosen applicant will work with our experienced electrical and controls engineering staff to develop innovative microgrid projects with multiple indigenous Tribes in Northern California.

This position is expected to start in July 2025, and is based at the Schatz Center in Arcata, CA. The exact start date is negotiable. Our team members have the flexibility to either work onsite full-time or alternate between remote work and onsite work, with a minimum of 40% of their time spent at the Schatz Center. During the initial onboarding period, the selected candidate could telecommute, but ultimately will need to live within commuting distance of the Schatz Center. Applications are welcome from all who are legally eligible to work in the U.S.

Who We Are and What We Do
Since 1989, the Schatz Center has been a leader in applied research and project development for clean and renewable energy. Our current portfolio includes microgrid development, sustainable transportation design, carbon life cycle analysis, solar product testing, offshore wind feasibility studies, and planning and policy for clean energy access around the globe.

We are located on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California. Arcata’s 800-acre community forest and 11 miles of trails through the heart of the redwoods begin just one block away, and we are within biking distance of California’s second largest inland bay and the Pacific Ocean.

As residents of a rural coastal community, we are keenly aware of our social and environmental responsibilities. We are committed to increasing energy access and resilience for communities worldwide — and do so through clean and renewable design that reduces climate change and restores environmental and human health.

Job Summary
As an electrical engineer at the Schatz Center, the successful applicant will help develop innovative projects that aim to decarbonize the electricity grid and provide resiliency benefits to communities. Once hired, engineers are responsible for contributing to and completing work across several projects simultaneously.

The successful applicant will report directly to a Principal Engineer and have the opportunity to work across both the electrical and controls engineering teams. Their role will also involve working with faculty, professional staff, and undergraduate and graduate students who are committed to understanding, deploying, and improving these emerging technology systems.

After onboarding and initial training activities, engineers work with a Principal Engineer, lead electrical engineer, and/or lead controls engineer and others to finalize the list of projects they will work on. Then a series of hand-off and orientation meetings will be organized to transfer engineering duties to them.

On a daily basis, the successful applicant will perform engineering and analytical work in collaboration with project teams in support of project execution. They contribute toward meeting project objectives and deadlines, and support project managers in keeping projects on time and within budget. As an electrical engineer, they also may supervise, coach, and/or mentor one or more early career-level staff or student research assistants.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and experience Working knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, and methods. This qualification can be met by education, training, and/or experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Engineering discipline plus at least five years of related professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Proficiency with typical electrical engineering calculations such as wire, conduit, and breaker sizing, and three phase real and reactive power calculations.
● Familiarity with load flow, short circuit coordination, and arc flash concepts.
● Experience designing and/or reviewing designs of electrical systems, including knowledge of evaluation of existing electrical equipment with a view to considering potential modifications.
● Knowledge of and experience with industry codes, standards, laws, ordinances, and regulations
● Knowledge of and experience with industry standard engineering and construction practices, calculations, study methodologies, onsite construction observation and/or management.
● Experience with the development and review of construction plans.
● Experience or familiarity with AutoCAD.
● Commitment to promoting and supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and with external partners.
● Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
● Ability to establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships inside and outside the organization, especially with those that may come from different cultures, environments, and different situations.
● Ability to think creatively and problem solve, as well as support colleagues and partners in problem solving.
● Ability to make progress on tasks working independently upon receipt of clear direction and to organize follow-up opportunities for additional guidance from Senior or Principal Engineers as needed to efficiently complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
● Experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously, meeting deadlines, and quickly adapting to changing priorities.
● Attention to detail and accuracy, and experience maintaining accurate files and records.
● Proficiency and experience using common office software such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, Google Spaces, Google Spreadsheets, and Google Docs.

Desirable Experience or Training (The following are welcome, but they are not required to be eligible for the position. Please see the important note below.)
● Electrical Engineering License or Engineer-in-Training certification.
● Experience or familiarity with software such as:
○ Power system design and engineering software such as SKM, Etap, Hypersim, PSCAD, PSLF, PSSE, Cyme, or EasyPower.
○ Protection Relay programming, particularly SEL relay logic using Acselerator Quickset or equivalent manufacturer software.
● Experience with or knowledge of SEL Real-Time Automation Controller, CoDeSys, and/or other IEC 61131-3 programming using Acselerator RTAC or equivalent manufacturer software.
● Experience with or knowledge of Control and/or Power Hardware-in-the-loop testing.
● Knowledge of developing pseudocode and/or protection relay logic in flowchart format.
● Knowledge of how to conduct energy system modeling using System Advisor Model or equivalent tool.
● Experience with automation and associated communication protocols and network design.
● Experience with microgrids.

Important note: This vacancy announcement includes both (a) minimum qualifications as well as (b) desirable experience or training. Research shows that many women and people of color, in particular, feel that they have to have 100% of both required and desired skills and experience before applying for a new job. We want to reiterate that the additional welcome experience and training options listed above are not required to apply for a position on our team . If you meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to apply.

Compensation and Benefits
This is a full time, benefit-eligible position with a minimum term of one year. Employee continuation is anticipated, contingent on funding, workload, and performance. The monthly salary is between $6,202 and $8,731, depending on skills and experience. Cost of living adjustments are made annually in July.

Insurance
Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance are available for employees and dependents.

Paid time off
● 14 holidays per year, including December 25 to January 1
● 6 ⅔ hours of vacation per month
● 8 hours of sick leave per month
● 1 personal day per calendar year
Paid leave is also provided for voting and jury duty, and programs are available for pregnancy, disability, and family medical leave.

Retirement
Beginning at one year of service, employer contributions of 10% of employee gross wages are made to a 403(b) employer-paid retirement investment plan. Employees may also contribute to a voluntary tax-sheltered annuity plan.

For the full job posting, please reference our website – https://schatzcenter.org/jobs/

How to Apply

Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 80,000 - 100,000.

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