Development Engineer I
Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (Remote/Hybrid Flexibility)

At Sparkfund, we help organizations deploy and scale distributed energy solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable energy future. Our work sits at the intersection of energy infrastructure, engineering, and emerging technologies - helping bring distributed energy resource (DER) projects from concept to reality.

We're looking for a Development Engineer I to support the technical development of battery storage and distributed energy projects across Sparkfund's growing portfolio.

This role is ideal for an engineer who wants hands-on exposure to real-world project development, utility coordination, engineering design, permitting, and cross-functional project execution within one of the fastest-growing sectors in energy.

You'll work closely with engineering, development, permitting, and project teams to help evaluate project feasibility, support technical design reviews, and move projects efficiently through the development lifecycle.

If you enjoy technical problem-solving, collaborative environments, and seeing your work translate into real infrastructure projects, we'd love to talk.
What You'll Do
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

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

Benefits & Perks

• Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• 401(k) with 2% employer match
• Flexible time away policy designed to support work-life balance
• Federal holidays observed plus Friday half-days
• 12 weeks gender-neutral paid caregiver leave
• $100/month phone and Wi-Fi allowance
• Remote-first flexibility with opportunities for in-person collaboration
• Opportunities to grow within a rapidly evolving energy industry

Compensation

$101,500 - $123,700 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and geographic location alignment.
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.