Alternative Energy Engineer in Training

Cushing Terrell is hiring an Alternative Energy Engineer in Training to join our alternative energy team in Missoula Montana. This is an on-site role open to candidates entering as an Engineer in Training or as a Designer depending on background and licensure path supporting the design of solar battery storage and microgrid systems for utility-scale and large commercial projects. The role involves occasional travel typically three to five site visits per year to support active projects.

What does this role involve day to day
Working under a senior engineer you will help design PV systems battery storage and microgrids for grid-tied and standalone projects ranging from commercial solar installations to utility-scale battery systems spanning acres of land. You will draft one line diagrams perform load calculations and use PVSyst and Homer Pro/Grid to size generation and storage systems. You will also read architectural and civil plans to coordinate your work with other disciplines in the production of contract documents.

What does success look like year one
By the end of your first year you will be comfortable with the drafting programs used on our projects and able to take a projects goals and floor plans lay out the PV system and develop the single line diagram while checking your work against code. You will get direct exposure to senior engineers on a small high growth team that is projected to grow from four to five to eight people over the next year working on some of the only behind the meter microgrid projects being done in the country.

The expected salary range for this position is $65000 to $80000 annually.

• Bachelors degree in electrical engineering mechanical engineering or a related energy field or two to three years of relevant alternative energy design experience in place of a degree
• Zero to three years of job related experience
• Basic knowledge of AC and DC electrical systems and design practices
• Competency with Microsoft Office Products specifically Microsoft Excel
• Competent mathematical and analytical skills with strong written and verbal communication

• Willingness to sit for the FE exam within the first year or a current EIT certification
• Experience with System Advisor Model (SAM) PVSyst or Homer Grid/Pro
• Exposure to utility scale or commercial scale solar or battery storage system projects
• Familiarity with NEC and IEEE codes and standards
• Working knowledge of Autodesk Revit MEP AutoCAD and Bluebeam.

Did you know that some people hold back on applying to jobs if they dont meet 100% of the listed requirements We dont want you to hold back! If you check most of the qualifications above and believe you could successfully do the work we encourage you to apply!

• Draft and revise electrical design drawings for solar battery storage and microgrid systems under the guidance of a licensed engineer including setup input and redline corrections
• Perform load calculations and develop one line diagrams for electrical services sizing systems by voltage phase amperage and kVA
• Apply National Electrical Code requirements for grounding conductor sizing demand factors and conduit fill as you build code competency under senior engineer supervision
• Calculate solar generation and system sizing using PVSyst and Homer Pro/Grid for both utility scale and building connected power generation projects
• Analyze utility electrical tariffs to calculate system payback timelines for clients
• Coordinate with architectural and civil teams by reading and interpreting their plans to produce accurate consistent contract documents
• Take on ambiguous project scopes and fill in technical details independently as you grow into the role

Cushing Terrell is a multidisciplinary design firm with 17 offices and more than 500 team members who bring together their expertise to deliver holistic built environments. Leveraging our influence as designers we work to create sustainable systems and spaces that help people live their best lives.

At Cushing Terrell we empower creative designers to discover imaginative responsible first-of-their-kind environments. But more than that we support a strong cohesive team from our design professionals to our business operations staff. Together we champion diversity equity inclusion and belonging placing people at the center of our practice thus our tagline design meets you. Together we find joy in uncovering imaginative solutions for the people who work here the people we work for and the planet as a whole. We offer a competitive benefits package work opportunities in a variety of locations and markets and a company culture that celebrates all the unique viewpoints and personalities that make up our talented team. View our Employee Benefits Guide: to Note

*Actual pay will be determined based on the candidates years of experience licensure status location level of proficiency and other job related factors (as permitted by law). This position is also eligible for an annual performance bonus.

**Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Cushing Terrell will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

***The majority of the time a person in this role will be sitting in an office with limited physical requirements. This may require individuals to bend stretch twist and reach.

Cushing Terrell is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity or national origin or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local laws and ordinances. Contact 406.248.7455 if you require assistance or accommodation during the employment application process.

Note to recruitment agencies: Cushing Terrell does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of Cushing Terrell without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of Cushing Terrell.