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Breakthrough Energy Ventures Portfolio Company Career Opportunities

Structural Engineer

ESS

ESS

Software Engineering
Wilsonville, OR, USA
Posted on Sep 30, 2024

Catalyzing a cleaner future.

ESS is a globally recognized leader in sustainable energy storage and is consistently identified as one of the most innovative and exciting technology players in energy storage. We are poised to be one of the fastest growing energy technology companies in the world, with projects already across 4 continents. ESS is enabling the decarbonization of the grid by providing the long duration energy storage capability to achieve up to 100% of electricity sourcing from clean, sustainable renewable energy.

We are pursuing these ambitious goals with passion. At ESS, we are leading the energy transition, creating the sustainable energy solutions of the future to help individuals, businesses and communities change energy into lasting value.

We are seeking a highly skilled Structural Engineer to join our team and support the design, development, and implementation of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring the structural integrity and safety of our BESS installations, working closely with project managers, electrical engineers, and other stakeholders. This role requires strong expertise in structural design and analysis, as well as knowledge of the unique challenges associated with energy storage systems.

What You'll Do:

  • Design and Analysis: Develop structural designs for Iron Flow Batteries, including foundations, racks, containers, and enclosures, ensuring stability under various environmental and operational conditions.
  • Load Calculations: Perform detailed load analysis to account for the weight of battery units, electrical equipment, wind, seismic activity, and other structural forces.
  • Material Selection: Work with product engineering team to choose appropriate construction materials (e.g., steel, concrete) based on durability, cost-effectiveness, and project specifications.
  • Site Assessment: Review customer site data to understand geographical and environmental conditions, incorporating factors such as soil properties, wind loads, and seismic risks into the design.
  • Collaboration with Electrical Engineers: Coordinate with electrical engineers and other team members to ensure structural designs accommodate electrical equipment and adhere to installation requirements.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all designs and constructions comply with local and national building codes, industry standards, safety regulations, and project-specific guidelines.
  • Construction Oversight: Support customer project teams to ensure the proper installation of BESS infrastructure in accordance with design plans and specifications.
  • Risk Management: Identify potential structural risks during the design and construction phases and propose solutions to mitigate those risks.
  • Maintenance Planning: Design with future maintenance in mind, ensuring ease of access and safety for future inspection, repairs, or upgrades.
  • Documentation: Prepare detailed engineering drawings, reports, and documentation to support design proposals and construction activities,

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certification is required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in structural engineering in the energy, utility, or renewable energy sectors, with a preference for direct BESS experience.
  • Experience in designing and constructing structures in energy storage, renewable energy, or power systems projects is a plus.
  • Proficiency in structural analysis software (e.g., STAAD Pro, SAP2000, or similar tools).
  • Familiarity with industry standards such as ASCE, AISC, ACI, and IBC.
  • Strong understanding of seismic design, wind load analysis, and geotechnical principles.
  • Knowledge of local and international building codes and safety regulations.
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience working on Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) or renewable energy projects.
  • Knowledge of electrical systems and how they interact with structural designs.
  • Familiarity with environmental considerations and sustainability principles in structural design.
  • Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Benefits of joining the ESS team

ESS offers an exceptional total compensation and benefits package for our team members and their families. The primary highlights include:

  • Excellent base salary and targeted annual bonus structure.
  • Significant equity/stock package in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSUs).
  • Company 401k program with up to a 4% match.
  • Comprehensive employee benefits package, including Cigna medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, disability protection, as well as excellent PTO and 8 company paid holidays.
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
  • Relocation assistance for non-local candidates.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are open to considering every qualified candidate who is eligible and legally authorized to work in the United States on a full or part-time basis, without a need for sponsorship.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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