How to apply for Principal Project Engineer - Gas Engine Power Generation

About Energy Vault

Energy Vault is a publicly traded energy storage and power infrastructure company (NYSE: NRGV) that shifted to an Independent Power Producer model in 2024. It develops, builds, owns, and operates energy assets, with headquarters in Westlake Village, California and Lugano, Switzerland. The company works with utilities, grid operators, and large energy consumers across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

About the role

This principal project engineer role focuses on gas engine power generation within Energy Vault's power infrastructure portfolio. You would lead engineering work for gas engine projects that support the company's IPP model of owning and operating dispatchable energy assets. The role sits at the intersection of traditional generation technology and the company's grid reliability and renewable integration goals.

A typical day

A typical day may involve reviewing gas engine design packages, coordinating with development and operations teams, and working with external partners such as utilities or grid operators. You might also support project milestones across development, construction, and operation of dispatchable power assets. Exact routines depend on the team and project stage, so ask about reporting lines and typical project cycles during interviews.

Who Energy Vault is looking for

• Has senior-level project engineering experience with gas engine or reciprocating engine power generation projects, ideally in an IPP, utility, or EPC environment.
• Can lead technical design, specification, and execution of gas engine power plants from development through operation.
• Understands grid reliability, dispatchable generation, and how gas engines integrate with renewable and storage assets.
• Is comfortable working across regions and with partners such as utilities, grid operators, and large energy consumers.

Tips for this application

• Reference Energy Vault's 2024 shift to an IPP model and explain how your gas engine experience fits an owner-operator approach, not just an EPC or consulting role.
• Name specific gas engine platforms, MW ranges, or project types you have worked on, since the job title targets gas engine power generation directly.
• Connect your experience to Energy Vault's stated focus on grid reliability, renewable integration, and energy security.
• Note the company's dual headquarters in Westlake Village, California and Lugano, Switzerland, and state your location and willingness to work across regions.
• Check Energy Vault's Newsroom and LinkedIn before applying so you can reference recent project or company developments in your materials.

What to cover in your cover letter

['Your hands-on experience with gas engine power generation projects, including technical scope and project phases you have led.', "How you have worked on dispatchable generation or grid reliability projects, which is central to Energy Vault's IPP strategy.", 'Your ability to operate as a principal-level engineer who can guide projects across development, construction, and operations.', 'Why an owner-operator model interests you, since Energy Vault builds, owns, and operates its assets rather than only supplying equipment.']

Research before applying

• Read Energy Vault's recent Newsroom posts and investor materials to understand the IPP model and current project pipeline.
• Review the company's LinkedIn and X posts to see how they talk about gas engines, dispatchable power, and grid reliability.
• Look up Energy Vault's project locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia to understand where gas engine work may be needed.
• Check NYSE: NRGV filings or earnings summaries for details on asset ownership and operating strategy.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How you would approach front-end engineering and specification for a gas engine power generation project under an IPP model.
• Your experience with gas engine integration into grids that also include renewable or storage assets.
• A project where you led engineering decisions across multiple regions or with utility and grid operator partners.
• How you handle technical trade-offs between capital cost, reliability, and long-term operations for dispatchable generation.
• What you know about Energy Vault's IPP strategy since 2024 and how gas engines fit into it.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a generic engineering resume that does not mention gas engines, reciprocating engines, or power generation projects.
• Ignoring Energy Vault's IPP model and framing your experience only around equipment supply or third-party EPC work.
• Failing to address regional scope, since the company operates across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia and may expect cross-region collaboration.