Application Guide

How to Apply for Project Engineering Manager

at esVolta

๐Ÿข About esVolta

esVolta is a leading developer, owner, and operator of large-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) across the US, with a mission to enhance grid sustainability and reliability. Their remote-first culture and focus on cutting-edge energy storage technology make them an attractive employer for engineers passionate about renewable energy and grid modernization.

About This Role

This role combines hands-on technical engineering with leadership, as you'll manage a team of Project Engineers while directly reviewing designs and resolving technical issues across multiple BESS projects. Your work ensures that esVolta's storage systems meet performance, safety, and regulatory requirements, directly impacting the clean energy transition.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

You'll start your day reviewing design submittals from external engineers and providing feedback via redlines or emails. Mid-morning, you might join a project meeting to resolve a technical issue with the construction team, then spend the afternoon mentoring a Project Engineer on a commissioning plan. Your day ends with updating Smartsheets and preparing for a call with an Independent Engineer.

๐ŸŽฏ Who esVolta Is Looking For

  • An experienced power systems engineer with 3-5+ years in power delivery, substations, or transmission, including at least 2 years specifically in energy storage.
  • A hands-on problem solver who can review complex engineering documents and provide clear guidance to project teams and external engineers.
  • A leader who can mentor junior engineers while managing multiple projects and stakeholder relationships (Owner's Engineers, Engineers of Record, etc.).
  • Someone with deep knowledge of relevant codes (NFPA 855, IEEE, NEC, etc.) and experience with commissioning and ISO/RTO compliance.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to esVolta

1

Highlight your specific experience with battery energy storage systems (BESS) in your resume and cover letter, including any projects where you managed engineering design or commissioning.

2

Quantify your impact: e.g., 'Managed engineering for 100 MW BESS project that achieved COD on schedule' or 'Reduced RFIs by 20% through proactive design reviews.'

3

Showcase your familiarity with the codes listed (NFPA 855, IBC, IEEE, etc.) by mentioning them in context of past work, not just listing them.

4

Emphasize remote collaboration skills: mention experience with tools like Smartsheets, Microsoft Project, and virtual team management.

5

If you have a PE license, put it prominently; if not, mention any progress toward licensure or relevant advanced training.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your hands-on experience with BESS engineering, including design review, commissioning, and code compliance.', "Your leadership style and how you've mentored engineers while staying technically involved.", 'Specific examples of resolving technical issues on energy storage projects, especially during energization or testing.', "Your alignment with esVolta's mission of grid sustainability and your interest in their project portfolio."]

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Review esVolta's project portfolio on their website, noting the scale and locations of their BESS projects.
  • โ†’ Understand the current regulatory landscape for BESS in key markets (e.g., CAISO, ERCOT, PJM) and how it affects project engineering.
  • โ†’ Look into esVolta's company culture and values, especially their approach to remote work and team collaboration.
  • โ†’ Familiarize yourself with any recent news or press releases about esVolta's projects or partnerships.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through a time you had to resolve a technical conflict between design and construction on a BESS project.
2 How do you prioritize engineering tasks across multiple projects with competing deadlines?
3 Describe your experience with NFPA 855 and how it impacts BESS design and installation.
4 Tell us about a commissioning challenge you faced and how you ensured the system met ISO/RTO requirements.
5 How do you mentor junior engineers while still being a hands-on contributor?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus on general project management without emphasizing your technical engineering skillsโ€”this role is hands-on.
  • Avoid vague descriptions of your energy storage experience; be specific about technologies, voltages, and MW/MWh capacities.
  • Don't neglect the leadership aspect: failing to mention mentoring or team management can make you seem like a solo contributor.

๐Ÿ“… Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to esVolta!