Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Preconstruction Project Engineer - Battery Storage
at Plus Power
🏢 About Plus Power
Plus Power is a leading developer of grid-scale battery energy storage systems, specifically focused on enabling renewable energy integration and grid stability. What makes them unique is their pure-play focus on battery storage projects (not diversifying into solar/wind) and their track record of developing some of the largest and most innovative BESS projects in the U.S. Someone might want to work there to be at the forefront of the energy transition with a company that specializes exclusively in this critical technology.
About This Role
This Senior Preconstruction Project Engineer role focuses on the technical and economic optimization of battery storage projects before construction begins. You'll be analyzing site layouts, technology options, and cost estimates to maximize project value while minimizing risks, directly supporting financial decisions and contract negotiations leading up to Notice to Proceed. This role is impactful because your technical assessments directly determine which projects get built and how efficiently they'll operate on the grid.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing technical specifications for different battery storage technologies, running financial models to compare site layout options, and participating in virtual meetings with equipment suppliers to negotiate contract terms. You could be preparing risk assessment presentations for internal stakeholders one day and joining site evaluation calls with consultants the next, all while developing the detailed cost estimates and schedules that determine project feasibility.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Plus Power Is Looking For
- Has 8+ years of technical experience specifically in battery energy storage systems (BESS), power, or renewables, not just general engineering
- Can demonstrate experience with technical-commercial contract negotiations for equipment supply or offtake agreements
- Understands both the technical fundamentals of energy storage AND the development value proposition (how technical choices impact project economics)
- Has hands-on experience developing capital/operational cost estimates and schedules for project financial models
📝 Tips for Applying to Plus Power
Quantify your BESS experience: Instead of saying 'worked on battery projects,' specify project sizes (MW/MWh), technologies (lithium-ion, flow batteries), and your specific technical contributions
Highlight any experience with Notice to Proceed (NTP) milestones since the job description specifically mentions moving projects toward NTP
Mention specific energy storage technologies you've assessed (e.g., 'evaluated LFP vs. NMC chemistry trade-offs for duration vs. cost') to demonstrate industry terminology knowledge
Include examples of how you've analyzed and mitigated technical risks in previous projects, as this is a core responsibility
If you have remote work experience in technical roles, emphasize your communication and collaboration methods since this is a remote position
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your specific experience with battery energy storage system technology assessment and site optimization', "Examples of how you've developed project cost estimates and schedules that were used in financial valuation models", 'Your approach to identifying technical risks and developing de-risking solutions for energy projects', 'Experience supporting procurement or contracting activities in the preconstruction phase']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Plus Power's project portfolio on their website - note specific projects, sizes, and locations to reference in your application
- → Research their recent announcements or news about technology partnerships or innovative project approaches
- → Understand the regulatory environment for battery storage in key markets where Plus Power operates
- → Look up their leadership team's backgrounds to understand the company's technical and strategic focus areas
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying with only general engineering experience without specific power/energy/renewables/BESS background
- Failing to demonstrate understanding of the preconstruction phase specifically (vs. construction or operations experience)
- Using generic energy transition language without showing specific knowledge of battery storage technical fundamentals
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!