Join the Schatz Energy Research Center at Cal Poly Humboldt as a Senior Project Engineer in Microgrids and Distributed Energy.
The Schatz Energy Research Center is hiring 1–2 Senior Project Engineers to support the delivery of real-world clean energy systems that improve community energy resilience, support Tribal energy sovereignty, and advance grid decarbonization.
The Schatz Center is an applied research and project development organization at Cal Poly Humboldt. Center staff are employed by the Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation (SPF), the nonprofit organization that supports the Center's work. Since 1989, the Schatz Center has partnered with Tribal Nations, communities, agencies, industry, and researchers to develop practical clean energy solutions with real-world impact.
The selected engineer(s) will work on large-scale microgrid projects with Tribal partners in Northern California, integrating renewable energy generation, battery storage, and controls in community-serving energy systems.
This is a strong fit for engineers with experience in public works construction, infrastructure, energy systems, construction-phase support, or similar multidisciplinary project delivery environments.
What you’ll do:
- Support microgrid and distributed energy projects across design, construction, integration, and commissioning
- Coordinate with internal teams, clients, partners, contractors, vendors, and utilities
- Prepare and review plansets, specifications, submittals, shop drawings, calculations, studies, cost estimates, and technical reports
- Participate in planning, permitting, design coordination, construction management, documentation, and owner/operator training
- Help identify project risks early and work collaboratively to keep projects on schedule and within budget
Minimum qualifications include:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering, such as electrical, civil, mechanical, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
- At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in engineering, infrastructure, energy systems, or construction-related work
- Strong technical judgment, communication, documentation, coordination, and problem-solving skills
- Experience preparing or reviewing technical deliverables and applying engineering analysis to practical project challenges
Additional experience that is welcome but not required: PE license or EIT certification, public works experience, design-bid-build experience, and tools such as AutoCAD, Bluebeam, ETAP, Hypersim, or similar. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every desired qualification.
Location and work arrangement:
The position is based at the Schatz Center in Arcata, California. Staff may work onsite full-time or in a hybrid arrangement, with at least 40% of time spent onsite.
Located on California's North Coast, Arcata offers access to redwood forests, Humboldt Bay, and the Pacific Ocean, making it an appealing place for people who value outdoor recreation, community, and meaningful place-based work.
The expected start date is late August 2026, with flexibility based on candidate availability.
Compensation and benefits:
This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position employed by the Cal Poly Humboldt Sponsored Programs Foundation, a nonprofit organization affiliated with Cal Poly Humboldt. It is not a California State University position.
Full salary range: $7,579-$12,963/month
Anticipated hiring range: $7,579-$9,213/month, depending on skills and experience
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees and dependents, with the employer covering 90% of premiums; paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal leave; a 10% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement plan after one year of service; and support for professional development, mentorship, licensure, and certifications.
Application review deadline:
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific. The position is open until filled.
To be considered, applicants must complete the official application form on the Schatz Energy Research Center website.
View the full job description and apply: https://schatzcenter.org/2026/07/job-opening-senior-project-engineer-in-microgrids-and-distributed-energy/
Questions: [email protected]
Pay: $90,948.00 - $155,556.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Arcata, CA 95521
