Open until filled. The current review deadline is Wednesday, July 29, at 5:00pm Pacific

Download the full job announcement

We are seeking one to two Senior Project Engineers to support the development and implementation of clean energy microgrid and distributed energy projects. 

Our microgrid and distributed energy portfolio is focused on delivering real-world projects that improve energy resilience, support Tribal energy sovereignty, and advance grid decarbonization. You will join a team working on multiple large-scale microgrid projects with Tribal partners in Northern California. These projects integrate renewable energy generation, battery storage, and controls in community-serving energy systems. 

This position involves work across multiple phases of project delivery, including design coordination, technical analysis, construction support, integration, and commissioning. It is well suited for engineers with experience in public works construction, infrastructure, energy systems, or similar project delivery environments. 

This position is expected to start in late August 2026, with flexibility based on candidate availability. 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. Applications are welcome from all who are legally eligible to work in the U.S. 

Who we are and what we do

Since 1989, the Schatz Center has been a leader in applied research and project development for clean and renewable energy. Our current portfolio includes microgrid development, sustainable transportation design, carbon life cycle analysis, solar product testing, offshore wind feasibility studies, and planning and policy for clean energy access around the globe. 

We are located on the campus of Cal Poly Humboldt in Arcata, California. Arcata’s 800-acre community forest and 11 miles of trails through the heart of the redwoods begin just one block away, and we are within biking distance of California’s second largest inland bay and the Pacific Ocean.

As residents of a rural coastal community, we are keenly aware of our social and environmental responsibilities. We are committed to increasing energy access and resilience for communities worldwide — and do so through clean and renewable design that reduces climate change and restores environmental and human health.

Position Summary

Ready to engineer the future of clean energy? As a Senior Project Engineer, you’ll provide leadership in developing complex, real-world clean energy systems. You will join our Microgrid research area and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, analysts, and project managers, reporting directly to a Principal Engineer.

You will help deliver clean energy projects that improve energy resilience, support Tribal energy sovereignty, and advance grid decarbonization. Based on the Cal Poly Humboldt campus, the Schatz Center also offers opportunities to collaborate with faculty and students working on applied energy research and deployment.

You will work on multiple projects simultaneously, contributing engineering and analytical support to help deliver projects on schedule and within budget. Your work will include coordination with internal teams and external partners, preparing and reviewing technical deliverables, supporting planset and construction document development, and helping move projects through design, construction, integration, and commissioning. 

This position requires strong technical judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to coordinate work across team members, partners, contractors, vendors, and other project partners. You may also supervise and/or mentor early-career staff or student researchers and represent the Center in project meetings or external events.

You are encouraged to contribute ideas that improve project delivery and team processes, and to help foster an inclusive, respectful, and collaborative workplace. We value input from staff at all levels and support a work environment that promotes professional growth and sustainable workloads.

Compensation

This is a full-time, exempt, benefit-eligible position with a minimum term of one year. Continued employment is anticipated, contingent on funding, workload, and performance.

The full salary range for this position is from $7,579 to $12,963 per month (Steps 1 – 12), with an anticipated hiring range of $7,579 to $9,213 (Steps 1 – 5), depending on skills and experience. Cost of living adjustments are made annually in July. Staff generally become eligible for step increases at regular 2-year intervals, with additional advancement opportunities available through the Center’s advancement framework.

How to apply

Please see the full job announcement for the core responsibilities and a list of required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Deadline

The first round of review will be based on materials that have been submitted by Wednesday, July 29, at 5:00pm Pacific. The position will be open until it is filled. 

Materials

Applicants must submit all required application materials through the official application form:

Senior Project Engineer Application Form link

The form will ask you to provide your contact information, indicate how you learned about the vacancy, complete required confirmations, and upload the application materials listed below.

Please prepare the following materials for submission:

1. Formal letter of application / cover letter: Describe your interest in the position and how your background prepares you for this role. Please address the letter to the Schatz Center Hiring Committee.
2. Resume: A maximum of 3 pages is preferred; however, we encourage you to include all relevant and transferable experience and skills you wish us to consider. For guidance, view our Criteria for Prior Education and Experience. Please include time-base information, such as hours per week or month, for each experience and/or training.
3. Contact information for 3 professional references
4. Cal Poly Humboldt SPF Employee Information Form for Applicants https://forms.humboldt.edu/spf-self-identification-form-job-applicants-eif-pre-offer. Fill in Submission Email/Contact as follows: Name = Schatz Energy Research Center, Email = schatzenergy@humboldt.edu

Your application will be considered complete when all required materials have been submitted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Additional materials may be required from candidates invited to interview.

If you are unable to access or submit the application form, contact schatzenergy@humboldt.edu for assistance.

Questions and inquiries

• For assistance with the application process, please submit an Accommodation Request Form, or contact the campus ADA Coordinator at (707) 826-3626 or confidential fax at (707) 826-3625. For more information regarding accommodation, you may also visit the Cal Poly Humboldt Campus Disability Resource Center at ​​https://disability.humboldt.edu/. Individuals in need of a telecommunications relay service may contact the California Relay Service at (877) 735-2929 TTY.  
• Learn more about our employment opportunities at schatzcenter.org/jobs.
• For additional information, please email schatzenergy@humboldt.edu or call (707) 826-4345.