Development Engineer I

Minneapolis, MN$102k–124k

About Sparkfund

Sparkfund is the deployment services company utilities rely on to take DERs from grid edge to grid core.

With over a decade of experience as a utility services company, Sparkfund has pioneered a smarter approach to deploying distributed assets as part of a fast-growing grid. Through its Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) model, Sparkfund enables utilities to plan, deploy, and dispatch DERs at the scale and pace necessary to meet load growth demand and unlock the full value of the grid. We support program design, assessment of DER grid value, host engagement, and value chain management to ensure on-time, on-budget deployment of distributed resources with maximum grid value and lowest cost.

With more than 3,500 projects deployed across 43 states and more than 300MW of energized assets constructed, Sparkfund is transforming buildings into a valuable extension of the grid for the benefit of our society. Development Engineer I

Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (Remote/Hybrid Flexibility)

At Sparkfund, we help organizations deploy and scale distributed energy solutions that support a more resilient and sustainable energy future. Our work sits at the intersection of energy infrastructure, engineering, and emerging technologies — helping bring distributed energy resource (DER) projects from concept to reality.

We're looking for a Development Engineer I to support the technical development of battery storage and distributed energy projects across Sparkfund's growing portfolio.

This role is ideal for an engineer who wants hands-on exposure to real-world project development, utility coordination, engineering design, permitting, and cross-functional project execution within one of the fastest-growing sectors in energy.

You'll work closely with engineering, development, permitting, and project teams to help evaluate project feasibility, support technical design reviews, and move projects efficiently through the development lifecycle.

If you enjoy technical problem-solving, collaborative environments, and seeing your work translate into real infrastructure projects, we'd love to talk.

Why Join Sparkfund?

This is more than a traditional engineering role. It's an opportunity to help build the infrastructure powering the future of energy.

As a Development Engineer I, you'll work on real-world distributed energy projects involving battery storage, DER systems, utility coordination, and project development across a rapidly growing industry. You'll have exposure to the full lifecycle of projects — from site feasibility and engineering review through permitting, interconnection, and construction readiness.

This role is ideal for someone early in their engineering career who wants hands-on exposure, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to grow quickly within the energy infrastructure space. You won't be siloed into one narrow function — you'll work directly with engineering, development, permitting, and project execution teams to help move projects from concept to deployment.

At Sparkfund, we move fast, solve real problems, and give team members the opportunity to take ownership and grow their impact. If you're excited by clean energy, infrastructure, technical problem-solving, and building practical solutions that matter, this is an opportunity to be part of an industry that is rapidly scaling and evolving.

What You'll Do

Support Technical Project Development

Conduct technical site assessments and feasibility reviews for DER projects

Support engineering design development, technical reviews, and constructability evaluations

Assist with interconnection applications, utility coordination, and technical documentation

Help prepare permitting packages and support plan review processes with local jurisdictions

Engineering & Design Support

Develop and review technical drawings, project documentation, and engineering deliverables

Ensure designs align with applicable electrical codes, utility requirements, and project standards

Support project teams in identifying and resolving technical or constructability issues

Maintain accuracy and attention to detail across engineering and development documentation

Partner Cross-Functionally

Collaborate with Development, Engineering, Permitting, and Project Execution teams to support successful project advancement

Coordinate with third-party consultants, permitting partners, utilities, and environmental teams as needed

Support smooth handoffs from project development into construction and execution phases

Assist with stakeholder and community coordination activities related to project development

Support Operational Excellence

Track project development milestones, deliverables, and timelines

Help identify project risks, delays, or permitting constraints and escalate concerns appropriately

Support the development and maintenance of technical standards, templates, tracking tools, and process documentation

Assist in preparing preliminary project scopes, schedules, and development budgets

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

2–5 years of experience in electrical engineering, project development, or distributed energy system design

Knowledge of electrical systems, utility interconnection processes, and applicable electrical codes (NEC)

Strong technical documentation and organizational skills

Proficiency with engineering design and analysis tools

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience

Preferred

Experience with solar, battery storage, EV charging, or distributed energy systems

Exposure to utility interconnection applications and permitting workflows

FE/EIT certification or interest in pursuing PE licensure

Experience supporting construction or field-based infrastructure projects

What Success Looks Like

Delivering accurate and reliable engineering and development support

Helping projects move efficiently through development milestones

Maintaining strong technical documentation and quality standards

Supporting smooth coordination between technical and operational teams

Continuously building technical expertise within the DER and energy infrastructure space

Benefits & Perks

Employer-subsidized medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance

401(k) with 2% employer match

Flexible time away policy designed to support work-life balance

Federal holidays observed plus Friday half-days

12 weeks gender-neutral paid caregiver leave

$100/month phone and Wi-Fi allowance

Remote-first flexibility with opportunities for in-person collaboration

Opportunities to grow within a rapidly evolving energy industry

Compensation

$101,500 – $123,700 annually, depending on experience, qualifications, and geographic location alignment.

Location & Travel

This role is based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area with remote and hybrid flexibility. Occasional travel may be required for project site visits, stakeholder meetings, and company gatherings.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Sparkfund is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Sparkfund also provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs or practices, in all phases of the hiring process and throughout employment. If you need an accommodation, please let us know.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties, responsibilities, and requirements may change at any time based on business needs.

We encourage individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to apply — even if you do not meet every listed qualification — as skills and competencies can develop in different ways.