Director, Strategic Project Engineering & Operations

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.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly organized, technically savvy, and dynamic Director, Strategic Project Engineering & Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations, supplier management, and field execution in deployment of dozens of medium format (500 kW to 5 MW, 4 hour) battery energy storage systems (BESS) as part of Sparkfund’s Distributed Capacity Procurement (DCP) work in Minnesota. 

The role will be expected to build Sparkfund’s project engineering, project management, vendor management, and construction management capabilities, at first by working with Sparkfund’s EPC and technical leaders to perform those activities for 2-4 BESS installations in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and help recruit a team they will lead for the significant expansion Sparkfund anticipates in Minnesota in 2026 . As the work scales and additional professional staff is brought on board, the Director of Strategic Project Engineering & Operations will transition from working manager to team leader and manager , supervising those individuals and the execution of work across numerous active projects. The role will then be responsible for the team’s design and construction milestones, ensuring efficient communication across stakeholders, contractors, providing excellent project and vendor management, and serving as a primary technical liaison with the client’s engineering, safety, and programs staff.

The ideal candidate will have experience in the construction, energy, or electrical contracting industries, possess a strong ability to manage complex stakeholder environments, enjoy on-the-fly troubleshooting and problem solving, working with utility engineerings, and demonstrate a proven ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, high-growth setting. As the DCP program grows and Sparkfund approaches new innovations, comfort with and ability to bring structure to uncertainty, a grounding in both operational excellence and strategic vision, and grace under pressure will be key attributes necessary for success in the role.

This role will report to the General Manager of the Minnesota region, currently filled by the VP of Deployment.

Location 

This position is based in the greater Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area. Candidates must currently reside in, or be willing to relocate to, Minneapolis (preferred) or another location within Minnesota. Company-subsidized relocation assistance will be provided as needed.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the execution for Phase 1 DCP projects to manage the design, procurement, supply chain, commissioning, and construction of 2-4 medium format BESS installations.
• Build a world class development process with a focus on safety, quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Review and update Sparkfund and utility client developed project scopes of work  including development of clear scopes for local vendors to execute as part of the overall project. 
• Manage project development and implementation progress, ensuring challenges are handled effectively internally and externally.  Provide consistent and accurate communication to project stakeholders including managing weekly, quarterly, and annual reporting. 
• Identify, evaluate, select and contract  with vendors such as OEMs, engineers, system integrators, survey companies, packagers, and other groups required to deliver the battery deployments.
• Troubleshoot and develop solutions in collaboration with Sparkfund’s EPC and technical experts, OEMs, construction sub-contractors, and utility engineers as needed to maintain quality, budget, and schedule.
• Build and manage a team of strong local talent to fulfil project management, construction management, vendor management, and safety roles for the larger Phase 2 DCP program.
• Develop and share strategic insights for scaling DCP projects within a 200 MW portfolio by bringing subject matter expertise to the development and implementation of battery deployments.
• Collaborate with our Business Development and Project Development teams on development of battery solutions and product offerings.
• Bring lessons learned back to the larger team and help build out the tools and processes of a robust commercial organization. 

Direct Reports

While this position will not initially have direct reports, it will play a critical leadership role in shaping the organizational structure and talent strategy for the DCP. In partnership with Sparkfund’s Talent Acquisition team, this individual will attract, develop, and lead a high-performing team aligned with the program’s long-term growth objectives. The roles outlined below illustrate the types of positions this leader may oversee directly or through matrixed management; these are subject to evolve as the program scales and matures.

• Project Engineer
• Vendor Manager
• Project manager
• Construction Manager
• Commissioning Specialist
• Customer Support

Required Skills & Qualifications 

Industry Experience: 

• 8+ years of experience in construction management, technical project management  in electrical or distributed energy project, with a preference towards battery projects
• Working knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) components - including cell chemistries, PCS/inverter integration, SCADA, and EMS
• Understanding of interconnection studies, utility coordination, and grid compliance (IEEE 1547, UL 9540A, NFPA 855).
• Experience developing or reviewing single-line diagrams, control schematics, and commissioning plans for multi-MW systems and communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850)
• Knowledge of balance of plant design, grounding, and fire protection/safety systems for BESS enclosures.

Project & Operations Management: 

• Proven ability to manage project plans, schedules, and workflows while overseeing office and field operations.
• Familiarity with construction sequencing, critical path management, and QA/QC in an active electrical yard or substation environment.

Leadership & Team Management: 

• Build a team while simultaneously managing early projects hands-on (e.g., perform site walks, write SOWs, lead commissioning), experience supervising office and project staff, fostering collaboration, and handling performance management.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Strong ability to interface with executives, field teams, and clients, with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Financial & Process Oversight: 

• Experience with budgeting, invoicing, financial tracking, and process optimization for operational efficiency.

Compliance & Safety: 

• Familiarity with construction regulations, permitting, workplace safety, and compliance requirements across local, state, and federal levels.
• Proficiency with OSHA 30, NFPA 70E, and electrical safety protocols

Education: 

• Bachelors in Engineering or Certified Trade Program

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Track record delivering >10 MW+ BESS or multi-site distributed infrastructure programs
• PE (Electrical) or PMP preferred
• NABCEP PV Installation Professional or Energy Storage Specialist
• OSHA 30 / NFPA 70E / First Aid–CPR
• Familiarity with UL 9540A hazard testing and NEC 706/480 compliance
• Comfort with cloud based technology like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Products.

Benefits 

For full-time positions: 

• Competitive compensation and stock option plans - we believe in shared ownership.
• The anticipated on-target earnings range for this position is between $200,000 - $300,000 per year.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, vision, and dental insurance as well as disability and life insurance.
• Employer sponsored 401(k) plan with 2% match.
• Flexible vacation policy encouraging strong work life balance and paid time away. 
• We observe all federal holidays.
• Alternating 4 day weeks, with every other Friday off.
• 12 weeks gender-neutral paid leave for caregivers when they have a new addition to their families and an additional 4 weeks of paid leave for birthing parents.
• A one-time, work-from-home stipend to help cover any equipment, hardware, etc. you need to set up your remote office.
• A monthly allowance of $100 to help cover phone and WiFi expenses.

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