Project Development Engineer (PDE) – Data Center Design and Construction

Job description

Description

Summary
The Project Development Engineer (PDE) serves as a technical resource for the Data Center Solutions team, supporting pre-sale project scoping, system design, and technical proposal development for mission-critical electrical infrastructure.

The PDE provides engineering and application expertise to align proposed designs with customer intent, applicable codes, and operational requirements.This role focuses on data center electrical and mechanical infrastructure — including medium-voltage switchgear, low-voltage distribution, UPS, battery systems, generators, and mechanical integration — ensuring robust, scalable, and cost-effective solutions.

The PDE remains involved post-award as a system-level engineering support resource to the project management and implementation teams.Our team thrives in a collaborative and learning-focused environment.

We believe in hiring individuals with strong foundations and a desire to grow — offering mentorship, shared expertise, and support to help each team member reach their full potential.

Many of our engineers cite this supportive culture and commitment to learning as one of the best parts of working here.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate strong technical, analytical, and communication skills, and the ability to operate effectively within a multi-disciplinary engineering environment.
Minimum Qualifications

+ BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, or related technical discipline.

+ 5+ years of experience in data center, power generation, or critical infrastructure design, or as an electrical application/development engineer in related industries.

+ Proficiency in AutoCAD (preferred), Revit, or similar design platforms.

+ Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office and ERP tools.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

+ Ability to develop conceptual and schematic design packages (e.g., single-line diagrams, layouts, riser diagrams, PUE/energy models).

+ Strong understanding of data center electrical systems including:- Medium-voltage distribution (5–38kV)- Low-voltage switchgear, PDU, and RPP systems - UPS and battery energy storage systems.

- Standby generator and paralleling switchgear - Automatic transfer systems and mechanical interfaces

+ Familiarity with ASHRAE TC9.9, Uptime Institute tiers, and data center cooling topologies.

+ Proficiency in NEC, IEEE, NFPA 70E, and IEC standards relevant to mission-critical environments.

+ Working knowledge of power system studies (SKM, ETAP) — short circuit, coordination, arc flash.

+ Ability to interpret specifications and drawings to define project scope, schedule, risk, and deliverables.

+ Experience with utility coordination, interconnection studies, and redundancy design (N+1, 2N) a plus.

+ Demonstrated skills in cost estimation, proposal development, and vendor technical evaluation.

+ Strong strategic and analytical thinking, attention to detail, and process orientation.

+ Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to interact with clients, contractors, and internal teams.

+ Passion for contributing to a fast-paced, high-growth engineering environment focused on energy resiliency and data center innovation.

Essential Functions

+ Develop technical scopes, budgets, and conceptual designs during pre-sales development.

+ Collaborate with Sales, Product Engineering, Construction Engineer or Outside Engineer of Record, Manufacturing, and Estimating to ensure project alignment.

+ Prepare technical narratives, equipment selections, and basis-of-design documentation.

+ Support customer and consultant engagement, including design review meetings and technical presentations.

+ Review specifications, vendor submittals, and drawings for compliance.

+ Provide post-sale technical support to Project Managers and field teams.

+ Maintain familiarity with emerging technologies (liquid cooling, modular data centers, microgrids).

+ Travel occasionally to client sites and partner facilities (<10%).

Physical Demands

+ Limited travel required (<10%).

+ Ability to work in an office (if located in Raleigh-Durham, NC area) or hybrid environment (if located greater than 100 miles away).

+ Extended computer use required.

Key Performance Metrics

+ Accuracy and completeness of project scopes and estimates.

+ Timeliness of deliverables.

+ Technical quality of proposals and documentation.

+ Collaboration effectiveness with Sales and Project Execution teams.

+ Contribution to successful project awards and client satisfaction.


The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position.

They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Management reserves the right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time, based on business needs.

About Us

PowerSecure, a Southern Company subsidiary, is a leading provider of innovative energy solutions to electric utilities and their industrial, institutional, and commercial customers.

Join Our Power Team! (https://powersecure.com/about)

We invest in high-value and cost-effective benefits for our employees.

Our benefits package includes:


+ Medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage

+ Competitive pay and a matching 401 (k) plan

+ Vacation, Company Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO- personal and sick days)

+ Flexible spending accounts/Health savings account

+ Wellness Incentive Programs

+ Employee Referral Program

+ Tuition Reimbursement


PowerSecure is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

This position is not open to third party recruiters.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Required Skill Profession

Other General