Back to search
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) O&M Engineer
Location: Home-based with frequent travel to sites.
Current asset portfolio located between Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Future assets anticipated in Northern England.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) O&M Engineer to oversee the operation, maintenance, and optimization of large-scale BESS plants under construction and development. This is a key role ensuring smooth commissioning and transition from construction to full operation while shaping the O&M strategy for newly built facilities.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Maintenance (O&M) Strategy Development
- Support in designing and building a future O&M organization for existing and upcoming BESS assets.
- Collaborate with project development and engineering teams during the construction and commissioning phases.
- Develop operational and maintenance strategies, including preventive maintenance schedules and emergency response protocols.
- Assist in testing and commissioning to ensure operational readiness before handover.
Safety & Environmental Compliance Management
- Lead and enforce HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality) compliance, ensuring adherence to regulations, ISO standards, and environmental guidelines.
- Implement safety protocols and risk mitigation strategies across all project phases.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and industry best practices.
Site Activity Coordination
- Schedule, coordinate, and supervise third-party site activities, including OEM contractors.
- Oversee daily site operations during both construction and operational phases.
- Ensure safety, efficiency, and quality in all on-site activities.
- Manage logistics, ensuring the timely deployment of resources, tools, and equipment.
Contract & Vendor Management
- Oversee tendering and management of maintenance contracts.
- Establish service contracts and monitor vendor performance.
- Supervise contractor work to ensure timely and high-quality execution.
Asset & Performance Management
- Implement and oversee asset management strategies for batteries, inverters, transformers, etc.
- Utilize SCADA and data analytics to continuously monitor performance and troubleshoot technical issues.
- Recommend system upgrades to optimize efficiency and battery lifespan.
Financial & Resource Management
- Develop and manage O&M budgets, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation.
- Monitor expenses related to maintenance, repairs, and upgrades.
- Conduct cost-benefit analyses for performance improvements.
Stakeholder & Continuous Improvement Initiatives
- Foster strong relationships with internal teams, vendors, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
- Stay updated on emerging technologies, regulatory requirements, and industry trends.
- Drive innovation to enhance plant efficiency and overall operational performance.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Plant Availability: Maximizing operational uptime.
- Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF): Enhancing reliability of equipment.
- Round Trip Efficiency (RTE): Optimizing energy storage and retrieval performance.
- Project Milestones: Ensuring on-time completion of key phases.
- Compliance Adherence: Minimizing violations and non-conformities.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- Minimum 5 years of experience in operations, maintenance, and asset management of large-scale power systems (preferably BESS or power generation assets).
- Proven experience in commissioning and operational transition of energy assets.
- Strong background in troubleshooting, performance optimization, and lifecycle management.
- Experience in budget and resource management for O&M activities.
- Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management systems (EMS), and asset management software.
- Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory codes (e.g., IEEE, IEC, UL).
- OSHA or equivalent safety certification.
Preferred:
- Certification in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) (e.g., NABCEP, BESS certifications).
- PMP or similar project management certification.
- Experience in procurement and contract management.
Behavioural Competencies
- Strong leadership and team management skills.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Ability to work in diverse environments, including construction sites and operational BESS plants.
- On-call availability for emergency troubleshooting and resolution.
- Collaborative mindset, engaging with cross-functional teams and external partners.
-
Skills
- O&M
- SCADA
- Troubleshooting
- Activity Coordination
- Key Performance Indicators
- Resource Allocation
- Site Operations
- Electrical Engineering
- Mitigation Strat
