Electrical maintenance engineer

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