BESS Commissioning Manager

Responsibilities

• Act as the owner’s representative for Battery Energy Storage System and solar-coupled power projects, overseeing compliance, safety, startup, commissioning, and testing activities.
• Conduct comprehensive plant testing and performance testing, including GIA and PPA testing, to validate system operation and contractual performance requirements.
• Lead and coordinate the commissioning process for energy storage systems, ensuring all procedures and documentation are properly developed, implemented, and followed.
• Manage and report on commissioning and performance testing work performed by contractors and vendors at project sites, ensuring quality and adherence to project specifications.
• Support PPA testing with the customer, ensuring accurate execution and documentation of performance obligations.
• Support GIA testing with the transmission owner, coordinating technical requirements and test procedures.
• Support ISO testing activities to ensure the energy storage system meets grid operator standards and integration requirements.
• Manage test energy forecasts in collaboration with the customer, aligning testing plans with energy delivery and market participation requirements.
• Work with the SCADA integrator and Execution Commissioning Project Manager to develop a detailed commissioning schedule based on mechanical completion milestones.
• Collaborate with the SCADA integrator and Commissioning Manager to execute site acceptance testing, verifying system functionality and readiness for operation.
• Support CEWIS critical point checkout, including alarm checks and PGD verification, to ensure proper monitoring and protection settings.
• Perform OEM testing in coordination with equipment manufacturers to confirm equipment performance and warranty requirements.
• Manage plant balancing activities to optimize system configuration, power flows, and operational efficiency.
• Initiate and support notification and configuration of AVR and AGC functions, ensuring proper integration with plant controls and grid requirements.
• Review performance data and test results to identify deficiencies, troubleshoot issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Organize and strategize commissioning schedules and plans, coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders to meet project timelines.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems installation and startup, including utility-scale projects.
• Thorough understanding of the technical performance and integration of batteries as part of an Energy Storage System.
• Ability to create, implement, and manage commissioning processes for complex power systems.
• Strong understanding of containerized systems, skids, controllers, SCADA systems, transformers, and combiners.
• Deep knowledge of DC systems from 0 to 2,000 VDC and AC systems from 480 V to 34.5 kV.
• Experience with control systems and SCADA platforms, including troubleshooting of communication and control issues.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, schedules, and stakeholders effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with third parties, customers, and executive-level stakeholders.
• Able to effectively organize and strategize schedules and plans in a dynamic project environment.
• Commissioning expertise in power systems construction and startup, particularly in energy storage.
• Experience in engineering or a professional electrical career in power systems construction and startup, with experience in BESS projects and commissioning.
• Experience with SCADA systems and remote monitoring of power assets (preferred).
• Experience with large-scale energy storage projects, such as a minimum of approximately 100 MWh or multiple energy storage systems in commissioning (preferred).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering or professional electrical experience in power systems construction and startup, with a focus on energy storage systems.
• Prior experience as a commissioning professional in utility-scale battery energy storage or solar-coupled power systems.
• Familiarity with ISO, PPA, and GIA testing frameworks and requirements for grid-connected assets.
• Experience collaborating with SCADA integrators, IT SCADA teams, and project managers to align commissioning and data integration activities.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, single-line diagrams, and protection schemes for high-voltage and medium-voltage systems.
• Strong analytical skills to review performance data, identify deficiencies, and support continuous improvement of system operation.
• Comfort working in a remote and distributed team environment while coordinating occasional site-based activities.
• Capacity to operate a motor vehicle to travel between working locations when needed for project support and testing.