Energy Storage Systems (ESS) Engineer

About the role

WSP is initiating a search for a Fire & Life Safety Engineer specializing in Fire Protection of Energy Storage Systems for offices in Troy, NY; Milwaukee, WI; New York City, NY; Phoenix, AZ; Atlanta, GA; Herndon, VA; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX. As a Fire Protection Engineer specializing in Energy Storage Systems (ESS), your primary duties will be directing ESS designs to comply with evolving codes and standards, and requirements unique to the jurisdictions where our projects are located. You will work with our Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Team, with our resident ESS and HMA SME, with other MEP engineers and be part of a growing organization that is leading the industry in code compliance and hazard mitigation that exceeds our client’s objectives and solves their challenges with innovative and cutting-edge technology with a foundation of continuous improvement. You will work on mission critical and data center projects throughout the US and internationally. You will coordinate with other engineers and architects, respond to client and code official comments, work with installing contractors, and quickly react to building and site changes/challenges. This opportunity provides technical assistance for design, development, and construction site surveys for ESS in data center projects. Tasks may include assisting with the research, design, concept development, planning, optimal integration of energy storage systems, hazard mitigation, incident investigations, CFD plume and explosion modeling; and continuous improvement. Additional tasks include performing building and fire code analysis reviews, ensuring compliance and review and directing the in-house design engineers to accommodate code requirements.

Responsibilities

• Direct and execute the design of the building MEP systems required for the installation of ESS, including directing designs for fire sprinkler, smoke detection, ventilation, and explosion control systems as applicable.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of NFPA 855, UL9540, UL9540A, UL1778, UL924, International Fire Code, FM Global requirements, hazard mitigation, Risk based process safety elements, and other standards that relate to energy storage systems.
• Author reports and prepare supplemental documentation to support the permit of electrochemical energy storage systems, including technical analysis of large-scale fire test data to justify the adequacy of the design of building MEP systems.
• Facilitate Hazard Mitigation Analyses when required by code or best practice, requested by the client or the AHJ, or when an incident warrants it.
• Become a Certified Process Safety Professional through AiChE under the mentorship of the SME.
• Present fire risk assessments to authorities having jurisdiction.
• Perform coordination by reviewing drawings supplied by vendors, other team engineers and architects while implementing design modifications as necessary.
• Gather appropriate resources in order to assist in problem solutions.
• Assist engineers and management by resourcing input on staffing allocations to meet business needs.
• Believe in and champion the firm’s core values and inspire others to do the same.
• Support creative thinking and innovation that adds value to the discipline level.
• Encourage difficult conversations when necessary, when it is in the best interest of the project.
• Communicate engineering concepts and ideas, as appropriate.
• Demonstrate the ability to react to client (internal/external) needs and expectations, while developing skills in proactive communication.

Required Qualifications

• Related Bachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, or Fire Protection Engineering; or equivalent years of experience.
• 1-3 years of fire protection and life safety experience, ESS experience is preferred.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Proficient self-leadership