VRB Energy - Field Service Engineer

VRB Energy is a global leader in vanadium redox battery (VRB®) technology, driven to empower a clean energy future. A privately owned U.S. company majority-owned by Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE:IE), VRB Energy’s VRB-ESS® advanced long-duration vanadium redox flow battery storage technology has been developed over 15 years, including UL1973 certification for its Gen3 60kWdc cell stack—the largest commercially available. These batteries deliver the lowest levelized cost of integration for renewable energy for commercial, industrial, and utility customers.

About the role

The Field Service Engineer/Technician is a hands-on role responsible for commissioning, operating, and maintaining VRB USA’s vanadium redox flow battery demonstration systems. You will serve as VRB USA’s primary technical presence at project sites, leading system startup and acceptance testing, monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring reliable operation. You will also help develop commissioning procedures, maintenance protocols, and field service documentation to scale with the company.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commissioning of two vanadium flow battery demonstration systems, including electrolyte preparation, stack energization, BMS configuration, and system integration testing
• Execute and document acceptance testing and performance validation against project specifications
• Coordinate with the engineering team, EPC contractors, and site hosts to ensure safe and efficient system startup
• Develop and refine commissioning checklists, procedures, and safety protocols for flow battery systems
• Monitor system performance remotely and on-site using SCADA/BMS platforms to identify and address issues proactively
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on electrochemical stacks, pumps, heat exchangers, piping, power conversion systems, and control electronics
• Diagnose and repair faults across electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical subsystems
• Manage spare parts inventory, field service tools, and equipment
• Maintain detailed service logs, work orders, and maintenance records
• Create and maintain commissioning reports, O&M manuals, and troubleshooting guides specific to VRB USA systems
• Collect and analyze field performance data, providing regular reports to the engineering and leadership teams
• Feed field observations and failure mode data back to the product engineering team to drive design improvements
• Support customer and site host communications as the on-site technical representative

Requirements

To be successful in this role, you will have one of the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience, or
• An Associate’s degree or technical certification with 5+ years of hands-on experience in field service, commissioning, or maintenance of electrical/power systems

You must be self-motivated and enjoy building teams from the ground up. The following skills and experience are required, with preference given to candidates with flow battery, fuel cell, or vanadium electrolyte handling experience:

• Demonstrated experience commissioning, operating, or maintaining complex electrical or electrochemical systems (battery energy storage, power conversion, industrial process equipment, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of DC electrical systems, power electronics, and electrical safety practices
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, TCP/IP, CAN bus, RS-485) and SCADA/BMS systems
• Proficiency with electrical testing and measurement equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, meggars, thermal imaging)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings
• Experience with PLC programming or configuration
• Knowledge of relevant safety and performance standards: UL 1973, UL 9540, IEC 62932, NFPA 855
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear technical documentation
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel 25–40% to project sites within the U.S.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, lift 50 lbs, and work at elevation when required
• Experience working in a startup environment where you wear many hats

Benefits

• Fully paid health insurance
• Participation in a long-term incentive plan