ESS Director, Applications & Integration Engineering

SK battery America•Troy, MI

17d

About The Position

SKOn, a proud member of SK Group, the second largest conglomerate with a revenue size $150 billion, is one of the fastest-growing battery manufacturers globally. With ambitious plans to reach over 180GWh manufacturing capacity in the US, SKOn is at the forefront of innovation in the energy storage sector. In response to the increasing domestic demand, SKOn is set to manufacture state-of-the-art 5.3MWh DC Blocks, fully compliant with the latest US domestic content requirements and eligible for full ITC benefits. Additionally, SKOn has contracted and awarded projects totaling 7GWh to be installed in the US starting in 2026. The Director of Application & Integration Engineering is a critical leadership role responsible for the end-to-end technical integrity and successful deployment of our grid-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) solutions. This leader will ensure seamless technical alignment from the pre-sales phase, through detailed project execution, and into post-commissioning performance monitoring and warranty fulfillment. As a leader within SK On, this role requires leveraging our advanced, Tier-1 battery cell and module, and DC Block technology while expertly integrating external components (PCS, EMS/PPC) to deliver reliable, high-performance, and scalable BESS projects in US. The ideal candidate possesses a deep, balanced technical foundation across Power Conversion Systems (PCS), advanced battery system integration, and Energy Management Systems (EMS)/Plant Power Controls (PPC). Crucially, this role requires significant experience supporting complex performance-related contracts and contractual exhibits, translating SK On's technical capabilities into commercially binding guarantees.

Requirements

A bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering (electrical, mechanical, or computer science) or related field.
Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive experience in the energy storage, power generation, or grid infrastructure industries. 5+ years of senior technical management or directorial experience leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams (Sales Apps, Project Execution, etc.)
Deep Technical Acumen - Must possess balanced expertise across all key BESS components: - PCS: Inverter topologies, grid following/forming capabilities, reactive power control (PPC). - Battery Systems: In-Depth knowledge of Li-ion cell chemistry, pack/module design, thermal management systems, and Battery Management Systems (BMS), specifically understanding the technical requirements necessary to maintain cell warranty. - Controls: Extensive experience with EMS, PPC, and SCADA architecture for utility-scale applications.
Proven track record of working with legal teams on large-scale performance-based contracts (e.g., availability guarantees, capacity warrants, LD schedules).
Demonstrated experience from a major BESS integrator or Tier-1 battery supplier with a strong preference for candidates experienced in a cell manufacturer's system integration division.
Familiarity with safety standards including NFPA 855, NFPA 68/69, UL 9540, UL9540A, and electrical safety standards such as NEC, IFC/IBC.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office. Data analysis software knowledge is a plus (Power BI, and others)
Demonstrated leadership, communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with an ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with requirements and compliance processes for major markets like ISO-NE, NYPA, ERCOT, and CAISO, which helps ensure smooth project delivery across different regions is a strong plus.
Familiarity with plant system standards such as IEEE2800 and IEEEP2800.2 is a plus
Professional Engineer (PE) license is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Define and enforce technical standards and system architecture requirements for all BESS products, ensuring optimal and robust integration of SK On's core battery technology with external components (PCS, transformers, switchgear, and EMS/PPC/SCADA systems).
Serve as the top technical authority for major design decisions, ensuring system reliability, efficiency, and compliance with global grid codes (e.g., NERC, ISO/RTO requirements).
Drive continuous improvement in integration practices, focusing on cost-effective, scalable, and safe BESS deployments that maximize the longevity and performance of SK On's battery cells, module, and DC Block.
Maintain a current and deep understanding of evolving technologies, including advanced battery chemistries, high-power PCS topology (IGBT, SiC, multi-level technology), and sophisticated EMS/PPC algorithms. Drive technical initiative working with the team in Korea for Data Center applications including but not limited to grid-following to grid-forming transition capabilities, black-start, and Fault Ride-through capabilities.
Work closely with SK On Korea Engineering to research the market and analyze competitors, spotting new trends and technology in energy storage. Create plans for complete power plant systems - including Battery DC Block, Power Conversion System (PCS), and Energy Management System (EMS) - to help SK On stay competitive and innovative. Build and maintain partnerships with major industry players to improve SK On's solutions, making sure all efforts support the company's overall goals.
Help develop and carry out strategies for future SK On plant solutions, like software user interfaces (UI), EMS, SCADA systems, and other advanced technologies. Take direction from the SK On Corporate Engineering team to meet changing customer needs, regulations, and industry standards, ensuring SK On leads in integrated energy storage solutions.
Oversee the Sales Application Engineering team, ensuring high-quality, technically sound, and commercially viable proposals and system designs (e.g., MWh/MW rating, aux. load impact, AC/DC ratio, impedance calculations).
Lead technical customer engagement and diligence, translating customer requirements into integrated system designs that maximize the value proposition of our battery technology.
Provide proactive, hands-on technical support to commercial and sales teams by addressing complex customer inquiries, delivering tailored technical solutions, and participating directly in client meetings and presentations to ensure alignment with client requirements and drive successful deal closure.
Develop, refine, and implement comprehensive cost models and automated toolsets that streamline and accelerate the sales process, enhance pricing accuracy, and support strategic decision-making for SK On's products and solutions.
Create, update, and continuously improve technical presentations and technical differentiators of SK On's battery cells, modules, DC Blocks, PCS, and EMS; ensure these materials effectively position SK On as a leader in innovation and technology in the energy storage market.
Direct the Project Engineering function, overseeing the transition of conceptual designs into detailed, executable engieering packages (including civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical integration drawings).
Ensure all project engineering deliverables adhere to local, state, and federal compliance standards and utility interconnection requirements.
Provide senior technical guidance during mechanical completion, pre-commissioning work, site commissioning and acceptance testing phases, ensuring adherence to the original performance guarantees.
Lead the Post-Project and Warranty Engineering function, focusing on proactive performance monitoring and rapid root cause analysis (RCA) for complex system failures, collaborating closely with SK On's cell and module R&D teams.
Ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of performance guarantees throughout the operational life of the asset.
Implement lessons learned from field data and warranty claims back into the Sales Application and Project Engineering processes to improve future product designs and integration methods.
Take ownership of and lead negotiations for all system delivery technical contractual exhibits, including but not limited to commissioning, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). Ensure comprehensive scope coverage, define clear performance and capacity guarantee mechanisms, and implement robust risk mitigation strategies. Collaborate closely with internal engineering, project management, and legal teams to align contract terms with project requirements and industry best practices.
Manage and negotiate technical contractual exhibits for Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSA), such as those covering Capacity Guarantees, Round Trip Efficiency, and Availability Guarantees. Ensure that all technical obligations are clearly defined, risks are thoroughly assessed and mitigated, and that contractual terms support both client satisfaction and SK On's operational objectives. Facilitate cross-functional coordination to address ongoing performance monitoring and compliance.
Maintain, oversee, and negotiate product technical specification exhibits in close collaboration with SK On's Korean engineering team. Ensure that all specifications accurately reflect the latest product capabilities and compliance requirements, and proactively address any technical discrepancies or client-specific needs. Foster strong communication between U.S. and Korean engineering teams to support seamless integration and timely resolution of technical issues.