Senior BESS Project Engineer

Ameresco•Phoenix, AZ

3d•Remote

About The Position

Ameresco is seeking a Senior BESS Project Engineer to join our growing Renewable Energy team. This is a Senior level role for an experienced engineer who can independently lead complex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects through design and development, and support integration and commissioning efforts, while serving as a technical resource and leader for the team. This is a remote position joining a partially remote team with home office based in the Phoenix, AZ area. This role is focused primarily on behind-the-meter (BTM) battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, serving as the technical owner of system integration and controls scope from design through commissioning. Knowledge of front-of-the-meter (FTM) projects is also beneficial. The Sr. BESS Project Engineer reviews single line diagrams (SLDs) and system designs for accuracy and constructability while working closely with subcontract engineers and internal Ameresco departments to ensure that data monitoring equipment, protective relays, controllers, and related equipment are correctly specified, designed into the system, programmed, and installed per plan. The role then supports construction and commissioning resources in the field through utility and project-required testing to confirm proper system functionality prior to energization and handoff to operations. While the primary focus is BTM projects, this role is expected to be available to consult with front-of-meter (FTM) project teams and subject matter experts as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
Minimum of 7+ years of relevant experience in electrical design, controls engineering, protective relaying, or battery energy storage system (BESS) project work.
Demonstrated track record of independently leading BESS design, review, controls integration, across multiple different concurrent projects.
Ability to travel up to 50% of the time for site visits, testing, and commissioning support.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of protective relays, controllers, and data monitoring/SCADA equipment used in BESS or substation applications.
Familiarity with utility and project commissioning and testing requirements for distributed energy resources.
Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and coordinating cross-functional and subcontract engineering teams.
Experience with BESS platforms and equipment from major manufacturers (e.g., Tesla, Fluence, SMA, and similar).
Experience programming or configuring protective relays (e.g., SEL, GE) and site/plant controllers.
Experience with installation and commissioning of BESS and microgrid systems a plus.
Professional Engineering (PE) license considered a plus.
Familiarity with SCADA, EMS/BMS platforms, and communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850).
Experience supporting utility interconnection testing, relay testing, and commissioning activities.
Exposure to front-of-meter (FTM), utility-scale, or substation-interconnected BESS projects a plus.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to coordinate effectively across subcontract engineers, vendors, and internal departments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with AutoCAD or similar drawing review tools a plus.

Responsibilities

Review single line diagrams (SLDs), control schematics, and BESS system designs prepared by subcontract engineers and vendors across multiple concurrent projects, with final approval authority on accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project and utility requirements
Direct or personally confirm that data monitoring equipment, protective relays, controllers, meters, and communication/networking equipment are properly specified and designed into the system architecture; review and validate work product from self, subcontract engineer, and junior engineers.
Serve as primary point of coordination with internal Ameresco departments (engineering, procurement, construction, and operations) to align equipment selection and system architecture with project requirements and company standards
Lead review of vendor and subcontract engineer submittmits, control narratives, and points lists for BESS controllers, PCS, EMS/BMS, and site controllers
Identify and resolve complex design gaps, conflicts, or constructability issues between electrical, controls, and monitoring scopes prior to installation, escalating and driving resolution across teams
Direct subcontract engineers and controls integrators to ensure relays, controllers, and monitoring equipment are programmed in accordance with approved design intent and sequence of operations
Verify that programming and configuration of protective relays, site controllers, and data monitoring platforms reflect final as-built system design
Provide Sr Oversight of and support field verification that equipment is installed per plan, including panel wiring, CT/PT installation, communication architecture, and device configuration across multiple concurrent projects
Drive resolution of open items related to controls, relay settings, and monitoring equipment through construction completion, escalating and identifying risks as needed
Support construction and commissioning resources in preparing for and executing utility-required acceptance testing, protection relay testing, and interconnection commissioning
Oversee and support project-required functional testing of the BESS, including controls sequence testing, communications verification, and data monitoring validation
Troubleshoot system functionality issues identified during testing and commissioning, coordinating resolution with subcontract engineers, vendors, and internal teams
Review commissioning documentation and test reports to confirm system functionality meets utility, interconnection agreement, and project requirements
Support punch list resolution related to controls, relays, and monitoring equipment through final acceptance and handoff to operations
Serve as a technical resource to Project Management and Construction teams on BESS controls, protection, and monitoring scope throughout the project lifecycle across a portfolio of projects
Serve as technical resource and maintain expert level working knowledge of BESS equipment manufacturers, controls platforms, and protective relay schemes relevant to BTM applications
Consult with front-of-meter (FTM) project engineering teams and subject matter experts as needed to support larger-scale or utility-interconnected BESS projects
Document lessons learned and support development of internal standards for BESS controls and monitoring design review
Mentor and provide technical guidance to entry and mid-level BESS Project Engineers, reviewing work product and supporting professional development
Establish and document best practices, workflows, and technical standards for BESS design review, controls programming, and commissioning
Assist in onboarding new team members and building team capability in new BESS platforms, controls architectures, and testing methodologies
Contribute to continuous improvement of design review checklists, controls narratives, and commissioning templates
Perform other duties as required