Overview
As Principal BESS Engineer, you lead technical and commercial advisory for utility-scale battery energy storage systems across development to operation. You translate technical depth into bankable requirements and robust procurement decisions, guiding clients through sizing, specifications and contract terms. You’ll oversee cross-disciplinary interfaces and rigorous evaluations to ensure reliable, cost-effective performance over the system’s life. This role combines engineering excellence with commercial acumen to shape ambitious energy storage projects and long-term value for clients.
Pay / Benefits
- Flexible work arrangements
- Additional annual leave up to 6 weeks
- Volunteer and representation leave
- Flex public holidays
Responsibilities
- Lead BESS Owner's Engineer and technical advisory engagements across feasibility, procurement, contracting, design, construction, commissioning and operation
- Establish sizing and performance basis using dispatch duty, grid requirements, site conditions and lifecycle objectives
- Prepare and review Principal's requirements, technical schedules and guarantees for net power, energy, efficiency, availability and reliability
- Lead tender evaluations, normalize offers, assess assumptions and technical risks
- Support contract negotiations on performance guarantees, tests, warranties, liquidated damages, interfaces and long-term obligations
- Review BESS architecture and interfaces across cells, modules, racks, BMS, PM/plant control systems, MV systems, thermal, fire safety and grid connection; coordinate specialists and mentor team members
Key requirements
- 8+ years in energy sector with utility-scale BESS experience
- Experience across development, procurement, delivery or operation, with exposure to multiple roles (consulting, developer, OEM, integrator, EPC, lender)
- Strong ability to move between sizing, technical specs, vendor proposals and contract schedules
- Understanding of BESS performance criteria and guarantees and how to align duty, boundaries, degradation and warranties
- client engagement and communication
- ability to influence and build trusted relationships across technical, procurement, and executive teams
- strong coordination and leadership across interfaces (electrical, civil, fire, grid, operations)
- BESS sizing and operating-duty definition (power/energy, SOC windows, C-rate, cycling, augmentation)
- Performance guarantees and acceptance testing (net power, energy, efficiency, availability)
- Tender evaluation and bid normalization (assumptions, exclusions, design margins)
Principal BESS Engineer, Procurement & Performance | Energy in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: AECOM
At AECOM, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive career development opportunities, flexible hybrid working model, and a culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us in the South East, where you can make a meaningful impact on transport planning while enjoying a range of personalised benefits tailored to support your well-being and professional aspirations.
