Controls Engineer - BESS Commissioning
Project: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Contract: Contract / Freelance
Location: Site-based, UK
Start: ASAP / Immediate
Duration: TBC, with potential extension
Working Pattern: Site-based, with commissioning and testing periods potentially requiring extended hours
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the commissioning, testing and integration of a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. The successful candidate will be responsible for commissioning and troubleshooting the control systems associated with the BESS, including PLC/RTU systems, SCADA, EMS/PMS, BMS interfaces, PCS/inverters and plant-level controls . The role will involve working closely with the commissioning, electrical, SCADA, protection and OEM teams to ensure the complete BESS control architecture is correctly configured, integrated, tested and handed over to the client.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support controls commissioning activities for the BESS project from pre-commissioning through to energisation, functional testing and handover.
- Commission and troubleshoot PLC, RTU, SCADA, EMS/PMS and plant control systems .
- Configure and test control logic, sequences, interlocks, permissives, alarms and trips.
- Verify communications and data exchange between:BESS PLC/RTUSCADAEnergy Management System (EMS)Power Management System (PMS)Battery Management System (BMS)Power Conversion System (PCS)InvertersHV/LV equipmentProtection and metering systems.
- Carry outI/O checks, loop checks and point-to-point testing .
- Support FAT/SAT activitiesand review test documentation.
- Perform functional testing of BESS operating modes, including charging, discharging, standby, grid support and emergency shutdown functions.
- Test and validate remote/local control functionality .
- Support testing of active power, reactive power, voltage and frequency control functions.
- Verifygrid-code related control functions , where applicable.
- Investigate and resolve PLC, RTU, SCADA and communications faults during commissioning.
- Test and validate alarms, events, status indications and control commands within the SCADA system.
- Support Modbus TCP/IP, IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, OPC UA/DA or other industrial communicationsas required by the project.
- Review PLC/RTU logic, control narratives, functional design specifications and cause-and-effect documentation.
- Assist with integration between the BESS andDNO/TSO/utility control systems .
- Support testing of emergency stop, safety interlocks and shutdown sequences.
- Work with OEMs and subcontractors to diagnose and resolve commissioning issues.
- Record test results, punch-list items, defects and corrective actions.
- Produce and review commissioning documentation, test sheets and handover documentation.
- Support final performance testing and successful handover to operations.
Technical Experience Required
The ideal candidate will have strong experience inindustrial controls commissioning , preferably within the energy, power generation, renewable energy or BESS sectors.
- Experience with some or all of the following is desirable: BESS control systems PLCs and RTUs SCADA systems EMS / PMS BMS and PCS interfaces Battery energy storage systems Power conversion systems / inverters HV/LV electrical systems Industrial communications Modbus TCP/IP IEC 61850 IEC 60870-5-104 OPC UA / OPC DAEthernet/IPProfinetTCP/IP networking Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) PLC programming and fault finding HMI/SCADA configuration Alarm and event management Control panels and instrumentation Electrical protection interfaces Metering systems Grid connection/control systems.
- Commissioning Experience: Candidates should have demonstrable experience with: Pre-commissioning inspections I/O and point-to-point testing Loop checks Cold commissioning Hot commissioning Energisation support Functional testing SAT Integrated systems testing Troubleshooting Control system modifications Site acceptance testing Performance testing Defect/punch-list management System handover BESS-Specific Testing.
- Particular emphasis will be placed on experience testing the interaction between the various BESS control layers. The engineer may be required to verify: BMS → PCS → PLC/RTU → EMS/PMS → SCADA → Grid/DNO including: State of Charge (SoC), State of Health (SoH), Charge/discharge commands, Active power setpoints, Reactive power setpoints, Voltage control, Frequency control, Ramp rates, Import/export limits, Battery limits, PCS operating modes, Grid connection status, Fault conditions, Emergency shutdown, Interlocks and permissives, Alarm and trip functionality, Remote control commands, Communications failure behaviour, Loss-of-grid conditions.
Qualifications & Certifications
- Degree/HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or a related discipline.
- Demonstrable commissioning experience within an industrial or energy environment.
- Strong understanding of electrical and control systems.
- Relevant electrical/control systems safety qualifications.
- CSCS/ECS or equivalent site certificationdesirable. 18th Editiondesirable depending on project requirements.
- Experience working under RAMS, permit-to-work and site commissioning procedures.
Sector Experience & Equality
Desirable Sector ExperienceExperience on projects involving: Battery Energy Storage SystemsSolar PVWindSubstationsGrid connectionsPower generationHV infrastructureRenewable energyData centresIndustrial automationPower plantsUtilities ersgare an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants.We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.
Equality Statement
We are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants.
We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.
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Controls Engineer - JP3624 in Leeds employer: ERSG Limited
As a leading employer in the renewable energy sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety and professional growth. Our Birmingham location offers unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders while driving impactful HSE strategies across multiple projects. We are committed to employee development, providing comprehensive training and support to ensure our teams excel in their roles and contribute to a sustainable future.
