Senior / Principal BESS Engineer - Renewables in Brighton

Location: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton; UK

About Mott MacDonald

Mott MacDonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy with over 20,000 employees across more than 50 countries and 140+ offices.

About the Energy Unit

The Energy unit delivers services to clients globally across hydropower, nuclear, waste, renewable generation and transmission & distribution networks, providing integrated engineering and project management services across the project lifecycle.

Overview of the role

Mott MacDonald is seeking a highly skilled Battery Energy Storage Systems Engineer to join our growing Energy team. The role supports and drives the successful integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS) into wind and solar power projects internationally. As a BESS Engineer you will lead the design, development, implementation and operation of BESS in renewable energy projects and serve as the Owner's Engineer, providing technical expertise and ensuring seamless integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive engineering support throughout the lifecycle of BESS energy projects, ensuring adherence to technical specifications, contract management and stakeholder coordination.
• Conduct thorough feasibility studies, including technical and economic viability assessments, site evaluations and identification of potential risks and mitigation measures.
• Offer expert guidance and recommendations on energy storage systems, renewable energy integration, and project development strategies to clients, energy majors, utilities and governments.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in BESS technologies, industry trends and regulatory requirements, and share technical knowledge and insights within the organization to foster continuous learning and improvement.
• Assess project specifications, energy storage needs and grid requirements to propose optimal BESS configurations.
• Assess the technical capabilities and reliability of potential BESS suppliers, ensuring adherence to project specifications and quality standards.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to define technical specifications, evaluate bids and select the most suitable equipment and technologies.
• Evaluate electrical system design, protection schemes, and interconnection requirements for BESS integration, including grid stabilisation and backup power.
• Perform simulations and modelling to predict system performance and optimise design.
• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement data acquisition systems to monitor BESS performance, including energy storage efficiency, response times and system availability.
• Analyse performance data to identify trends, assess the health of the BESS system and recommend maintenance or operational improvements.
• Develop project schedules, budgets and resource plans for successful BESS implementation.
• Collaborate with project teams to manage risks, resolve technical issues and ensure compliance with project milestones.
• Perform on site inspections to ensure the quality and integrity of BESS components, installations and interconnections.
• Develop and implement quality control plans, inspection checklists and acceptance criteria for BESS systems.
• Collaborate with commissioning teams to define test protocols and procedures for BESS equipment and ensure thorough verification of system performance and functionality during the commissioning and testing phase.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, preferably in electrical/electronic engineering, renewable energy or energy storage systems; a master's degree or relevant certifications would be advantageous.
• Prior experience in technical due diligence, owner's engineering, advisory services and feasibility studies for renewable energy projects and energy storage systems.
• Strong knowledge of BESS technologies, grid integration and power system modelling.
• Project management skills, including risk management and coordination with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with local and international regulations, industry standards and codes related to energy storage, renewable energy and grid integration, ensuring compliance and risk mitigation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English to liaise with technical and non‑technical colleagues and clients. Other languages are an asset.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are actively recruiting a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve. We recognise that differences in ability, skills and experience are a strength and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they can contribute.

Accessibility

If you are disabled or need support to enable you to apply or attend an interview, please contact us and we will talk about how we can support you.

UK Immigration

Mott MacDonald is not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. We welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK that do not require sponsorship.

Working Arrangement

We offer a hybrid working policy that embraces well‑being, flexibility and trust.

Benefits

• Financial well‑being: We match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. Life assurance equal up to 4 × your basic salary, with an option to increase the level of cover to 6 × your salary. Our income protection scheme provides a financial benefit and support for long‑term illness or injury. Flexible benefits including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing. Annual bonus schemes.
• Employee Ownership: No external investors; a culture of shared success. Employees have a stake and a voice in the business through performance bonuses. Stake and voice increases with career growth. Direct pathway to ownership for senior roles from day one.
• Health and Well‑being: Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues. Health cash plan for everyday health costs and treatments. Access to Peppy for free menopause support. Well‑being support through a comprehensive program for you and your family. Flexibility to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many extendable to family.