Senior / Principal BESS Engineer - Renewables in Edinburgh

Location: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Brighton, UK

Overview of the role

We are seeking a highly skilled Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Engineer to join our Energy team. The role will support and drive the integration of battery energy storage systems into wind and solar power projects internationally. As a BESS Engineer you will lead the design, development, implementation and operation of BESS in renewable projects, acting as the Owner’s Engineer and providing technical expertise to ensure seamless integration.

Key responsibilities and duties

• 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 organisation 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.

Candidate specification

• 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/or 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 interpersonal skills (English) to communicate with technical and non-technical colleagues and clients. Other languages are an asset.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

UK Immigration

We are not 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.

Benefits

• Financial wellbeing: 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, as well as absence and return to work support due to long-term illness or injury. Flexible benefits, including increased life assurance cover, critical illness insurance, payroll saving and will writing. As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues in various ways including annual bonus schemes.
• Employee ownership: Our employee ownership model means no external investors, just us, creating a culture of shared success. Our employees have a stake and a voice in our business, giving them a direct connection to our success through our personal and group performance bonuses. As your career grows, so does your stake, recognising your long-term impact and contribution. Your voice matters, with the opportunity to connect directly with senior leadership through formal channels to help shape our future. For our senior roles you will have a direct pathway towards ownership from day one.
• Health and wellbeing: Private medical insurance for all UK colleagues. Health cash plan to support you with everyday health costs and treatments. Access to Peppy, providing free support from menopause experts for all UK colleagues. A variety of wellbeing support is available through our comprehensive wellbeing programme, including access for you and your family. Ability to flex your salary to opt into a wide range of health benefits, many of which can be extended to your family too.
• Lifestyle: A minimum of 33-35 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays and dependent on level, with the ability to buy or sell leave through our flexible benefits programme. 10 days additional paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. Holiday entitlement increased to a minimum of 35 days after 5 years’ service. Variety of employee saving schemes and discounts from high-street retailers.
• Enhanced family and carers leave: Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave. Our shared parental leave matches maternity leave meaning we pay up to 24 weeks at full pay. Up to five additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities, two of which are paid. We offer policies and dedicated support to help military families balance service life with career and wellbeing.
• Learning and development: Primary annual professional institution subscription. A broad range of opportunities to enhance both technical and soft skills through mentoring, formal training and self-development options.
• Networks, communities and social outcomes: Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability and parents/carers communities. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and Gold Award holders in the MOD Employer Recognition Scheme, supported by our dedicated internal Armed Forces Network. Make a difference within our communities through our social outcomes.