Head of BESS Engineering in Sydney

Our client, a leading renewable energy developer and IPP with a growing battery energy storage system (BESS) portfolio across Australia, is seeking a Head of BESS Engineering to lead the technical strategy, design integrity, and engineering delivery of their BESS pipeline. This is a senior leadership role responsible for building and directing the engineering function across development, procurement, construction, and operational phases of standalone and co-located BESS projects. This is an outstanding opportunity for a senior BESS engineering leader to shape the technical direction of a growing platform, with direct exposure to investment committees, board-level reporting, and the full project lifecycle from origination through to operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all BESS engineering activities across the project lifecycle — feasibility, front-end engineering design (FEED), detailed design, procurement, construction oversight, commissioning, and asset performance.
• Own technical due diligence for BESS acquisitions, greenfield developments, and investment decisions, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.
• Develop and maintain internal engineering standards, technical specifications, and design review processes for BESS systems (technology selection, system architecture, fire safety, grid connection, thermal management).
• Manage relationships with OEMs, EPC contractors, and technical advisors; lead technology and vendor selection processes.
• Provide technical leadership on grid connection studies, AEMO compliance, and interconnection requirements for BESS assets.
• Oversee HAZOP, safety case development, and compliance with relevant Australian standards (AS/NZS) and battery safety codes.
• Build, lead, and mentor a growing team of BESS engineers as the portfolio scales.
• Support commercial and investment teams with technical input for PPAs, offtake structuring, and revenue stacking (FCAS, arbitrage, capacity).
• Represent the business in interactions with AEMO, network service providers (NSPs), regulators, and industry bodies.
• Report on technical progress, risks, and budget to the executive team and board.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 12 years of engineering experience in power systems, renewable energy, or utility-scale infrastructure, with substantial hands‑on BESS experience (minimum 4–5 years specifically in BESS).
• Proven track record delivering utility-scale BESS projects in Australia, from development through to operations.
• Deep technical knowledge of BESS technologies (lithium‑ion chemistries, inverter/PCS design, thermal management, fire suppression systems).
• Strong understanding of the NEM, AEMO frameworks, grid connection processes, and Australian technical standards.
• Experience leading technical due diligence for M&A or investment processes.
• Demonstrated people leadership — building and managing engineering teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related discipline; Chartered Engineer (CPEng) status highly regarded.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience presenting to investment committees and boards.
• Full working rights in Australia; Sydney-based (or willing to relocate).

What’s on Offer

• Senior leadership role with a fast‑growing, well‑capitalised platform.
• Direct influence over technology strategy and portfolio‑shaping decisions.
• Competitive base salary + bonus + potential equity/LTI, commensurate with seniority.
• Career growth as the BESS pipeline scales.