Director, Project Engineering - BESS for Data CentersLocation: Houston, TX or Northern Virginia (Reston area) / Hybrid schedule with required travel up to 30%
Position SummaryThe Director of Project Engineering will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the engineering execution of BESS projects supporting mission-critical data center clients. This role leads a team of project engineers, establishes engineering standards, drives cross-functional coordination, and ensures the successful delivery of complex multi-MW BESS deployments. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in energy storage and power systems, strong leadership ability, and experience delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
Key Responsibilities- Lead, mentor, and grow the Project Engineering team supporting all data center BESS deployments.
- Own the end-to-end technical execution strategy for BESS projects from early development through commissioning.
- Define engineering processes, workflows, quality standards, and best practices for project execution.
- Serve as the senior technical authority and escalation point for engineering challenges across projects.
- Collaborate closely with project management, product engineering, procurement, and construction teams to ensure alignment on technical scope and milestones.
- Oversee customer, EPC, OEM, and consultant coordination related to system design, integration, and technical compliance.
- Review and approve system designs, calculations, studies, and engineering packages.
- Provide oversight and guidance for system studies including short circuit, load flow, arc flash, and protection coordination.
- Ensure engineering deliverables meet NEC, IEEE, NFPA, UL, and internal On Energy Storage standards.
- Support major vendor selection decisions, equipment specification development, and technical bid evaluations.
- Oversee technical risk identification, mitigation strategies, and design optimization initiatives.
- Support critical field activities including factory acceptance testing, commissioning, and technical issue resolution.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance safety, quality, and execution efficiency.
Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in project engineering, electrical systems, or energy storage; 3+ years in a leadership or management role.
- Deep technical knowledge of energy storage systems (e.g., CATL, Sungrow, Tesla) and high-voltage power systems.
- Strong understanding of electrical system design, system studies, protection & control, and integration with mission-critical infrastructure.
- Experience managing engineering teams, developing processes, and implementing best practices.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and power system analysis tools (ETAP, SKM).
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects and drive alignment across technical and non-technical teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to interact with senior leadership and customers.
- Strong work ethic and attention to detail.
- Ability to travel up to 30%.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience working on EPC or design-build projects in the energy or critical infrastructure sector in North America.
- Familiarity with commissioning protocols and QA/QC procedures for electrical systems.
- PE license strongly preferred.
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For US-based roles - What you'll get:- Competitive salary + annual performance-based bonus eligibility
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
For Mexico-based roles - What you'll get:- Competitive salary + annual performance bonus eligibility
- Christmas Bonus (Aguinaldo): 30 days
- Major medical expenses and life insurance
- Paid time off and holidays (per local policy)
For all roles:- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Opportunity to grow with a mission-driven team shaping the future of clean energy
- Benefits vary by role and location and are subject to change.
