Reporting to the AES CE Manager of Technical Services, the Lead Engineer supports a larger operations team and serves as a domain expert for BESS technical, technical safety and engineering matters related to the reliable and available operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems.  Through interaction and collaboration with other teams the lead operations engineer both directly and through direction of other engineers, supports, improves, and optimizes the operational performance of deployed Battery Energy Storage System capacity by providing technical expertise, performance analysis, and critical process support. The lead engineer is a highly skilled professional responsible for driving the development and implementation of a comprehensive reliability strategy for all installed and operating assets, directing and enlightening other engineering team members, while fostering teamwork and continuous improvement to increase the performance, reliability and safety of AES CE battery assets while reducing operations & maintenance costs. The BESS Lead Operations Engineer will be the primary SME resource for battery safety and public agency audits.  This position will coordinate closely with field operations and lead other engineers in the coordination and execution of technical projects related to BESS performance and safety improvement across the

Main Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with field operations in the design and deployment of systems to comply with BESS system safety requirements and the correction of audit findings or serial defects.
• Provide engineering support for the troubleshooting, testing and maintenance of electrical equipment and controls for the AESCE battery fleet.
• Provide education, mentoring and guidance to reliability and performance engineers related to both how to analyze operational data.
• Provide leadership to reliability and performance engineers on how to correct negative performance that is found with battery energy storage projects.
• Provide SME support for battery energy support safety within the company by becoming a primary resource on CPUC and UL9540 regulations, fire suppression systems, battery fire science and prevention
• Provide leadership and support in preparing for, participating in and executing corrective actions related to battery energy storage system audits
• Coordinate with reliability and performance engineers any improvement technologies for AESCE battery fleet
• Cultivate a network of battery safety consultants and experts that can called upon for advanced RCAs or testimony for safety audits and public proceedings
• Share and capitalize on lessons learned and benchmarking from not only AES but other industry leaders.
• Collaborate with Innovation team to monitor new technology innovations in BESS technology and safety systems and provide recommendations to project design teams to implement where appropriate
• Perform technical and operational due diligence and develop O&M cost assumptions in support of new BESS opportunity evaluations for the US markets.
• Independently develop and lead technical projects to enhance asset performance and operations
  • Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
    • Follow RCA procedures for ad hoc and chronic incidents for assets
    • Develop Recovery Plan based on RCA findings
  • Management of Change (MoC)
  • Implementation of Asset Management Standards (AMS)
  • Diagnostics
• Develop Prevent Maintenance (PM) procedures based on OEM manuals alongside performance and reliability engineers
• Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training for O&M teams
• Lead optimization efforts by employing AES APEX & Lean Six Sigma approaches and tools sets.
• Develop strategy for modernization of older assets and compliance with new safety requirements
• Monitor and recommend the optimum time to augment of replace BESS equipment

Skills & Qualifications:

• Master’s or Ph.D Degree in Engineering or beyond from an accredited college/university and 10 years of experience or equivalent required.

• 3-5 years of professional experience in Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Operations, Engineering, or Construction, preferred.
• Demonstrated knowledge of CPUC BESS requirements and participation in one or more faciltity audits.
• Demonstrated ability to provide support and guidance to operations teams during emergent BESS safety issues.
• Advanced data analysis skills beyond Excel with knowledge of data processing software such as Python, R code to manipulate data acquired from Ignition, Trimark or Isotrol Scada.
• Demonstrated knowledge of  BESS equipment OEMs such as Fluence, LG and Samsung.
• Ability to lead a team and educate other engineers on BESS systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building numerical models of battery phenomenon such as cell aging, and thermal runaway phenomenon.
• Ability to tackle new and unique complex problems using a variety of scientific method, advanced problem solving techniques and data analysis to document and defend a solution method to a public agency.

• Candidate must be innovative, with strong troubleshooting skills and must be flexible, with the ability to organize, prioritize, execute and follow up on many concurrent duties, as well as adapt quickly to changes in business priorities.

• Ability to establish trust through building relationships and demonstration of capabilities.

• Strong coaching skills and safety awareness.

• Proficient in the following focus areas; Process Improvement, Business Performance, and Battery Performance.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including an ability to maintain calm and effective exchanges by all parties.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 35%.

• Strong communication skills (written & oral).

• Proficient in Microsoft Office bundle including Project and Visio

• Planning and project management skills for multiple change efforts.