About the roleThe Regional Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Manager is responsible for overseeing the operational performance, reliability, maintenance, and compliance of utility-scale battery energy storage assets within an assigned region. This leadership role combines expertise in Solar, BESS technologies, high-voltage substations, relay protection systems, and field operations management.
The successful candidate will lead a team of technicians, engineers, and contractors while serving as the primary technical escalation point for complex operational issues. This position requires a strong understanding of power systems, NERC/FERC compliance, SCADA systems, protective relaying, substation equipment, and utility-scale renewable energy assets.
The role is remote-based with significant travel to project sites as needed to support operations, perform site assessments, investigate equipment failures, and engage with customers and stakeholders.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperations & Asset ManagementAs Field Manager, you will:
- Oversee technician hiring, time off and timecard approvals, and career development.
- Identify training needs and close skill gaps by cross-training team members to build core strengths.
- Train and mentor developing technicians in electrical safety and equipment maintenance.
- Support technicians and assist with project management at site.
- Serve as the front-line communicator to customers, site leaders, and teams.
- Assist customers with annual budgeting for improvements, repairs, and campaigns.
- Join weekly/monthly customer performance calls and provide monthly site summaries to Performance Engineering.
- Schedule and plan work to minimize downtime and ensure team safety.
- Manage CMMS work order reviews for accuracy and out-of-scope billing.
- Track inspections, schedules, and parts consumption through CMMS.
- Partner with leadership to identify and improve inefficiencies, processes, and gaps.
- Lead by example-set the standard for safety, quality, and excellence.
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve offline turbine issues, restoring them to service.
- Identify turbine performance issues and develop plans for corrective action, ideally during scheduled maintenance.
- Ensure all equipment operates with only approved solutions, hardware, and software.
- Perform quality checks to confirm technician and contractor work meets standards.
- Coordinate large corrective work with contractors as needed.
- Champion a strong EHS culture, utilizing stop-work authority when necessary.
- Manage the safe and reliable operation of utility-scale BESS and Solar facilities across the assigned region.
- Ensure compliance with all company, customer, utility, OSHA, NERC, NFPA, and environmental requirements.
- Monitor asset performance, availability, reliability, and contractual KPIs.
- Lead root cause analyses (RCA) for equipment failures and recurring operational issues.
- Develop corrective action plans and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support commissioning, energization, acceptance testing, and performance verification activities.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Substation & Relay Protection- Provide technical oversight of medium- and high-voltage substations supporting BESS facilities.
- Lead troubleshooting and maintenance activities involving:
- Protective relays
- Breakers and reclosers
- Transformers
- Switchgear
- Metering systems
- Communication equipment
- Review relay settings, coordination studies, protection schemes, and event reports.
- Analyze fault records, oscillography, and relay event data to determine system disturbances and corrective actions.
- Coordinate with utilities, independent system operators, and engineering teams regarding grid interconnection and protection requirements.
Field Leadership- Lead regional technicians, supervisors, and subcontractors.
- Establish preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Conduct field audits, safety observations, and quality inspections.
- Support emergency response efforts and provide technical leadership during critical outages.
- Ensure work is planned and executed safely and efficiently.
Customer & Stakeholder Management- Serve as primary operational contact for assigned customers and asset owners.
- Deliver operational reviews and performance reports.
- Support contract management and service-level agreement compliance.
- Build strong relationships with utilities, OEMs, EPC contractors, and customers.
Financial & Business Management- Manage regional operating budgets and maintenance expenditures.
- Support forecasting, capital planning, and spare parts strategies.
- Identify opportunities to improve asset performance and reduce operating costs.
- Assist with business development efforts and technical due diligence activities.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical field. Equivalent experience may be considered.
- Minimum 7-10 years of experience in power generation, renewable energy, utility operations, substations, or energy storage systems.
- Minimum 3-5 years of leadership experience managing field operations teams.
- Strong knowledge of utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
- Experience with medium- and high-voltage electrical systems up to 500 kV.
- Demonstrated expertise in substation equipment and relay protection systems.
- Experience with protective relay platforms such as:
- Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL)
- GE
- Siemens SIPROTEC
- Experience with SCADA, power monitoring systems, and communication networks.
- Ability to analyze relay event files, fault data, and system disturbances.
- Strong understanding of electrical safety programs and lockout/tagout procedures.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications- Professional Engineer (PE) license.
- NETA, NICET, or equivalent industry certifications.
- Experience with renewable generation assets including solar and wind facilities.
- Knowledge of NERC, FERC, NFPA 70E, IEEE, and utility interconnection standards.
- Experience supporting BESS OEM technologies such as:
- Tesla Megapack
- Fluence
- Wärtsilä
- Canadian Solar
- Experience with remote monitoring and asset management platforms.
Additional Requirements- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
- Able to pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Willing to work overtime, travel for work/training, and participate in rotational on-call schedule.
- Able to climb ladders, stand for extended periods, and lift up to 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and in variable outdoor conditions.
Key Competencies- Safety Leadership
- Technical Troubleshooting
- Power Systems Expertise
- Team Development & Coaching
- Customer Relationship Management
- Project Management
- Critical Thinking & Root Cause Analysis
- Financial Acumen
- Communication & Executive Reporting
- Emergency Response Leadership
Physical Requirements- Ability to work in outdoor environments and industrial facilities.
- Ability to climb ladders, walk uneven terrain, and access substation equipment areas.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to travel by air and vehicle throughout the assigned region.
Benefits- Competitive compensation
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with employer match
- Paid holidays and vacation time
- Career Growth Opportunities within Wind, Solar, and BESS sectors
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Continuous Professional Development Support
