About the Role

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 prospect 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

📌 Head of BESS Engineering (Sydney)
🏢 Vertex Search
📍 Sydney