Job Description

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.

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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.

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Key Responsibilities

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- Lead all BESS engineering activities across the project lifecycle — feasibility, front-end engineering design (FEED), detailed design, procurement, construction oversight, commissioning, and asset performance
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- Own technical due diligence for BESS acquisitions, greenfield developments, and investment decisions, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies
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- 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)
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- Manage relationships with OEMs, EPC contractors, and technical advisors; lead technology and vendor selection processes
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- Provide technical leadership on grid connection studies, AEMO compliance, and interconnection requirements for BESS assets
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- Oversee HAZOP, safety case development, and compliance with relevant Australian standards (AS/NZS) and battery safety codes
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- Build, lead,



and mentor a growing team of BESS engineers as the portfolio scales
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- Support commercial and investment teams with technical input for PPAs, offtake structuring, and revenue stacking (FCAS, arbitrage, capacity)
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- Represent the business in interactions with AEMO, network service providers (NSPs), regulators, and industry bodies
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- Report on technical progress, risks, and budget to the executive team and board
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Candidate Requirements

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

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- Senior leadership role with a fast-growing, well-capitalised platform
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- Direct influence over technology strategy and portfolio-shaping decisions
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- Competitive base salary + bonus + potential equity/LTI, commensurate with seniority
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- Growth opportunities as the BESS pipeline scales
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📌 Head of BESS Engineering (New South Wales)
🏢 Vertex Search
📍 New South Wales