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.
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.
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 rapid-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 (New South Wales)
🏢 Vertex Search
📍 New South Wales