[Hiring] Senior BESS Project Engineer @Ameresco

Role Description

Ameresco is seeking a Senior BESS Project Engineer to join our growing Renewable Energy team. This is a Senior level role for an experienced engineer who can independently lead complex Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects through design and development, and support integration and commissioning efforts, while serving as a technical resource and leader for the team. This is a remote position joining a partially remote team with home office based in the Phoenix, AZ area. This role is focused primarily on behind-the-meter (BTM) battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, serving as the technical owner of system integration and controls scope from design through commissioning.

Responsibilities

• Design Review & System Integration
  • Review single line diagrams (SLDs), control schematics, and BESS system designs prepared by subcontract engineers and vendors across multiple concurrent projects.
  • Direct or confirm that data monitoring equipment, protective relays, controllers, meters, and communication/networking equipment are properly specified and designed into the system architecture.
  • Serve as primary point of coordination with internal Ameresco departments (engineering, procurement, construction, and operations).
  • Lead review of vendor and subcontract engineer submittals, control narratives, and points lists for BESS controllers, PCS, EMS/BMS, and site controllers.
  • Identify and resolve complex design gaps, conflicts, or constructability issues between electrical, controls, and monitoring scopes.
• Controls Programming & Installation Oversight
  • Direct subcontract engineers and controls integrators to ensure relays, controllers, and monitoring equipment are programmed in accordance with approved design intent.
  • Verify that programming and configuration of protective relays, site controllers, and data monitoring platforms reflect final as-built system design.
  • Provide oversight of and support field verification that equipment is installed per plan.
  • Drive resolution of open items related to controls, relay settings, and monitoring equipment through construction completion.
• Testing, Commissioning & Utility Coordination
  • Support construction and commissioning resources in preparing for and executing utility-required acceptance testing.
  • Oversee and support project-required functional testing of the BESS.
  • Troubleshoot system functionality issues identified during testing and commissioning.
  • Review commissioning documentation and test reports to confirm system functionality meets utility and project requirements.
• Cross-Functional & FTM Consultation
  • Serve as a technical resource to Project Management and Construction teams on BESS controls, protection, and monitoring scope.
  • Consult with front-of-meter (FTM) project engineering teams and subject matter experts as needed.
  • Document lessons learned and support development of internal standards for BESS controls and monitoring design review.
• Team Leadership & Mentorship
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to entry and mid-level BESS Project Engineers.
  • Establish and document best practices, workflows, and technical standards for BESS design review.
  • Assist in onboarding new team members and building team capability.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of design review checklists and commissioning templates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of 7+ years of relevant experience in electrical design, controls engineering, protective relaying, or BESS project work.
• Demonstrated track record of independently leading BESS design, review, controls integration across multiple projects.
• Ability to travel up to 50% of the time for site visits, testing, and commissioning support.

Requirements

• Working knowledge of protective relays, controllers, and data monitoring/SCADA equipment used in BESS or substation applications.
• Familiarity with utility and project commissioning and testing requirements for distributed energy resources.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and coordinating cross-functional and subcontract engineering teams.
• Experience with BESS platforms and equipment from major manufacturers (e.g., Tesla, Fluence, SMA, and similar).
• Experience programming or configuring protective relays (e.g., SEL, GE) and site/plant controllers.
• Experience with installation and commissioning of BESS and microgrid systems a plus.
• Professional Engineering (PE) license considered a plus.
• Familiarity with SCADA, EMS/BMS platforms, and communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850).
• Experience supporting utility interconnection testing, relay testing, and commissioning activities.
• Exposure to front-of-meter (FTM), utility-scale, or substation-interconnected BESS projects a plus.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with AutoCAD or similar drawing review tools a plus.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive employee benefits, including people-oriented insurance, investment, and incentive plans.