Electrical Engineer BESS Systems

A growing energy and renewable power business is seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer BESS Systems to join its technical team.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, engineering, integration and delivery of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across commercial, industrial and utility-scale energy projects.

You will work across the project lifecycle, from feasibility and system sizing through to detailed electrical design, procurement, construction, commissioning and operational support.
The role will involve close collaboration with BESS OEMs, inverter suppliers, EPC contractors, utilities, clients and multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and engineer Battery Energy Storage Systems for grid-connected, commercial and utility-scale applications.
• Perform BESS system sizing, energy and power calculations and performance assessments.
• Develop and review electrical single-line diagrams, schematics and system architecture.
• Design and specify MV and LV electrical systems associated with BESS installations.
• Specify transformers, switchgear, protection equipment, cables and balance-of-plant equipment.
• Integrate BESS with solar PV, grid infrastructure, generators and other energy assets.
• Perform electrical and power-system studies including:
  • Load flow
  • Short circuit
  • Voltage drop
  • Protection coordination
  • Harmonic analysis
  • Power-quality assessments
• Support grid-connection studies and utility application processes.
• Ensure BESS designs comply with applicable South African Grid Code, NRS and SANS requirements.
• Develop technical specifications, equipment schedules, datasheets and engineering reports.
• Review BESS OEM and supplier technical documentation.
• Evaluate battery, inverter, PCS, EMS and SCADA interfaces.
• Provide technical input into tenders, feasibility studies and project proposals.
• Liaise with OEMs and suppliers regarding technical compliance and equipment selection.
• Provide engineering support during procurement, construction and installation.
• Participate in FATs, SATs, commissioning and site acceptance activities.
• Troubleshoot electrical, control and integration issues during project execution.
• Conduct site inspections and provide technical support to construction teams.
• Support ongoing optimisation of BESS performance and system reliability.

Minimum Requirements

• BEng / BSc / BTech in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 38 years' experience in electrical engineering, renewable energy, power systems or energy storage.
• Demonstrable experience with BESS, renewable energy or grid-connected electrical systems.
• Strong understanding of MV/LV electrical systems.
• Knowledge of transformers, switchgear, protection systems and power conversion equipment.
• Experience with electrical design and engineering documentation.
• Understanding of grid-connected inverter-based systems.
• Experience with relevant electrical design or power-system simulation software.