Controls Engineer - BESS Commissioning
Job Title: Controls Engineer - BESS Commissioning
Project: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
Contract: Contract / Freelance
Location: Site-based, UK
Start: ASAP / Immediate
Duration: TBC, with potential extension
Working Pattern: Site-based, with commissioning and testing periods potentially requiring extended hours
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the commissioning, testing and integration of a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project.
The successful candidate will be responsible for commissioning and troubleshooting the control systems associated with the BESS, including PLC/RTU systems, SCADA, EMS/PMS, BMS interfaces, PCS/inverters and plant-level controls.
The role will involve working closely with the commissioning, electrical, SCADA, protection and OEM teams to ensure the complete BESS control architecture is correctly configured, integrated, tested and handed over to the client.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and support controls commissioning activities for the BESS project from pre-commissioning through to energisation, functional testing and handover.
Commission and troubleshoot PLC, RTU, SCADA, EMS/PMS and plant control systems.
Configure and test control logic, sequences, interlocks, permissives, alarms and trips.
Verify communications and data exchange between:
BESS PLC/RTU
SCADA
Energy Management System (EMS)
Power Management System (PMS)
Battery Management System (BMS)
Power Conversion System (PCS)
Inverters
HV/LV equipment
Protection and metering systems
Carry out I/O checks, loop checks and point-to-point testing.
Support FAT/SAT activities and review test documentation.
Perform functional testing of BESS operating modes, including charging, discharging, standby, grid support and emergency shutdown functions.
Test and validate remote/local control functionality.
Support testing of active power, reactive power, voltage and frequency control functions.
Verify grid-code related control functions, where applicable.
Investigate and resolve PLC, RTU, SCADA and communications faults during commissioning.
Test and validate alarms, events, status indications and control commands within the SCADA system.
Support Modbus TCP/IP, IEC 61850, IEC (phone number removed)-104, OPC UA/DA or other industrial communications as required by the project.
Review PLC/RTU logic, control narratives, functional design specifications and cause-and-effect documentation.
Assist with integration between the BESS and DNO/TSO/utility control systems.
Support testing of emergency stop, safety interlocks and shutdown sequences.
Work with OEMs and subcontractors to diagnose and resolve commissioning issues.
Record test results, punch-list items, defects and corrective actions.
Produce and review commissioning documentation, test sheets and handover documentation.
Support final performance testing and successful handover to operations.
Technical Experience Required
The ideal candidate will have strong experience in industrial controls commissioning, preferably within the energy, power generation, renewable energy or BESS sectors.
Experience with some or all of the following is desirable:
BESS control systems
PLCs and RTUs
SCADA systems
EMS / PMS
BMS and PCS interfaces
Battery energy storage systems
Power conversion systems / inverters
HV/LV electrical systems
Industrial communications
Modbus TCP/IP
IEC 61850
IEC (phone number removed)-104
OPC UA / OPC DA
Ethernet/IP
Profinet
TCP/IP networking
Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
PLC programming and fault finding
HMI/SCADA configuration
Alarm and event management
Control panels and instrumentation
Electrical protection interfaces
Metering systems
Grid connection/control systems
Commissioning Experience
Candidates should have demonstrable experience with:
Pre-commissioning inspections
I/O and point-to-point testing
Loop checks
Cold commissioning
Hot commissioning
Energisation support
Functional testing
SAT
Integrated systems testing
Troubleshooting
Control system modifications
Site acceptance testing
Performance testing
Defect/punch-list management
System handover
BESS-Specific Testing
Particular emphasis will be placed on experience testing the interaction between the various BESS control layers.
The engineer may be required to verify:
BMS → PCS → PLC/RTU → EMS/PMS → SCADA → Grid/DNO
including:
State of Charge (SoC)
State of Health (SoH)
Charge/discharge commands
Active power setpoints
Reactive power setpoints
Voltage control
Frequency control
Ramp rates
Import/export limits
Battery limits
PCS operating modes
Grid connection status
Fault conditions
Emergency shutdown
Interlocks and permissives
Alarm and trip functionality
Remote control commands
Communications failure behaviour
Loss-of-grid conditions
Qualifications & Certifications
Degree/HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or a related discipline.
Demonstrable commissioning experience within an industrial or energy environment.
Strong understanding of electrical and control systems.
Relevant electrical/control systems safety qualifications.
CSCS/ECS or equivalent site certification desirable.
18th Edition desirable depending on project requirements.
Experience working under RAMS, permit-to-work and site commissioning procedures.
Desirable Sector Experience
Experience on projects involving:
Battery Energy Storage Systems
Solar PV
Wind
Substations
Grid connections
Power generation
HV infrastructure
Renewable energy
Data centres
Industrial automation
Power plants
Utilitiesersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit
