BESS Commissioning Manager

Job Title: BESS Commissioning ManagerJob Description

The BESS Commissioning Manager leads commissioning and analytics activities for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems and solar-coupled power plants. This role focuses on plant testing, performance verification, GIA and PPA testing, and system startup, while serving as the owner's representative to ensure compliance, safety, and successful integration of the energy storage system. The position manages and reports on commissioning and performance testing performed by contractors and vendors, and provides remote support through SCADA monitoring for projects across the United States.

Responsibilities

• Act as the owner's representative for Battery Energy Storage System and solar-coupled power projects, overseeing compliance, safety, startup, commissioning, and testing activities.
• Conduct comprehensive plant testing and performance testing, including GIA and PPA testing, to validate system operation and contractual performance requirements.
• Lead and coordinate the commissioning process for energy storage systems, ensuring all procedures and documentation are properly developed, implemented, and followed.
• Manage and report on commissioning and performance testing work performed by contractors and vendors at project sites, ensuring quality and adherence to project specifications.
• Participate actively in safety programs and audits, promoting a strong safety culture throughout all testing and commissioning activities.
• Support PPA testing with the customer, ensuring accurate execution and documentation of performance obligations.
• Support GIA testing with the transmission owner, coordinating technical requirements and test procedures.
• Support ISO testing activities to ensure the energy storage system meets grid operator standards and integration requirements.
• Manage test energy forecasts in collaboration with the customer, aligning testing plans with energy delivery and market participation requirements.
• Support the ICCP IT SCADA team and SCADA project manager/lead with functional checks, ensuring reliable data exchange and system visibility.
• Work with the SCADA integrator and Execution Commissioning Project Manager to develop a detailed commissioning schedule based on mechanical completion milestones.
• Collaborate with the SCADA integrator and Commissioning Manager to execute site acceptance testing, verifying system functionality and readiness for operation.
• Support CEWIS critical point checkout, including alarm checks and PGD verification, to ensure proper monitoring and protection settings.
• Perform OEM testing in coordination with equipment manufacturers to confirm equipment performance and warranty requirements.
• Perform plant balancing activities to optimize system configuration, power flows, and operational efficiency.
• Perform capacity testing to validate the energy storage system's rated capacity and performance under various operating conditions.
• Initiate and support notification and configuration of AVR and AGC functions, ensuring proper integration with plant controls and grid requirements.
• Review performance data and test results to identify deficiencies, troubleshoot issues, and recommend corrective actions.
• Organize and strategize commissioning schedules and plans, coordinating with internal teams, contractors, and stakeholders to meet project timelines.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems installation and startup, including utility-scale projects.
• Thorough understanding of the technical performance and integration of batteries as part of an Energy Storage System.
• Ability to create, implement, and manage commissioning processes for complex power systems.
• Strong understanding of containerized systems, skids, controllers, SCADA systems, transformers, and combiners.
• Deep knowledge of DC systems from 0 to 2,000 VDC and AC systems from 480 V to 34.5 kV.
• Experience with control systems and SCADA platforms, including troubleshooting of communication and control issues.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple projects, schedules, and stakeholders effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for documentation, reporting, and presentations.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with third parties, customers, and executive-level stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively organize and strategize schedules and plans in a dynamic project environment.
• Commissioning expertise in power systems construction and startup, particularly in energy storage.
• Background in engineering or a professional electrical career in power systems construction and startup, with experience in BESS projects and commissioning.
• Experience with SCADA systems and remote monitoring of power assets (preferred).
• Experience with large-scale energy storage projects, such as a minimum of approximately 100 MWh or multiple energy storage systems in commissioning (preferred).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering or professional electrical Background in power systems construction and startup, with a focus on energy storage systems.
• Prior experience as a commissioning professional in utility-scale battery energy storage or solar-coupled power systems.
• Familiarity with ISO, PPA, and GIA testing frameworks and requirements for grid-connected assets.
• Experience collaborating with SCADA integrators, IT SCADA teams, and project managers to align commissioning and data integration activities.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation, single-line diagrams, and protection schemes for high-voltage and medium-voltage systems.
• Strong analytical skills to review performance data, identify deficiencies, and support continuous improvement of system operation.
• Comfort working in a remote and distributed team environment while coordinating occasional site-based activities.
• Capacity to operate a motor vehicle to travel between working locations when needed for project support and testing.

Work Environment

The role is primarily remote, with most work performed through SCADA monitoring and coordination from a home or remote office environment. The position involves occasional travel within the United States to project locations for testing and commissioning activities, with an estimated travel frequency of up to 25%. During site visits, the role operates within utility-scale energy storage and solar power facilities, working alongside project teams, contractors, and vendors to complete testing and commissioning tasks. The position requires the ability to operate a motor vehicle for commuting between working locations as needed. Work is largely technology-driven, utilizing SCADA systems, control platforms, and standard office productivity software to monitor performance, manage documentation, and coordinate project activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.