The BESS Technician is primarily based at the Border Peaker facility, which is equipped with Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) technology. In addition to the Border site, the BESS Technician will support the wider CalPeak Power fleet as needed. The fleet operates five peaker facilities across California, utilizing Pratt & Whitney FT8 gas turbine units. Four sites—Border in San Diego, Panoche in Firebaugh, Vaca Dixon in Vacaville, and Enterprise in Escondido—each have a capacity of 50 MW, featuring FT8-2 units with Dry Low NOx (DLN) systems. The Midway site in Firebaugh is the largest, with a 120 MW capacity, utilizing an FT8-3 unit with water injection for emissions control. These facilities play a critical role in providing peaking power to maintain grid stability across the region.
Opportunity Summary
The Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) Technician's core responsibilities encompass overseeing the installation, maintenance, and operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This pivotal role involves conducting regular inspections, troubleshooting technical issues, and ensuring the efficient functioning of BESS components. With a focus on safety protocols and system optimization, the BESS Technician plays a vital role in supporting renewable energy initiatives and grid stability. Additionally, this position may require travel to and support for other CalPeak power fleet peaker plants, enhancing collaboration and consistency across the fleet.
Primary Functions
Operation and Monitoring
- Monitor the performance of battery energy storage systems (BESS) through advanced control systems and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.
- Operate BESS to ensure optimal performance and compliance with grid requirements.
Preventive and Corrective Maintenance
- Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks on BESS components including batteries, inverters, switchgear, and control systems.
- Troubleshoot and diagnose faults and carry out corrective maintenance activities to ensure minimal downtime.
Planned Maintenance Execution
- Conduct weekly and monthly preventive maintenance (PM) tasks on BESS components according to established schedules and maintenance plans.
- Perform routine inspections, tests, and calibrations of equipment such as batteries, inverters, cooling systems, and electrical connections.
- Document findings and observations during PM activities, including any abnormalities or signs of wear.
- Coordinate with the maintenance scheduler to ensure timely completion of PM tasks and adherence to maintenance schedules.
- Proactively identify opportunities to optimize PM procedures and schedules to enhance equipment reliability and longevity.
Health and Safety Compliance
- Adhere to all safety protocols and procedures while performing maintenance tasks.
- Identify and mitigate potential safety hazards associated with BESS operation and maintenance activities.
Performance Optimization
- Collaborate with engineering and operations teams to identify opportunities for improving the performance and efficiency of BESS.
- Implement optimization strategies and modifications as necessary.
- Analyze performance data collected from BESS operations and maintenance activities.
- Identify trends, inefficiencies, or areas for improvement in BESS performance.
Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, inspections, and performance metrics.
- Generate reports on BESS performance, maintenance activities, and any incidents or issues encountered.
Spare Parts Management
- Maintain an inventory of spare parts and consumables required for BESS maintenance and repair activities.
- Coordinate with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely availability of necessary parts.
- Develop and implement a spare parts management strategy to minimize downtime and optimize equipment reliability.
Training and Development
- Provide training and guidance to junior technicians and new hires on BESS operation, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols.
- Stay updated on advancements in BESS technology and industry best practices through continuous learning and professional development activities.
- Share knowledge and expertise with the team to foster a culture of learning and skill enhancement.
Cross-Training and Collaboration
- Engage in cross-training initiatives with other plant personnel involved in the operations and maintenance of the Peaker plants operated under the Company.
- Collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines to gain insight into the broader aspects of power generation and grid stability.
- Participate in joint training sessions and knowledge-sharing activities to enhance understanding of interdependencies between BESS and conventional power generation systems.
Other Duties
- Perform other reasonable duties as requested by Plant Management.
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
Working Relationships
The BESS Technician reports to the O&M Manager, and work under the general direction of the Plant Manager.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
Physical requirements include standing for extended periods of time, stair and ladder climbing and routinely lifting up to 50 pounds. Protective equipment must be worn in the performance of some duties (e.g., hard hats, safety glasses, air masks, ear protection, chemical suits, hot gloves, and high voltage protective equipment, etc.). Work with hazardous materials may be required. There are extensive smoking restrictions in and around the facility.
Fitness for Duty
All employees will participate in the Fitness for Duty Program. This program includes a post-offer physical examination and drug screening and post-employment random drug screening.
Work Schedule
Position requires extended working hours and varied shifts with weekend and holiday work, as required by schedules, workload, and plant conditions. "On call" status will periodically be required.
Compensation
The initial starting compensation will range from $46 to $56 per hour and will include an annual performance bonus.
Job Qualifications
- While not required, an Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy Engineering, would be advantageous. Additionally, candidates with specialized training or certifications in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) operation and maintenance will also be considered.
- Comprehensive understanding of BESS components, including batteries, inverters, and control systems, is essential for effectively managing and optimizing their performance.
- Strong background in electrical engineering principles, with a focus on power systems, circuits, and electrical safety standards, is crucial for safe installation and operation of BESS.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently, including knowledge of diagnostic tools and methodologies, is critical for maintaining uptime and reliability.
- Familiarity with renewable energy technologies and their integration into power grids, including grid-tied and off-grid configurations, is important for understanding the role of BESS in the broader energy landscape.
- Understanding of relevant industry standards, codes, and regulations governing BESS installations and operations, such as IEEE and NEC guidelines, is necessary to ensure compliance and safety.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including engineers, technicians, and project managers, are essential for successful deployment and maintenance of BESS projects.
- Must possess a valid and unrestricted driver's license, ensuring it remains in good standing at all times.
About NAES
NAES Corporation is the leading provider of operations, maintenance, and engineering services for energy facilities. We have established ourselves as a reliable partner for clients in North America and internationally, offering services across power generation, oil and gas, and renewable energy sectors. Additionally, our growing family of companies enables us to address the entire life cycle of power generation and other industrial plants.
NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.
