BESS Field Manager (m/w/d)

Plus Power is an energy storage market leader, with a market-leading 10+ GW portfolio across more than 25 US states and Canadian provinces that will transform North American electric grids into cleaner and more versatile critical infrastructure.

Standalone energy storage is rapidly transforming the North American energy markets, because it is cheaper than new natural gas plants, faster to build than fossil peakers or transmission, and able to perform diverse energy services. Plus Power partners with electricity system operators, utilities, and investors to originate, develop, finance, own and operate standalone energy storage projects that provide critical services to the wholesale electric market. Plus Power’s team applies an intentional mindset to energy storage development by using a data-driven approach to development and operations.

At Plus Power, we are focused on solving hard climate problems, profitably. We are growing fast, and value candidates who, like us, share a focus on setting high expectations, owning and learning from mistakes in the spirit of radical transparency, and are committed to internal partnering as a key element of our ideas meritocracy. Our team praises Plus Power’s culture and excels through our game-changing mission and supportive ecosystem.

About the Role

Plus Power recruits outstanding energy industry professionals who are driven to develop, build and operate assets safely and reliably to decarbonize the power markets while growing their careers. Our team looks for data-driven and fact-based mindsets, engaging and collaborative behaviors, and personal growth-focused professionals.

In order for the global energy system to make the transition from a carbon-based grid, to a renewable energy grid, large scale energy storage must be introduced into the electricity system to balance intra-hour supply and demand. Energy storage is the enabler of high penetration variable renewable generation like solar and wind.

We are looking for a Central Texas Field Manager to join the Asset Operations Team. This qualified individual would work under the guidance of the Director of Field Operations and will manage from one to three sites and will be the responsible party for all on-ground activities relating to the operations and maintenance of the site. In this role, they will gain a full understanding of the operations of their site(s) and will be able to explain the operations status at any time. They will have intimate knowledge of issues on their sites and prioritize issues in the order of safety, site performance, and nice to have. The Field Manager will be a proactive member of the Plus Power team solving problems and involving management early and often to solve issues before they become site limiting problems. When owning more than one site, the Field Manager will coordinate with the Director of Field Operations for a monthly schedule of site work.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with up-to-date safety and electrical policies for the safety and wellbeing of staff and visitors.
• Perform quality and safety inspections/audits on maintenance activities of field technicians.
• Deliver updates regarding site maintenance activities, including planned and unplanned maintenance.
• Identify and report critical issues in a timely manner to maximize uptime, allow for successful energy market operations, and ensure stakeholder contract compliance.
• Support field O&M providers to assist with maintenance or complex repairs.
• Oversee effective scheduling and coordination of maintenance and repair activities.
• Support quick response to site communication and plant/equipment control failures with the trading team, remote operations, EMS supplier, and asset managers.
• Provide technical support to onsite technicians, and other vendors.
• Ensure the creation of service work orders for corrective repairs, as needed, and the follow through of work to completion.
• Ensure daily records are kept in compliance with NERC physical security plan and ERCOT/NERC EOP and extreme weather plans.
• Ensure preventative maintenance activities are properly scheduled per the contractual obligations and seasonal restrictions.
• Identify any additional services needed and ensure steps are taken to advance facility needs.
• Identify and determine root cause(s) of underperforming systems with support from performance engineering and O&M field team.
• Manage overtime work of field team, generally remaining within contracted services.
• Coordinate all activities between the site management and O&M providers.
• Ensure complete and timely filing of Warranty Claims as needed and manage warranty work to completion.
• Travel up to 60% for in field work, onsite supervision or to support other Field Managers as needed during planned or forced outages.
• Publish outage plan for month ahead (MWh offline per hour).
• Responsible for ensuring site safety to include pre-job JHAs and other relevant forms.
• Expected to coordinate with the Director of EHS on best practices and align on site safety requirements.
• Ensure compliance with ERCOT Weatherization guidelines.
• Coordinate with Asset Managers to ensure that all contractual commitments to/with key stakeholders and O&M contractors are upheld.
• Coordinate with Asset Managers to ensure that any onsite work is within approved project budget.
• This role is not expected to perform primarily hands on work, but rather to manage third parties who will perform maintenance and repairs.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related area of study or five years’ experience in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of two years direct experience in BESS and/or Solar site operations preferred.
• Sound knowledge of safe industrial work practices and a commitment to ensuring site safety.
• Ability to communicate professionally with management, contractors, landowners and others.
• Exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient at working within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Electrical, Inverter and BESS certifications or licenses are preferred.
• HV electrical certification or experience preferred.
• Ability to read and understand electrical & mechanical schematics and drawings.
• Experienced in electrical isolation (LOTO) procedures for low and high voltage equipment.
• Experience running and managing teams of personnel both locally and remotely.
• Flexible work hours and travel to remote areas required.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift 30lbs and comfortable working from a ladder.
• Ability to walk long distances for site inspections.
• Able to use forklifts and other small, motorized equipment.
• Comfortable working outside in various weather conditions.
• Able to respond in person to their site in a reasonable period of time.
• Ideally will be located between Houston and McAllen, Texas.

Compensation, Location, and Benefits

Highly competitive total compensation from one of North America’s leading energy storage developers, owners and operators. Flexible, work from home or hybrid work from Plus Power’s offices in San Francisco, Houston, Chicago, Seattle, and Palm Beach.

The expected salary range* for this position begins at $90,000. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on several factors including, but not limited to relevant experience, skills, qualifications, geographic labor market, and other factors consistent with applicable law. This position is also eligible to participate in our annual bonus program.

Plus Power offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, unlimited vacation, flexible remote work, work from home stipend, educational assistance, parental leave, and a highly engaging company culture with opportunities for in-person connection and learning and growth.

Plus Power is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace where people of all backgrounds can thrive. Plus Power is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.