BESS Solutions Engineer

Job Description

As part of its continued growth in the South African market, Mainstream Renewable Power is seeking an experienced BESS Solutions Engineer to support the delivery of utility-scale battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

This role is positioned at the interface of the modelling, engineering and commercial product teams. You will play a key role in shaping BESS solutions from pre-sales and tender stage contract design through to contract finalisation and project execution stages, ensuring technical robustness and commercial competitiveness of the BESS deployment.

What you will do

• Support the BESS project lead working closely with OEMs and project stakeholders to ensure the integrated solution is correctly designed, built, tested, commissioned and operated.
• Development and maintenance of the technical employer's requirements (ER's) for BESS procurement and EPC tendering. This includes functional and conceptual design activities, ensuring that the system meets all functional, commercial and compliance requirements.
• Undertake technology and contractor technical reviews for hybrid PV+BESS or standalone BESS projects, ensuring compatibility, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory compliance.
• Undertake project contract, warranty and technical specification reviews, ensuring relevant BESS performance parameters are appropriately bound contractually.
• Provide technical oversight support during construction, including definition and enforcement of quality hold-points for BESS installation, reviewing EPC contractor's quality control plan and inspection and testing plans.
• Conducting or witnessing critical inspections of battery container integrity, thermal management systems, fire detection and suppression systems, electrical connections, and earthing during the procurement and construction phases of the project.
• Manage internal and third party supported technical due diligence workstreams.
• Support commercial team during technical negotiations and contract finalisation of EPC, Procurement and PPA negotiations.
• Contribute to ongoing solution and product development initiatives.
• Drive development of in-house standards relating to standalone and hybrid BESS.

What qualifications and experience we are seeking

• Degree in electrical engineering, power systems, energy engineering, or a closely related discipline. Having a postgraduate qualification is an advantage.
• This is a mid-to-senior level role requiring a minimum 5 years of experience in energy storage or hybrid PV+BESS projects, with demonstrable involvement across multiple project lifecycle stages (design, procurement, construction, commissioning).
• Strong working knowledge of lithium-ion battery technology fundamentals - cell chemistry, degradation mechanisms, thermal behaviour, and safety characteristics.
• Understanding of grid codes, regulatory frameworks, and technical standards.
• Understanding of BESS/Hybrid control systems.
• Experience drafting or contributing to employer's requirements, technical specifications, or scope-of-work documents for BESS procurement or EPC contracts.
• Previous experience with either of technical due diligence, design, or practical integration testing of BESS required.
• Effective communicator who can translate complex BESS engineering matters into clear language for commercial, legal, and financial stakeholders.
• Fluency in English.
• Willingness to travel.
• Full clean driving license.

Desirable

• Knowledge of BESS performance modelling and dispatch modelling tools.
• Familiarity with FIDIC contract frameworks (silver book specifically) and how technical requirements are embedded in EPC agreements.
• Knowledge of SCADA and OT environments.
• Experience supporting lender due diligence processes or interfacing with independent technical advisors on bankability assessment.
• Working knowledge of fire safety engineering for BESS, including off-gas detection technologies, suppression system design, and emergency response planning.