BESS / Storage Lead

About the role

The BESS / Storage Lead will head the detailed design and technical definition of battery energy storage systems for utility‑scale projects in East Africa. You will be responsible for sizing, architecture, safety, testing and O&M readiness, providing technical guidance to suppliers and contractors throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Lead detailed BESS engineering from concept through procurement, installation, commissioning and handover.
• Develop sizing models, operating strategies and performance guarantees for power, energy and efficiency.
• Define system architecture, battery chemistry requirements, BMS/EMS interfaces and thermal‑management specifications.
• Coordinate safety design, fire‑life‑safety measures and compliance with occupational health standards.
• Support procurement, prepare technical specifications, evaluate bids and oversee factory and site acceptance testing.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Power or Energy Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of experience in battery energy storage engineering, with at least 5 years on utility‑scale grid‑connected projects.
• Proven involvement in at least two BESS projects, one of which is ≥10 MW / 20 MWh.
• Experience in high‑temperature, weak‑grid environments in East Africa or similar regions.

Required skills

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design and sizing.
• LFP or comparable lithium‑ion battery technology.
• Battery Management System (BMS) and Energy Management System (EMS) integration.
• Power Conversion System (PCS) and SCADA interfacing.
• Thermal‑management and fire‑life‑safety engineering.
• Commissioning, FAT/SAT procedures and performance verification.