Operations engineer Jobs in Orange, CA

Description

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a Senior BESS Operations Engineer to lead the end-to-end performance, reliability, and optimization of a distributed fleet of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). Operating at the intersection of software, controls, hardware, and operations, this role ensures that fleet assets perform safely, efficiently, and in alignment with program requirements and revenue objectives.
The successful candidate will serve as a key technical bridge between Asset Management, Engineering, Product, and external partners - owning complex technical issues, driving root-cause resolution, and scaling operational processes through automation and modern tooling. This is a hands-on role for an engineer who is energized by solving real problems at fleet scale and shaping how BESS operations evolve over the next decade. The candidate will be based out of our Teaneck, New Jersey.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fleet Operations & Performance

• Perform daily fleet health checks, tariff updates, and dispatch optimization validation.
• Diagnose and resolve performance gaps, including issues related to forecasting, tariff configuration, and control logic.
• Lead capacity testing, Measurement & Verification (M&V), and program compliance reporting (e.g., SGIP, SMART).
• Conduct root-cause analysis for hardware and software issues across the BESS stack, including PCS, BMS, DC-DC converters, transformers, and controls.
• Troubleshoot communications and telemetry issues across Modbus, DNP3, edge gateways, and cloud ingestion pipelines.
• Validate system behavior post-maintenance and during commissioning burn-in periods.
• Coordinate with OEMs and vendors to escalate, track, and resolve high-impact issues with clear accountability and timely remediation.
• Monitor and maintain technical performance across a portfolio of grid-connected BESS sites participating in programs such as VDER, SGIP, SMART, CT ESS, and DSGS.

EMS, Controls & Optimization

• Analyze and improve dispatch strategies, tariff logic, and forecasting performance across the fleet.
• Support rollout of new EMS features, firmware updates, and platform releases, including regression validation and post-deployment monitoring.
• Partner with controls and software engineering teams to refine the site-level control hierarchy for reliability and performance at scale.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Product, Software Engineering, and Field Service teams to ensure operational requirements are reflected in product roadmaps.
• Provide clear technical insights and performance narratives to internal stakeholders, customers, and external partners.
• Train and enable internal teams to expand self-service troubleshooting and operational capabilities.

Process Improvement & Scalability

• Identify and implement process improvements that reduce manual operations and increase fleet reliability.
• Develop and maintain operational documentation, including commissioning guides, troubleshooting playbooks, and Confluence-based knowledge bases.
• Drive initiatives to enhance alerting, monitoring, and operational visibility as the fleet scales.
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Renewable Energy, or a related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in BESS, renewable energy, or grid operations.
• Strong technical foundation in the energy industry, particularly across solar, microgrid, and energy storage sectors.
• Working knowledge of power systems and electrical engineering principles, with the ability to interpret single-line diagrams and coordinate technical reviews with engineering teams.
• Hands-on familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, CANbus, DNP3, TCP/IP).
• Foundational IT and networking skills, including Linux CLI and SSH.
• Demonstrated ability to apply AI tools and modern automation frameworks (e.g., LLMs, ML-based anomaly detection, agentic workflows) to design and deploy scalable, production-grade solutions that reduce manual effort and enhance fleet-level visibility.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical issues for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams in a fast-paced environment, building strong working relationships across stakeholders.
• Familiarity with configuration management tools (e.g., Ansible) and Linux package managers

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working understanding of electrical grid and smart-grid concepts, utility rate structures, and wholesale energy markets.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems, control platforms, instrumentation, and systems integration.
• Experience with EMS platforms and major BESS OEM ecosystems (PCS, DC-DC converter, and battery vendors).
• Proficiency in Python for data analytics, automation, and operational tooling.
• Project management and customer-facing coordination experience.
• Background in cleantech, IoT, smart grid, or distributed energy resources.
• Awareness of software and network security best practices.

Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is a Qcells company, one of the world’s largest manufacturers and providers of solar photovoltaic (PV) products and solutions. Headquartered in Irvine, California, HQCA has been rapidly expanding its business in North America through the expansion of products and solutions, including distributed energy solutions, direct-to-homeowner solar sales and financing, and EPC services. We provide an opportunity to be part of an exciting and growing world-class global business in an interesting and expanding industry of the future.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS: To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility Standing 20% of time Sitting 70% of time Walking 10% of time Strength Pulling up to 10 Pounds Pushing up to 10 Pounds Carrying up to 10 Pounds Lifting up to 10 Pounds Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) Typing F Handling F Reaching F	Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never) Turning F Twisting F Bending O Crouching O Balancing N Climbing N Crawling N Kneeling N

The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.

*This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.

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