Senior Project Engineer - BESS

Solarvest, a leader in Malaysia's renewable energy sector, seeks an electrical-focused Battery Engineer to drive the development, deployment, and optimization of grid-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This role is critical for integrating BESS with solar PV plants and ensuring reliable grid support. You will provide technical expertise in electrical design, commissioning, and performance management of BESS projects across Malaysia.

Key Responsibilities

- Execute end-to-end BESS project engineering, covering feasibility assessment, detailed design, installation, commissioning, and project handover.

- Develop, review, and manage engineering deliverables, system configurations, AC/DC-coupled architectures, and hybrid PV-BESS designs in line with market needs and regulatory requirements.

- Coordinate with EPC partners, TNB, Energy Commission (EC), SEDA, regulators, and internal stakeholders to support grid connection, submissions, approvals, metering, and protection requirements.

- Size and specify key BESS components including battery systems, PCS, transformers, switchgear, cabling, and protection schemes; validate electrical and civil interfaces, BMS/EMS integration, and compliance with GCP, MS IEC, IEEE 1547, IEC 62933, and applicable industry standards.

- Lead and support FAT/SAT activities, supervise site installation works, and execute system commissioning for BESS projects.

- Oversee electrical installation and site works to ensure compliance with approved designs, QA/QC requirements, and ST/CIDB regulations.

- Implement and enforce HV safety practices including PTW, LOTO, isolation, arc-flash protection, and energization procedures.

- Implement, monitor, and enhance SCADA/EMS systems to track BESS performance, degradation, availability, and reliability.

- Optimize BESS operation for C&I and utility applications including peak shaving, frequency regulation, solar smoothing, and revenue stacking.

- Conduct technical evaluation and due diligence of BESS integrators, PCS suppliers, and balance-of-plant contractors.

- Provide technical input and risk assessments to support commercial teams during tenders, proposals, and contract clarifications.

- Collaborate closely with solar PV engineering teams on hybrid plant design, grid studies, and coordinated commissioning.

- Perform root-cause analysis for technical failures, safety incidents, or performance deviations and drive corrective actions.

-Contribute to, comply with, and uphold the company’s Quality, Health, Safety, and Environmental (QHSE) Management System, ensuring compliance with international standards, legal requirements, local regulations, and applicable codes of practice.

Requirements

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Renewable Energy, or a related discipline.

- 3+ years in grid-scale BESS (behind-the-meter, front-of-the-meter, or hybrid PV-storage), solar PV, power systems engineering, grid integration, or utility-scale solar PV/BESS projects.

- Hands-on experience with PCS (Sungrow, SMA, Tesla, etc.), MV switchgear, protection relays (SEL, ABB).

- Proven track record in BESS commissioning and grid interconnection, experience in renewable energy EPC/projects is highly advantageous.

- Expertise in AC/DC power systems, protection schemes, and grid compliance.

- Proficiency in simulation tools: ETAP, PSCAD, DIgSILENT, PVSyst (BESS mode).

- Knowledge of BMS integration and communication protocols (CAN, Modbus, IEC 61850).

- Hands-on experience in commissioning, FAT/SAT, testing, and system performance verification.

- Strong problem-solving for field electrical issues.

- Good understanding of Malaysian grid codes, TNB requirements, ST regulatory frameworks, and CIDB standards.

- Proven ability to work across multi-disciplinary engineering interfaces and support project delivery teams.

- Familiarity with SCADA/EMS platforms (e.g., PXiSE, POMCUBE).

- Experience in vendor technical evaluation, engineering due diligence, and quality enforcement.

- Strong technical documentation, reporting, and professional communication skills.