Job Summary
The BESS Commissioning Technician is responsible for supporting and performing commissioning, startup, functional testing, troubleshooting, and energization activities for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) equipment. Depending on experience and demonstrated qualifications, the technician may perform activities under the direction of a qualified technician or lead, independently execute routine commissioning activities, or serve as a senior technical resource for complex commissioning activities.
This position works with battery systems, power conversion systems (PCS/inverters), electrical and control equipment, and associated systems to verify installation readiness, complete testing, identify and resolve deficiencies, and support safe and successful project energization and turnover.
Responsibilities and Essential Functions
- Support and/or perform inspections, installation readiness checks, electrical testing, startup activities, and functional testing of BESS equipment.
- Execute approved commissioning, testing, startup, and energization procedures in accordance with project requirements and verified qualifications.
- Support testing of battery systems, PCS/inverters, controls, and associated electrical equipment.
- Perform inspections and verify installation readiness against project drawings, procedures, checklists, and commissioning requirements.
- Complete assigned commissioning checklists, accurately record test data, document deficiencies, and maintain commissioning records.
- Evaluate test results and troubleshoot electrical, controls, communication, and equipment issues.
- Diagnose and resolve routine technical issues and assigned punch-list items; support resolution of complex issues as experience and qualifications permit.
- Troubleshoot electrical, controls, and communication issues in coordination with OEM representatives, project teams, and site personnel.
- Coordinate integrated system testing and support energization readiness reviews.
- Follow approved lockout/tagout (LOTO), electrical safety, switching, and other safe-work procedures.
- Coordinate commissioning activities with site leadership, construction teams, OEM representatives, customers, and other project personnel.
- Track punch-list items and support timely resolution of commissioning deficiencies.
- Review commissioning documentation and support technical issue resolution, project turnover, and closeout activities.
- Provide guidance and technical support to less-experienced commissioning technicians as appropriate.
- For senior-level assignments, coordinate daily commissioning activities, mentor Technician I and II personnel, and communicate project progress, technical concerns, and commissioning status to site leadership.
- Perform other commissioning-related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience Requirements
- Experience in electrical commissioning, industrial electrical maintenance, power generation, renewable energy, or a related field: 1–2 years (Level I), 3–4 years (Level II), or 5+ years (Level III).
- Foundational to advanced knowledge of electrical systems, commissioning practices, and BESS equipment based on experience level.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical drawings, wiring diagrams, schematics, and single-line drawings, with increasing proficiency expected at higher levels.
- Experience using electrical test equipment and diagnosing equipment faults.
- Working to strong knowledge of lockout/tagout (LOTO), electrical hazards, switching procedures, and safe work practices.
- Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, including the ability to diagnose electrical, controls, and communication issues.
- Ability to complete commissioning documentation accurately and maintain organized project records.
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
- Ability to work effectively with site personnel, construction teams, OEM representatives, customers, and project leadership.
- Ability to work independently within established procedures and qualifications, with increasing independence and technical responsibility based on experience.
- Ability to support integrated system testing and complex technical troubleshooting at higher experience levels.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and provide technical guidance to less-experienced technicians for senior-level assignments.
- Ability to travel extensively and work outdoors in changing conditions.
- Valid driver's license and ability to meet company driving requirements.
Preferred Requirements
- Utility-scale BESS, solar inverter, substation, or wind commissioning experience.
- OEM training or experience with battery systems and PCS/inverters.
- Electrically qualified worker training and NFPA 70E training.
- Experience performing medium-voltage switching under approved procedures and authorization.
- Familiarity with load-center breakers, integrated switchgear, and pad-mounted transformers.
- Experience with battery management systems (BMS), energy management systems (EMS), SCADA, and industrial communication networks.
100% travel required during the duration of assignments.
Work Environment/Physical Requirements:
This position is on site, often in remote or rural areas. Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements in all work environments.
Specific requirements include:
- Ability to work outdoors at utility-scale BESS construction and commissioning sites in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, rain, and dust.
- Ability to work around energized electrical equipment, battery systems, inverters/PCS, switchgear, transformers, and other industrial equipment while following established safety procedures.
- Ability to work in construction-site environments, including uneven terrain, gravel, dirt, concrete, and areas with construction activity.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and frequently move throughout the job site.
- Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and access elevated work areas as required by the project.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or limited-access areas when required.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull tools, test equipment, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety footwear, hard hat, safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and arc-rated/flame-resistant clothing as required.
- Ability to safely perform work requiring manual dexterity and the use of hand tools and electrical test equipment.
- Ability to work extended hours, weekends, or varying shifts as required to support commissioning schedules and project deadlines.
- Extensive travel to project sites is required, with potential for extended periods away from home.
Location: Traveling, US-Nationwide
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Employment Type: Full-time
TAKKION is an Equal Opportunity Employer.