Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Engineer (Solar PV& BESS)

Join Our Dynamic Team in the Renewable Energy Sector!

Are you passionate about driving safety and innovation in solar farm projects within the renewable energy industry? We are a leading turnkey solution provider specializing in the deployment of utility-scale solar farms and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) across Australia. As we expand our operations, we are seeking a talented Accounts Officer to join our team.

Primary Objective

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Engineer - Solar PV and BESS is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, preventive and corrective maintenance, and performance optimization of utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) plants and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This role requires a strong foundation in electrical engineering, as the engineer will be involved in monitoring, diagnosing, and repairing electrical systems, ensuring safety, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze system data, such as inverter performance, solar farm health, and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) status to identify performance trends and opportunities for improvement.

• Analyse real-time and historical data to identify performance trends and potential operational issues.

• Provide technical insights and recommendations to optimize system efficiency and reliability.

• Download and analyse reports to detect performance issues affecting the solar farms and BESS assets.

• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all electrical components, including inverters, transformers, switchgear, and battery systems.

• Conduct inspections and testing of solar panels, inverters, battery systems, and related electrical infrastructure to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Optimize maintenance cycles to reduce downtime and extend equipment lifespan.

• Respond promptly to system alarms or faults, diagnosing and troubleshooting electrical issues in Solar PV and BESS systems.

• Investigate technical issues and system failures, diagnosing root causes and proposing effective solutions.

• Collaborate with field technicians to resolve complex technical challenges.

• Evaluate equipment performance and recommend upgrades or retrofits to improve efficiency and reliability.

• Assist in the design, testing, and commissioning of electrical systems for new solar PV and BESS projects.

• Prepare comprehensive reports on system performance, issues, and improvements

• Ensure adherence to relevant regulations, codes, and industry standards in O&M activities.

• Collaborate with HSEQ, Legal and regulatory teams to maintain compliance.

• Manage O&M projects, including equipment upgrades, system enhancements, and technical modifications.

• Develop project plans, allocate resources, and track progress.

• Provide technical training to O&M field technicians to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• Share best practices and technical expertise with the team.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Electrical, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy) or a related field.

• 2+ years of experience in electrical engineering roles, preferably within the renewable energy or energy industry.

• Strong understanding of solar farm operations, equipment, and technical troubleshooting.

• Proficiency in data analysis, performance monitoring tools, and engineering software.

• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desirable

• Master’s degree in Renewable Energy Engineering.

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or equivalent certification.

• Previous experience in optimizing solar farm performance and reliability.

• Familiarity with SCADA systems and data analytics.

• Experience leading a team of engineers.

• Prior experience working in a Network Operation Center (NOC) environment.

• Knowledge of O&M contracts and the ability to manage operational aspects in line with contractual obligations.

• Basic financial acumen to understand budget allocations, cost control, and financial reporting related to O&M activities and asset management.

Competencies

• Technical expertise in renewable energy systems and O&M practices.

• Data-driven decision-making and analysis skills.

• Project management capabilities for implementing improvements.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and root cause analysis.

• Collaboration and effective communication within cross-functional teams