BESS Engineering Lead
About this role
As part of Intersect's Engineering team, you'll lead the technical direction and engineering scope for utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) and integrated clean energy projects. You'll take ownership of battery architecture, power conversion technology, safety compliance, and system-level trade-offs from early-stage development through contracting, detailed design, and construction. Working closely with development, commercial, and project finance teams, your technical rigor will directly drive LCOS optimization and asset resilience across our power infrastructure portfolio.
In this role, you will interface directly with equipment suppliers, engineering partners, and Independent Engineers to de-risk high-stakes energy storage deployments. You'll bridge deep electrical engineering fundamentals with commercial awareness, establishing technical standards that support Intersect's rapid growth and commitment to long-term asset value.
Team overview
This team plays a critical role in advancing Intersect's mission to accelerate the clean energy transition. The Engineering team partners closely across development, land, finance, construction, and operations to design high-performing, resilient power infrastructure. Joining this team means steering technical decision-making on complex utility-scale assets and collaborating with multidisciplinary experts who value innovation, technical authenticity, and long-run value creation.
What you'll do
Own Technical Design & System Performance
Full ownership of electrical design, system sizing, equipment arrangement, electrical modeling, and balance-of-system design for standalone and hybrid ESS projects. Actively coordinate the owner’s engineer and the EPC-EOR.
Ensure storage systems meet contractual offtake requirements and financial model assumptions over the life of the asset
Ownership of technical inputs to support achieving the lowest levelized cost of energy/ storage while maintaining constructability and operational reliability
Drive Cross-Functional Optimization
Lead cross-functional design efforts across Development, Land, Finance, and Engineering to align cost, production, land use, and performance
Identify technical risks and opportunities early, quantifying impacts and mitigation strategies
Support Procurement and Operations teams with technical expertise throughout project lifecycle
Lead Technical Commercial Strategy
Serve as technical lead in energy storage technical contract and PPA negotiations, delivering cost-optimized and constructable solutions
Support EPC RFP processes and commercial supply agreements by clearly defining and safeguarding technical requirements and minimizing project risks.
Act as ESS technical lead for Independent Engineer diligence and project financing processes
Advance Technology & Engineering Standards
Lead equipment and technology selection, evaluating lithium-ion and alternative storage technologies for bankability and performance
Develop and maintain technical specifications, design standards, EPC exhibits, vendor requirements, and testing protocols
Build and enhance internal engineering tools using AI platforms like Claude and Gemini or software (VBA, Matlab, Python, or similar) to generate fast, accurate performance modeling
Interface with ESS integrators, vendors, EPCs, and Owners Engineers to ensure technical alignment
Uphold the highest environmental health and safety standards across all engineering decisions
What you'll bring
BS in Electrical Engineering or equivalent; Master’s or PhD is a plus
Minimum 4 years of experience leading technical scope for utility-scale PV and/or battery storage projects across development, design, contracting, and construction phases
Deep technical expertise in lithium-ion battery systems, including chemistries, system architecture, optimization levers, cost drivers, lifecycle considerations, and construction challenges
Strong understanding of utility-scale power conversion systems, transformers, skidded inverters, and battery technologies; PV engineering experience is a plus
Working knowledge of applicable codes and standards (NEC, IBC, IFC, NFPA, UL, IEC, UL9540A, UL1741, etc.) across permitting, design, construction, and operations
Experience supporting Independent Engineer diligence and interfacing with project finance stakeholders
Familiarity with alternative storage technologies (flow batteries, hydrogen, flywheels, compressed air, etc.) is a plus
Proficiency in AI platforms, scripting and automation tools such as VBA, Matlab, Python, or similar
Background in power plant controls architecture and SCADA is a plus
Commercial mindset with strong focus on LCOE/LCOS optimization and risk quantification
Ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment, guiding discussions across engineering, land, production modeling, cost, and development dependencies
Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively in a fast-paced growth environment
Collaborative, solutions-oriented approach aligned with Intersect’s mission and growth mindset