BESS Renewable Energy Automation Engineer

Nidec; Brooklyn Heights (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nidec is seeking a Senior BESS Automation Engineer to lead design, integration, validation, and lifecycle support of EMS, PPC, and SCADA for utility-scale energy storage projects. You will apply expertise in controls, power systems, and cybersecurity to deliver safe, reliable operations.

You will mentor engineers, define architectures, and drive commissioning, troubleshooting, and performance improvements across projects, with domestic and international collaboration and travel up to 25%.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive engineering experience in automation and energy systems.
• Experience leading EMS/SCADA and automation solution design for energy storage projects.
• Knowledge of utility cybersecurity standards and grid-interactive controls.
• Experience with system integration, testing, and commissioning in operational environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, integration, validation, and lifecycle support of EMS, PPC, SCADA for utility-scale BESS projects.
• Define system architecture, control philosophies, communications, and cybersecurity approaches.
• Oversee testing, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and field performance activities.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive continuous improvement in standards and practices.

Skills

EMS/SCADA experience

Controls engineering

Power systems

Cybersecurity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Modbus

DNP3

OPC-UA

IEC 61850

MQTT

Job description

We begin with dreams. Dreams drive our motivation. Dreams are our future. The world's dreams, people's dreams, our dreams. Our passion creates ideas that make dreams come alive. Technology and products that were only dreams become reality. All for dreams. Dreams challenge and the Nidec-Group will continue to meet the challenge. For the world's and people's tomorrows; the world's first, the world's best technologies and products; we will continue our part in creating a better society.

Job Summary

Nidec is the world’s leading manufacturer of electric motors, drives, and controls, powering nearly everything that spins and moves, from smartphones and household appliances to electric vehicles, factories, data centers, aircraft, and critical infrastructure. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Kyoto, Japan, Nidec operates more than 300 group companies across 40+ countries, with over 100,000 employees worldwide. Rooted in Japanese craftsmanship and continuous improvement, we combine global capability with local expertise to solve complex challenges and keep the world moving.

Job Description

The BESS Renewable Energy Automation Engineer is an advanced engineering professional responsible for leading the design, integration, validation, and lifecycle support of Energy Management Systems (EMS), Power Plant Controllers (PPC), SCADA platforms, industrial communications networks, and automation solutions for utility‑scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects. Operating with limited supervision, this role applies extensive expertise in controls engineering, power system integration, industrial communications, and cybersecurity to develop complex technical solutions that support safe, reliable, and compliant operation of energy storage assets. The position provides technical leadership across projects, influences system architecture and engineering standards, mentors other engineers, and leads commissioning, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts to optimize system performance and customer outcomes.

Responsibilities and Duties

Engineering Design & Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, development, integration, and optimization of Energy Management Systems (EMS), Power Plant Controllers (PPC), SCADA platforms, and automation solutions for utility‑scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects.
• Establish system architecture, control philosophies, communication strategies, and technical approaches that support project performance, reliability, scalability, and maintainability.
• Evaluate engineering tradeoffs and make technical recommendations related to controls, networking, cybersecurity, monitoring, and power system integration.
• Interpret and apply applicable utility, regulatory, cybersecurity, and industry standards throughout project execution.
• Serve as a technical lead for complex renewable energy and energy storage projects.

System Integration, Validation & Problem Resolution

• Define and oversee system testing, validation, simulation, and commissioning activities to ensure compliance with design requirements and customer expectations.
• Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex control, communication, networking, and operational issues across multiple system components.
• Analyze performance data and implement corrective actions to optimize system reliability, availability, and operational efficiency.
• Support factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), commissioning, startup, and field performance activities.
• Develop and validate advanced control strategies supporting grid‑connected energy storage applications.

Documentation & Engineering Governance

• Lead the preparation, review, and approval of engineering documentation, including technical specifications, control narratives, network architectures, operating procedures, and test plans.
• Ensure adherence to engineering standards, quality processes, configuration management requirements, and change control procedures.
• Support development and continuous improvement of engineering standards, best practices, and design methodologies.
• Maintain compliance with applicable codes, standards, and cybersecurity requirements.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with product management, project engineering, field service, software development, compliance, and customer stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Provide technical leadership during project execution, implementation, commissioning, and operational support activities.
• Communicate technical risks, design considerations, system limitations, and recommended solutions to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support customer meetings, technical reviews, and project planning activities.

Technical Leadership & Continuous Improvement

• Serve as a subject matter expert for BESS automation, EMS functionality, industrial communications, and control system integration.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior and mid‑level engineers.
• Share technical knowledge, lessons learned, and engineering best practices across the organization.
• Identify opportunities for product enhancement, process improvement, standardization, and innovation within renewable energy solutions.
• Travel and Working Conditions

Travel and Working Conditions: Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to approximately 25% to support project execution, commissioning, customer engagement, training, and technical support activities.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Computer Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline required.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive engineering experience in automation, controls, energy management systems, renewable energy, utility, power generation, or industrial power system environments.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex engineering projects with limited supervision.
• Experience designing and implementing EMS, SCADA, control system, or automation solutions.
• Experience supporting system integration, testing, commissioning, and troubleshooting in operational environments.
• Experience with industrial communication protocols including Modbus, DNP3, OPC‑UA, IEC 61850, MQTT, or similar technologies.
• Experience developing technical specifications, test plans, engineering documentation, and customer‑facing deliverables.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Direct utility‑scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design and integration experience.
• Experience supporting Battery Management Systems (BMS) and Power Conversion Systems (PCS).
• Experience with utility interconnection, grid services, or power market participation strategies.
• Knowledge of NERC CIP, IEC 62443, or similar critical infrastructure cybersecurity standards.
• Professional certifications related to automation, networking, cybersecurity, power systems.

Core Competencies

• Applies advanced engineering expertise and sound judgment to solve complex technical challenges.
• Leads technical execution and influences system design, project outcomes, and engineering decisions.
• Effectively analyzes issues, identifies root causes, and develops practical, reliable solutions.
• Collaborates across functions and communicates complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Provides technical leadership, mentorship, and knowledge sharing to support team development.
• Drives continuous improvement while maintaining a strong commitment to quality, safety, cybersecurity, and operational excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Employment Opportunity and Affineative Action at Nidec Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affideative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf

Nidec has worked its way up to become the world's No.1 manufacturer of small precision motors. In the process, Nidec has gradually expanded its product lineup to include a variety of small to large motors, application products for machinery, and electronic and optical components. At present, its products are used in a wide range of fields and devices including information and telecommunications equipment, office equipment, home appliances, automobiles, industrial equipment, and environmental energy. "For Everything that Spins and Moves", the Group is creating next-generation drive technologies to meet the needs of the society.