Senior Project Manager – BESS

Richardson Electronics, Ltd.; La Fox (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is seeking a Senior Project Manager – BESS to lead electro-mechanical projects from planning through commissioning and handover at our LaFox, IL location.

You will coordinate with engineering, product management, and field teams to ensure on-time delivery and regulatory compliance. The role emphasizes cost control, schedule management, and safety, with direct customer interaction and a focus on continuous improvement in Phase-Gate processes for new and existing BESS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, construction management, civil engineering, or related field; equivalent practical field experience may be considered.
• Minimum of five years of relevant project engineering or project management experience in general construction, energy, electrical systems, or closely related field, including at least three years leading or supporting solar PV, ESS/BESS, or comparable complex electro-mechanical projects.
• At least one year of prior project engineering or equivalent technical project management experience in BESS or similar engineering field.
• Experience coordinating projects across design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning, and customer handover.
• Strong understanding of medium- and high-voltage electrical systems, civil site work, utility interconnection, NEC requirements, and energy storage safety standards (NFPA 855).
• Ability to develop and manage schedules, budgets, resource plans, risks, change orders, RFIs, submittals, and project reporting.
• Strong customer communication, problem-solving, leadership, organization, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Ability to communicate technical and project information clearly to executive leadership, customers, contractors, and internal teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project or equivalent project management software.
• Experience with Procore, Primavera P6, and AutoCAD viewing or markup is preferred.
• PMP, OSHA 30-Hour Construction, NABCEP, or Professional Engineer certification is preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned BESS projects from initial planning and design through installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Facilitate the BESS Demo Center installation in LaFox and apply lessons learned to future customer projects.
• Work directly with customers to define installation requirements, site needs, technical interfaces, schedules, and project deliverables.
• Provide cross-functional project leadership among Engineering, Product Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Service, contractors, utilities, and outside partners.
• Manage and continuously improve Phase-Gate product development activities for new and existing BESS product lines.
• Lead continuous improvement in estimating project cost, product cost, resource requirements, schedules, and key milestones within the Phase-Gate process.
• Work closely with Product Management to understand and refine product requirements.
• Manage project engineering, procurement, and permitting (EPC) workflows, utility interconnection, and commissioning in alignment with local codes, authorities having jurisdiction, and customer requirements.
• Obtain or coordinate required permits and regulatory approvals and ensure projects remain aligned with approved plans.
• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, budgets, resource estimates, product cost estimates, and status reporting.
• Review contracts, scopes of work, engineered drawings, bills of materials, and technical requirements to identify risks, constructability concerns, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Involved in vendor and subcontractor procurement, including negotiating contracts, scope boundaries, schedules, and deliverables.
• Coordinate site superintendents, vendors, subcontractors, third-party inspectors, commissioning agents, and controls engineers to maintain project momentum and resolve technical or schedule issues.
• Track project financials, manage billing schedules, and control budget variances.
• Monitor schedules, change orders, requests for information, and submittal approvals; escalate risks, project delays, or unavailable resources with options and recommendations.
• Prepare concise presentations and weekly and monthly progress reports for customers, internal leadership, project sponsors, and executive leadership.
• Define project milestones and report progress from concept through production.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Customer communication

Scheduling

Budgeting

Project management

Engineering coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical/Mechanical/Construction/Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

Procore

Primavera P6

AutoCAD viewing

Job description

Job Description

The Senior Project Manager – BESS combines technical project management, design engineering, and cross-functional leadership for new and existing Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) product lines and customer installations. The position helps complete the BESS Demo Center installation and supports customer installation requirements from planning through commissioning and final handover. The role is accountable for supporting project schedules, project and product costs, technical quality, safety, and clear stakeholder communication.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead assigned BESS projects from initial planning and design through installation, commissioning, and handover.
• Facilitate the BESS Demo Center installation in LaFox and apply lessons learned to future customer projects.
• Work directly with customers to define installation requirements, site needs, technical interfaces, schedules, and project deliverables.
• Provide cross-functional project leadership among Engineering, Product Management, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Service, contractors, utilities, and outside partners.
• Manage and continuously improve Phase-Gate product development activities for new and existing BESS product lines.
• Lead continuous improvement in estimating project cost, product cost, resource requirements, schedules, and key milestones within the Phase-Gate process.
• Work closely with Product Management to understand and refine product requirements.
• Manage project engineering, procurement, and permitting (EPC) workflows, utility interconnection, and commissioning in alignment with local codes, authorities having jurisdiction, and customer requirements.
• Obtain or coordinate required permits and regulatory approvals and ensure projects remain aligned with approved plans.
• Develop and maintain project plans, milestones, budgets, resource estimates, product cost estimates, and status reporting.
• Review contracts, scopes of work, engineered drawings, bills of materials, and technical requirements to identify risks, constructability concerns, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Involved in vendor and subcontractor procurement, including negotiating contracts, scope boundaries, schedules, and deliverables.
• Coordinate site superintendents, vendors, subcontractors, third-party inspectors, commissioning agents, and controls engineers to maintain project momentum and resolve technical or schedule issues.
• Track project financials, manage billing schedules, and control budget variances.
• Monitor schedules, change orders, requests for information, and submittal approvals; escalat risks, project delays, or unavailable resources with options and recommendations.
• Prepare concise presentations and weekly and monthly progress reports for customers, internal leadership, project sponsors, and executive leadership.
• Define project milestones and report progress from concept through production.

Essential Job Functions

• Along with Sales and Product Management, perform hands-on design and development of complex electro-mechanical assemblies and bills of materials in support of BESS product and project requirements.
• Coordinate engineering tasks, design reviews, agency requirements, testing, mitigations, prototype and Alpha/Beta builds, and all phases of product development.
• Direct day-to-day project operations across civil, structural, electrical, controls, and battery storage workstreams associated with BESS installations.
• Coordinate long-lead equipment deliveries and system components, including inverters, solar modules, transformers, battery enclosures or ESS containers, and related electrical equipment.
• Oversee installation, integration, and commissioning of BESS, including battery management systems, thermal management, fire suppression, system testing, capacity testing, and final grid interconnection.
• Maintain strict quality control (QA/QC) and ensure compliance with company safety requirements, OSHA requirements, approved plans, and applicable codes and standards.
• Read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, floor plans, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings.
• Use technical knowledge of DC/DC, AC/DC, and DC/AC conversion, schematic and PCB design, analog and digital circuits, and mechanical design to evaluate and resolve project issues.
• Identify project or product risks early, define issues clearly, and recommend practical solutions that protect schedule, cost, quality, and customer commitments.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Plan all phases of the construction lifecycle from initiation through completion.
• Lead and coordinate construction workers and collaborate with other contractors and project participants.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities unless assigned. The Senior Project Manager provides leadership and coordination to cross-functional teams, construction workers, vendors, subcontractors, and other project participants.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field from an accredited institution; equivalent practical field experience may be considered.
• A minimum of five years of relevant project engineering or project management experience in general construction, energy, electrical systems, or a closely related field, including at least three years leading or supporting solar PV, ESS/BESS, or comparable complex electro-mechanical projects.
• At least one year of prior project engineering or equivalent technical project management experience in BESS or a similar engineering field.
• Experience coordinating projects across design, procurement, manufacturing, installation, testing, commissioning, and customer handover.
• Strong understanding of medium- and high-voltage electrical systems, civil site work, utility interconnection, applicable NEC requirements, and energy storage safety standards, including NFPA 855.
• Ability to develop and manage schedules, budgets, resource plans, risks, change orders, requests for information, submittals, and project reporting.
• Strong customer communication, problem-solving, leadership, organization, and cross-functional coordination skills.
• Ability to communicate technical and project information clearly to executive leadership, customers, contractors, and internal teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Project or equivalent project management software.
• Experience with Procore, Primavera P6, and AutoCAD viewing or markup is preferred.
• PMP, OSHA 30-Hour Construction, NABCEP, or Professional Engineer certification is preferred

Working Environment

Work is performed in a combination of office, engineering, manufacturing, construction, customer-site, and BESS installation environments. The position may be exposed to active construction areas, electrical equipment, varying temperatures, noise, and other site conditions. Required personal protective equipment and site safety practices must be followed.

Work Environment: Primarily based in LaFox, Illinois, with work in office, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and customer-site settings.

Travel Requirements: Travel to customers, vendors, projects, and installation sites as business needs require.

Physical Requirements: Ability to move through active project and construction areas; stand, walk, climb stairs or ladders, and inspect equipment and installations. Must be able to use required personal protective equipment.

About Richardson Electronics

Richardson Electronics, Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, power grid and microwave tubes, and related consumables; power conversion and RF and microwave components including green energy solutions; high-value replacement parts, tubes, and service training for diagnostic imaging equipment; and customized display solutions. More than 60% of our products are manufactured in LaFox, Illinois, Marlborough, Massachusetts, or Donaueschingen, Germany, or by one of our manufacturing partners throughout the world. All our partners manufacture to our strict specifications and adhere to our supplier terms and conditions. We serve customers in the alternative energy, healthcare, aviation, broadcast, communications, industrial, marine, medical, military, scientific, and semiconductor markets. The Company’s strategy is to provide specialized technical expertise and “engineered solutions” based on our core engineering and manufacturing capabilities. The Company provides solutions and adds value through design-in support, systems integration, prototype design and manufacturing, testing, logistics, and aftermarket technical service and repair through its global infrastructure. More information is available at www.rell.com.

Our manufacturing facility operates under lean manufacturing principles, which means we are focused on efficiency, continuous improvement, and meeting customer demand in real time. As part of our team, you may be asked to flex between different areas or responsibilities depending on production needs. This flexibility is key to how we maintain a responsive, high-performing operation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

Richardson Electronics is an international organization with offices worldwide. We are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees have equal opportunities to succeed, grow, and contribute. We believe in creating an environment where every individual is valued, respected, and supported. By promoting fairness, inclusivity, and a culture of mutual respect, we ensure that our employees, customers, and the communities we serve can achieve their goals. Our ability to bring together individuals with diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives is essential to our continued global success.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

*Must be authorized to work in the US.

Required postings

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/f

Employer Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Know Your Rights https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

Invitation to Self-Identify https://www.rell.com/webfoo/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/VETERAN-Self-Identify-form.pdf

Pay Range: $120,000 to $130,000 per year plus incentive

Benefits: Our benefits package includes comprehensive health insurance with multiple PPO and HSA plan options, as well as dental and vision coverage. We offer flexible spending accounts (FSA), life insurance, voluntary life insurance, short- and long-term disability (STD & LTD), an employee assistance program (EAP), smoking cessation support, weight management program, pet insurance, LifeLock identity protection, and a 401(k)-retirement plan. Additionally, we provide generous vacation time, sick/personal days, 10 paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement to support ongoing education and work-life balance.