VRB Energy - Field Service Engineer

Ivanhoe Electric; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

VRB Energy is seeking a Field Service Engineer/Technician to commission, operate, and maintain vanadium redox flow battery demonstration systems at project sites across the U.S. You will lead startup efforts, document performance, and help scale commissioning procedures as the company grows.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in an engineering field or equivalent experience, hands-on electrical/electrochemical system knowledge, and travel 25–40%.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in an engineering discipline with relevant field experience.
• Experience in commissioning, operating, or maintaining complex electrical or electrochemical systems.
• Knowledge of safety practices and relevant standards (UL 1973, UL 9540, IEC 62932, NFPA 855).
• Willingness to travel 25–40% to project sites within the U.S. and work outdoors.
• Strong documentation and communication skills for field reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead commissioning of demonstration systems, including electrolyte prep and system testing.
• Operate and maintain VRB USA systems; monitor performance and troubleshoot issues.
• Develop commissioning checklists, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Create commissioning reports, O&M manuals, and troubleshooting guides.
• Coordinate with engineering, EPC contractors, and site hosts for startup.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Associate’s degree or technical certification with 5+ years of hands‑on field service experience

Tools

Multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Meggers

Thermal imaging

Job description

The Company

VRB Energy is a global leader in vanadium redox battery (VRB ® ) technology, driven to empower a clean energy future for the world. VRB Energy is a privately owned, U.S. company majority-owned by Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE:IE). VRB Energy’s VRB-ESS ® advanced long-duration vanadium redox flow battery storage technology has been developed over the past 15 years, including UL1973 certification for its Gen3 60kWdc cell stack, the largest commercially available. These batteries deliver the lowest levelized cost of integration for renewable energy for commercial and industrial customers, renewable energy developers, and utilities.

Field Service Engineer

VRB ENERGY - www.vrbusa.com

The Role

The Field Service Engineer/Technician is a hands‑on role responsible for commissioning, operating, and maintaining VRB USA’s vanadium redox flow battery demonstration systems. You will be VRB USA’s primary technical presence at project sites—leading system startup and acceptance testing, monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring the systems operate reliably. You will also play a foundational role in developing our commissioning procedures, maintenance protocols, and field service documentation that will scale with the company.

Commissioning & Startup

• Lead the commissioning of two vanadium flow battery demonstration systems, including electrolyte preparation, stack energization, BMS configuration, and system integration testing
• Execute and document acceptance testing and performance validation against project specifications
• Coordinate with the engineering team, EPC contractors, and site hosts to ensure safe and efficient system startup
• Develop and refine commissioning checklists, procedures, and safety protocols for flow battery systems

Operations & Maintenance

• Monitor system performance remotely and on‑site, using SCADA/BMS platforms to identify and address issues proactively
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on electrochemical stacks, pumps, heat exchangers, piping, power conversion systems, and control electronics
• Diagnose and repair faults across electrical, mechanical, and electrochemical subsystems
• Manage spare parts inventory, field service tools, and equipment
• Maintain detailed service logs, work orders, and maintenance records

Documentation & Product Feedback

• Create and maintain commissioning reports, O&M manuals, and troubleshooting guides specific to VRB USA systems
• Collect and analyze field performance data, providing regular reports to the engineering and leadership teams
• Feed field observations and failure mode data back to the product engineering team to drive design improvements
• Support customer and site host communications as the on‑site technical representative

About You

In order to be successful in this role, you will have a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field with 3+ years of relevant experience, OR an Associate’s degree or technical certification with 5+ years of hands‑on experience in field service, commissioning, or maintenance of electrical/power systems. Given the nature of the role within the organization, you will need to be self‑motivated and enjoy building teams from the ground up. Candidates will have the following skills and experience, with a preference for flow battery or fuel cells system experience and familiarity with vanadium electrolyte handling or chemical process systems (pumps, tanks, heat exchangers, piping):

• Demonstrated experience commissioning, operating, or maintaining complex electrical or electrochemical systems (battery energy storage, power conversion, industrial process equipment, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of DC electrical systems, power electronics, and electrical safety practices
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, TCP/IP, CAN bus, RS-485) and SCADA/BMS systems
• Proficiency with electrical testing and measurement equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, meggars, thermal imaging)
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, and mechanical drawings
• Experience with PLC programming or configuration
• Knowledge of relevant safety and performance standards: UL 1973, UL 9540, IEC 62932, NFPA 855
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear technical documentation
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel 25–40% to project sites within the U.S.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, lift 50 lbs, and work at elevation when required
• Experience working in a startup environment where you wear many hats

Next Steps & Benefits

VRB Energy is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or veteran or disability status.