Energy Storage Engineer III

Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Its fleet of 77 power plants in operation represents over 27,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following; other duties may be assigned)

Responsible for developing new technological solutions, may design materials, structures and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality, safety and cost. Will have the ability to weigh different design choices on their merits and choose the solution that best matches the requirements. Ability to analyze system requirements, capacity, cost, and customer needs to determine feasibility of project and develop system plan and Develop or perform operational, maintenance, or testing procedures for electronic products, components, equipment, or systems.

Job Responsibilities

- Comprehensive knowledge.

- Seasoned professional with advanced applied experience.

- Applies advanced skills contributing to knowledge areas within function, but not yet an expert in all.

- Makes recommendations on moderately complex issues regarding project components and tasks.

- May make recommendations on new processes, tools and services; supports and contributes to development of new products, services or techniques.

- Works on problems of diverse scope ranging from moderate to complex.

- Uses independent judgment requiring in-depth analysis of variable factors. Collaborates with senior professionals in selection of methods, techniques, and analytical approach.

- Works under limited supervision.

- Prioritizes own weekly schedule and may guide others in the completion of tasks within clearly defined schedules as set by management.

- Regularly provides on-the-job skills training to others in complex technical areas.

Specialize Job Information

Support the engineering and modelling activities for Calpine’s utility scale energy storage pipeline. Support the origination, development, E&C and O&M teams to advance energy storage projects. Ensure compliance with technical specifications, codes and standards, and project timelines while actively working to optimize costs.

- Development Engineering:

- - Provide conceptual designs and layouts for development projects currently in the pipeline as well as new green field developments.

- Lead the technical analysis (internal and external) for feasibility studies and project assessment during the development phase.

- Provide technical support related to the connection to the electricity grid and regulation capabilities of the energy storage.

- Ensure compliance with local regulations while optimizing the project design for efficiency and performance.

- Support development to assure timely and cost-effective resolution to regulatory, permitting and technical issues associated with the execution and delivery of BESS projects.

- Collaborate with the development team in the preparation and coordination of proposals, proposal materials, and other marketing efforts in support of the market segment. This may include gathering, verifying, and formatting proposal information.

- Technology:

- - Maintain continuous interface with vendor’s technical personnel to stay up to date with technology trends and products specifications

- Actively engage in industry standards committees such as NFPA, IEEE, etc. to be on the forefront of industry standards and specifications

- Understand the various battery technologies and industry practices to provide guidance to the organization on the application of technology. Educate the procurement, engineering, and operations teams on latest industry technology.

- Evaluate available and emerging storage technologies and communicate new technology development and risks associated with the new technology.

- Project Tenders:

- - Assist with developing technical specifications for the procurement, RFI/RFP/RFQ process, of ES systems, subcontractors, and support services.

- Assist with the development of key contracting strategies, terms, and implementation of energy storage systems

- Review technical aspects of OEMs and EPCs proposals pertaining to energy storage and provide recommendations to the business.

- Engineering and Standards:

- - Establish and maintain the engineering, design criteria and applicable standards and specifications for BESS projects.

- Responsible for the development, review and technical oversight of engineering requirements and design of energy storage projects.

- Review/approve the work of consultants used on BESS projects to ensure consistent and cost-effective designs and timely delivery.

- Ensure the highest level of environmental health and safety in all engineering and design aspects of energy storage projects.

- Support value-engineering approach when designing energy storage systems in multiple project-specific use cases.

- Others:

- - Provide technical support in evaluating potential M&A efforts for additional ES projects.

- Provide support to construction team in relation to ES technology implementation.

- Support construction team in developing and enhancing installation and commissioning procedures.

- Support the O&M team in developing work procedures and best practices to optimize the operation of the ES systems.

Job Requirements

- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or equivalent.

- Senior-level; varies depending on area, but generally 5+ years directly related experience.

- Advanced certifications/licensures.

- Senior-level; recognized technical expertise in own and possibly related functions.

Preferred Qualifications

- Masters of Science Degree in Engineering or PhD a plus.

- Requires 5 years of experience, (with at least 2 years specializing in Energy Storage)

- Grid connected BESS or any inverter-based generation experience

- Working experience in AutoCad and other CAD software to produce conceptual layouts

- Knowledge of the National Electric Code, NFPA and UL standards

- Experience in design and delivery of grid scale bulk energy storage technology solutions.

- Proficient knowledge of the full Microsoft Office suite high proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint required

- Strong technical, analytical, and quantitative skills

- Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail

- Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills

- Strong time-management skills and ability to multi-task

- Strong interest in renewable energy and utility business

- Ability and willingness to travel

- Working knowledge of control systems, SCADA, HMI, EMS, and networking protocols

- Strong understanding of mechanical systems including HVAC and fire protection systems needed in the ES systems.

- Experience performing power systems analysis in software packages such as PSS/E, ETAP or PSCAD is a plus

- Knowledge of engineering and market economics and design optimization

- Wind and/or Solar system installation or design experience

Additional Calpine Information:

- Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.

- Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to hrrecruitment@calpine.com. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

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Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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