Senior Grid Connection Engineer
Fluence Office: Melbourne or Sydney, Australia
About us: Fluence is a global leader in energy storage solutions, revolutionizing the way we integrate renewable energy into electricity systems. We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Grid Connections Engineer to play a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless integration of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
Primary Responsibilities
• Conduct thorough assessments of BESS solutions to ensure compliance with NER generator performance standards for grid connections.
• Oversee grid modelling studies conducted by third parties for BESS system grid connections, providing troubleshooting and technical support as needed.
• Perform preliminary modelling and assessments, including MATs, to optimize grid connections.
• Manage and provide essential R1 and R2 documents, technical information, and project-specific documentation when required.
• Collaborate closely with design teams to develop key design elements affecting grid connections, such as voltage control strategies and plant performance curves.
• Review and guide BESS and BoP designs for compliance with GPS and Registration requirements.
• Offer valuable input and support to the Global Product Management Group.
• Design and negotiate R2 Testing regimes for each project, ensuring rigorous performance evaluation.
• Work closely with commissioning teams to ensure timely and effective R2 Testing.
• Effectively manage stakeholders from various backgrounds (internal, customer, consultant, regulatory, etc.) to ensure timely and successful grid connections. This includes attending meetings and providing detailed progress reports.
• Assist technical teams in maintaining and updating proprietary PPC and OEM dynamic models.
• Support assessment of BESS solutions to comply with NER generator
• Available to travel to site as required.
Secondary Responsibilities
• Conduct feasibility and locational studies using dynamic and grid models to identify and evaluate opportunities.
• Assist technical teams in qualifying and validating new inverter makes/models when required, including assessment of dynamic models for GPS compliance.
• Support modelling requirements and activities in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Collaborate with technical teams to develop innovative PPC solutions.
Qualifications
• Engineering degree in Electrical or Power Systems.
Competencies
• Registered or Certified Professional Engineer (RPEng or CPEng) highly valued.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage consultants and designers in sales, design, and construction/commissioning phases across multiple projects - experience with tier one companies highly valued.
• Expertise in reviewing grid connection compliance designs.
• Extensive NEM grid connection experience, particularly in BESS GPS and Registration.
• Proficiency in generator and power systems modelling, with specific experience in modelling BESS assets.
• Strong familiarity with PSS/E, PSCAD, and PowerFactory software.
• Experience in developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting PPC and OEM dynamic models.
• Knowledge of substation electrical design is highly regarded.
• Proven experience in negotiating with major stakeholders, such as clients, consultants, contractors, and authorities.
• Ability to thrive in a high-pressure environment.
