Senior Manager, US Engineering

Join Akaysha Energy, a driving force behind the global renewable energy revolution. As a subsidiary of BlackRock's Global Renewable Power Fund, we are at the forefront of developing, financing, and operating transformative energy storage and renewable projects. Harness your passion for the climate and join a leader in the global energy transition.

At Akaysha Energy, we combine cutting-edge energy market modeling and data analytics with project development and financing expertise to rapidly decarbonize energy markets. Be part of our mission and work in a dynamic, intellectually stimulating, and supportive environment where your ideas matter. Influence critical decisions and shape the future of sustainable energy.

Accelerate your career with us and enjoy above-market performance bonuses, flexible working arrangements and benefit from training and development opportunities. Collaborate with passionate experts in the field, taking on empowering, hands-on roles with real-world impacts. Grow professionally and personally, broadening your experience, knowledge, and skills. 

Make a difference. Join Akaysha Energy today.

Location:
This role is located at Akaysha’s US Houston, TX Office.

Reporting to:

Managing Director – International Markets

The role:

We're currently on working on several large-scale BESS Projects, with more to come across multiple regions - both locally and globally. As a team we are growing and contributing towards streamlining internal processes, ensuring design is as smooth as possible. In this role, you'll be assisting in the development team in the engineering aspects during the early phases of our projects - you'll support the Project Delivery team during the tendering of projects, by providing Project Technical specifications and general tendering support. As the Senior Manager, you'll undertake Design Reviews of contractor drawings and reports, and will also attend and participate in Safety in Design (SiD) workshops.

As we continue to expand into the US Market, with two live projects in Texas (400MW / 800MWh and 300MW / 600MWh facilities), we are looking to engage with a Senior Manager to assist in delivering these projects. In addition, you'll develop and modify existing process' and specifications designed for the Australian market to suit the US market as required, whilst managing external stakeholders such as Engineering Design Consultants, Installation Contractors, and Utility Providers (e.g. ERCOT).

Key responsibilities will include:

• Actively promote and ensure health and safety through understanding and implementing workplace health and safety obligations
• Lead technical reviews of new development projects for presentation to Akaysha’s gate review process including site, network and market analysis
• Work with US Development and Delivery Teams and Akaysha’s Engineering team to develop concept project designs, manage completion of interconnection processes and manage power system analysis
• Assist in development of innovative BESS solutions with Utilities and Offtakers and assist in presenting opportunities and technical business cases
• Assist in the sizing of the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and general system parameters to meet project and offtake requirements
• Work with the local Utility, consultants and internal resources to achieve grid connection approvals, negotiate connection agreements, and deliver grid connection assets.
• Provide technical support to resolve issues and respond to RFIs during BESS project design, construction and commissioning
• Coordinate and lead Akaysha’s Engineering team and external consultants to develop US-specific project technical specifications and support the negotiation of Balance of Plant (BoP) construction contracts
• Work with the local Utility, consultants and internal resources to achieve grid connection approvals, negotiate connection agreements, and deliver grid connection assets.
• Support the selection and contracting process of BESS and Inverter OEMs for US projects. Provide input and manage technical schedules in the EPC Balance of Plant Contracts
• Provide technical support to resolve issues and respond to RFIs during BESS project design, construction and commissioning
• Coordinate with Akaysha’s Engineering resources for completing design drawing reviews.
• Contract and manage Owners Engineers to for additional technical support on projects
• Attend Factory and Site Acceptance Testing for critical equipment as required with support of Central Engineering team
• Provide technical support to Akaysha’s Asset Management team during operations phase of projects including asset management plan development, maintenance support, fault investigations and asset optimisation
• Lead the technical project business case development including for managing US based safety in design, reduce costs through good engineering, stiving to maximise revenue and increase availability
• Interact with external stakeholders such as insurers, investors, lenders and authorities on a technical basis to achieve the business’s requirements
• Occasional visits to site on a project needs basis to oversee installation, commissioning and maintenance of electrical equipment
• Occasional visits to key project stakeholders including utilities, ISOs, suppliers, contractors and project partners

What you'll bring:

• BS or MS in Electrical, Electronic or Power Systems Engineering
• 8+ years experience in a generation, renewables, transmission or distribution electrical engineering role
• Extensive technical knowledge of US engineering systems, calculations, application of engineering methods and materials.
• Experience and demonstrated knowledge of US primary and secondary electrical system design and design processes for renewable generators and HV substations
• Experience working on utility-scale energy storage systems, renewable energy project or transmission system design and delivery.
• Strong technical writing, presentation and written and verbal communications skills
• Mentoring, management and team-building skills, including ability to lead and work with a small, fast-paced team, learning and making critical decisions quickly
• Exposure to commercial and contract management
• Familiarity with US Interconnection processes
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Please be aware you must be a US citizen, hold permanent residency status or have existing US working rights to apply for this role.