BESS Commissioning Technician

Description

Title: BESS Commissioning Technician

Department: T&D/C
Location: Ankeny, IA
Supervisor: BESS Commissioning Superintendent
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Position Status: Project site

Work Status: Project Site

BESS COMMISSIONING TECHNICIAN

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Irvine, CA, specializes in providing utility-scale modules, solar photovoltaic (PV), and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services for solar and BESS projects nationwide. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle. By choosing Qcells USA for turnkey solutions, customers can reduce uncertainty and risk, leading to enhanced investment returns and contributing to a more sustainable future.

Qcells USA’s complete turnkey solutions seamlessly integrate the expertise of our Development, Module, and EPC teams, while ensuring close coordination with other vital internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal. This collaborative approach ensures that Qcells USA projects deliver exceptional value and performance. With several multi-billion-dollar investments, Qcells is pioneering the establishment of the only complete module supply chain in the U.S., including the expansion of our Georgia module manufacturing facility, which stands as the largest in the Western Hemisphere.

As an integral part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing. Qcells is renowned worldwide for its high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. With dual headquarters in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ), Qcells operates under the umbrella of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of the top 8 business conglomerates in South Korea.

SUMMARY

This is an entry-level position, employees in this role will be working under the supervision of the BESS Commissioning Superintendent and will receive on the job training from more senior members of the Commissioning Team. Duties include but are not limited to assisting the BESS Commissioning Team in the testing, troubleshooting and start-up of equipment used in the power conversion process. In this capacity, the employee is expected to learn and understand the proper usage of test equipment used in carrying out commissioning tasks. Additionally, the employee will assist in the execution of any administrative tasks as they pertain to the commissioning scope of work.

This position reports to the BESS Commissioning Superintendent, or another management personnel that the CEO of the Company may designate.

This position requires full-time on-site presence and 100% travel. Any remote work arrangements must receive prior approval from your direct supervisor or company leadership. Working hours shall be determined based on project requirements and business needs, in consultation with the employee's supervisor.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Implementation and Excellence:

• Work under direct supervision while performing commissioning activities.
• Maintain documentation for all equipment and systems required on projects.
• Participate in daily/weekly progress meetings with subcontractors.
• Assist in preparation of plans at beginning of projects for receiving, storing, and managing materials and tools as required.
• Assist with field troubleshooting of commissioned equipment.
• Assist in the startup of commissioned equipment.
• Ability to manage time and work priorities independently.
  • Technician support includes, but is not limited to, troubleshooting and diagnosing faults in equipment such as inverters and BESS tracking systems, as well as providing detailed documentation to relevant entities responsible for resolution.
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics.
  • Practical and applicable knowledge of electrical concepts.
  • Hands-on experience with BESS systems, including both DC and AC components.
  • Proficiency in using test equipment such as multimeters, clamp-style ammeters, insulation resistance testers, and ground fault finders.
  • General understanding of SCADA infrastructure and its components.
  • Perform and coordinate commissioning activities under general guidance.
  • Maintain thorough documentation for all equipment and systems associated with projects.
  • Actively participate in daily and weekly progress meetings with subcontractors.
  • Assist in developing plans at project initiation for receiving, storing, and managing materials and tools.
  • Provide training to subcontractors and third-party vendors, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and Energized Zone Training.
  • Maintain commissioning logs, equipment checklists, and LOTO logs to ensure compliance and safety.
  • Coordinate and execute field troubleshooting of commissioned equipment, including the development of methods of procedure (MOPs).
  • Support the startup process for commissioned equipment to ensure proper functionality and integration.

• Technical Expertise and Problem Solving:
  • At times, the employee may be designated as the lead commissioning representative for a project. In this role, they will be responsible for coordinating on-site activities with construction teams, electrical subcontractors, and equipment vendors, as well as developing and managing the commissioning schedule.
  • As the lead commissioning representative, the employee will be responsible for the adherence to safety in all areas that are energized within the project.
  • Competence in reviewing installations and providing clear feedback to the broader team.

• Team Culture:
  • Promote a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across all projects.
• Stakeholder Collaboration:
  • Communicate effectively with department leadership, project leadership, site leadership, and interconnecting utility providing updates on commissioning status and any identified challenges.

• Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned by Management
• Regular attendance, in accordance with company's attendance policy and supervisory assignment, is an essential job duty requirement for this position

REQUIRED SKILLS & COMPETENCES

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Proven experience in utility-scale solar, energy storage, and utility substation systems.
• Understanding of substation protection and control strategies, including wiring and system integration.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively collaborate with teams and stakeholders.
• Highly motivated, articulate, and self-driven, with the ability to work independently and within a team.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• OSHA 30 Certification
• NFPA 70.E Certification
• Understanding of basic electrical concepts
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Flexible schedule and willingness to travel when needed
• Must have strong communications skills (in English) both verbal and written
• Ability to assume responsibility, interface and communicate with others is necessary.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Inverter manufacturer operation and maintenance (O&M) technician certifications

Hanwha Qcells is proud to be an at-will Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status and any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

It is important to note that the job descriptions provided by Qcells USA Corp are not intended to be comprehensive lists of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the positions. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice, reflecting our dynamic and evolving work environment.

We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Hanwha Qcells will provide reasonable accommodations to all qualified individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodations at hr-usa@qcells.com.

Nothing in this statement shall imply implicitly or explicitly a guarantee of employment outside our at-will employment opportunity.