Leeds, West Yorkshire £600 - £650 per day + Inside IR35 Controls Engineer - BESS CommissioningJob Title: Controls Engineer - BESS CommissioningProject: Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)Contract: Contract / FreelanceLocation: Site-based, UKStart: ASAP / ImmediateDuration: TBC, with potential extensionWorking Pattern: Site-based, with commissioning and testing periods potentially requiring extended hoursRole OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support the commissioning, testing and integration of a large-scale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project.The successful candidate will be responsible for commissioning and troubleshooting the control systems associated with the BESS, including PLC/RTU systems, SCADA, EMS/PMS, BMS interfaces, PCS/inverters and plant-level controls.The role will involve working closely with the commissioning, electrical, SCADA, protection and OEM teams to ensure the complete BESS control architecture is correctly configured, integrated, tested and handed over to the client.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and support controls commissioning activities for the BESS project from pre-commissioning through to energisation, functional testing and handover.Commission and troubleshoot PLC, RTU, SCADA, EMS/PMS and plant control systems.Configure and test control logic, sequences, interlocks, permissives, alarms and trips.Verify communications and data exchange between:BESS PLC/RTUSCADAEnergy Management System (EMS)Power Management System (PMS)Battery Management System (BMS)Power Conversion System (PCS)InvertersHV/LV equipmentProtection and metering systemsCarry out I/O checks, loop checks and point-to-point testing.Support FAT/SAT activities and review test documentation.Perform functional testing of BESS operating modes, including charging, discharging, standby, grid support and emergency shutdown functions.Test and validate remote/local control functionality.Support testing of active power, reactive power, voltage and frequency control functions.Verify grid-code related control functions, where applicable.Investigate and resolve PLC, RTU, SCADA and communications faults during commissioning.Test and validate alarms, events, status indications and control commands within the SCADA system.Support Modbus TCP/IP, IEC 61850, IEC 60870-5-104, OPC UA/DA or other industrial communications as required by the project.Review PLC/RTU logic, control narratives, functional design specifications and cause-and-effect documentation.Assist with integration between the BESS and DNO/TSO/utility control systems.Support testing of emergency stop, safety interlocks and shutdown sequences.Work with OEMs and subcontractors to diagnose and resolve commissioning issues.Record test results, punch-list items, defects and corrective actions.Produce and review commissioning documentation, test sheets and handover documentation.Support final performance testing and successful handover to operations.Technical Experience RequiredThe ideal candidate will have strong experience in industrial controls commissioning, preferably within the energy, power generation, renewable energy or BESS sectors.Experience with some or all of the following is desirable:BESS control systemsPLCs and RTUsSCADA systemsEMS / PMSBMS and PCS interfacesBattery energy storage systemsPower conversion systems / invertersHV/LV electrical systemsIndustrial communicationsModbus TCP/IPIEC 61850IEC 60870-5-104OPC UA / OPC DAEthernet/IPProfinetTCP/IP networkingRemote Terminal Units (RTUs)PLC programming and fault findingHMI/SCADA configurationAlarm and event managementControl panels and instrumentationElectrical protection interfacesMetering systemsGrid connection/control systemsCommissioning ExperienceCandidates should have demonstrable experience with:Pre-commissioning inspectionsI/O and point-to-point testingLoop checksCold commissioningHot commissioningEnergisation supportFunctional testingSATIntegrated systems testingTroubleshootingControl system modificationsSite acceptance testingPerformance testingDefect/punch-list managementSystem handoverBESS-Specific TestingParticular emphasis will be placed on experience testing the interaction between the various BESS control layers.The engineer may be required to verify:BMS → PCS → PLC/RTU → EMS/PMS → SCADA → Grid/DNOincluding:State of Charge (SoC)State of Health (SoH)Charge/discharge commandsActive power setpointsReactive power setpointsVoltage controlFrequency controlRamp ratesImport/export limitsBattery limitsPCS operating modesGrid connection statusFault conditionsEmergency shutdownInterlocks and permissivesAlarm and trip functionalityRemote control commandsCommunications failure behaviourLoss-of-grid conditionsQualifications & CertificationsDegree/HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Electrical Engineering, Control Systems, Automation or a related discipline.Demonstrable commissioning experience within an industrial or energy environment.Strong understanding of electrical and control systems.Relevant electrical/control systems safety qualifications.CSCS/ECS or equivalent site certification desirable.18th Edition desirable depending on project requirements.Experience working under RAMS, permit-to-work and site commissioning procedures.Desirable Sector ExperienceExperience on projects involving:Battery Energy Storage SystemsSolar PVWindSubstationsGrid connectionsPower generationHV infrastructureRenewable energyData centresIndustrial automationPower plantsUtilitiesersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit.