Service Engineer, Energy Storage
Job description
About the role
Redwood Materials is actively seeking a Service Engineer to join their newly formed engineering team focused on the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) product line. This role is critical in supporting the deployment, operation, and maintenance of BESS solutions by addressing complex technical challenges that arise in the field. As a key member of the team, you will be responsible for providing advanced technical support to the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) team, helping to troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve system issues efficiently. Your expertise will help ensure the reliability, safety, and performance of deployed energy storage systems, contributing to Redwood's mission of creating sustainable energy solutions. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge energy storage technology, collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, and make a tangible impact on renewable energy infrastructure.
Key facts
What you'll do
- Serve as the primary technical resource for the O&M team when encountering issues that exceed standard troubleshooting procedures, providing expert guidance and support.
- Define and establish clear criteria for escalation, handoffs, and response expectations between the O&M team and Service Engineering to ensure swift and effective resolution of issues.
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of Service Engineers, sharing technical knowledge and best practices to improve overall team performance.
- Conduct in-depth investigations into complex system failures involving electrical components, control systems, software, thermal management, and system integration.
- Collaborate with field operations and O&M teams to gather feedback and translate operational insights into actionable requirements for Product, Systems, and R&D Engineering teams.
- Develop strategies to improve system serviceability, reliability, and maintainability through design modifications, process improvements, and proactive maintenance practices.
- Create, review, and maintain comprehensive service documentation, including troubleshooting guides, service bulletins, and technical manuals to facilitate efficient diagnostics and repairs.
- Develop and deliver training materials and sessions to enhance the technical skills of the O&M team, especially regarding new systems, updates, and known issues.
- Support the deployment of new energy storage systems by providing technical expertise during commissioning and initial operation phases.
- Participate in root cause analysis for system failures, contributing to continuous improvement initiatives to prevent recurrence and enhance system robustness.
- Assist in the development and refinement of maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and operational best practices for energy storage systems.
- Maintain detailed records of service activities, diagnostics, and resolutions to support ongoing system monitoring and future troubleshooting efforts.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 7 years supporting complex electromechanical or power electronics systems, with experience in BESS, renewable energy, or industrial systems.
- Strong understanding of BESS system architecture, including batteries, power conversion systems (PCS/inverters), energy management systems (EMS), thermal management, and protection systems.
- Demonstrated experience working within tiered support models, supporting operations through escalation to engineering teams and collaborating with product development.
- Proven ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues involving electrical, control, and software systems.
- Excellent communication skills, capable of translating technical diagnostics into clear reports and instructions for diverse audiences.
- Passion for sustainability and a commitment to improving the world through innovative energy solutions.
- Ability to perform essential job functions safely and effectively, in accordance with ADA, FMLA, and other applicable standards.
- Reliable and punctual attendance, with the ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
- Willingness to travel up to 40% for site visits, commissioning, and support activities.
Nice to have
- Experience with battery management systems (BMS) and their integration with energy storage solutions.
- Familiarity with software tools used for diagnostics, system monitoring, and data analysis.
- Knowledge of relevant safety standards and certifications related to energy storage and electrical systems.
- Prior experience working in a manufacturing or field service environment supporting energy or power systems.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, control diagrams, and system documentation.
Skills & tools
- Strong electrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills.
- Knowledge of power electronics, control systems, and thermal management.
- Ability to analyze system data to identify root causes of failures.
- Excellent documentation and technical writing skills.
- Proficiency in using diagnostic tools, data loggers, and system monitoring software.
- Leadership skills to mentor and support a team of Service Engineers.
Practical notes
This is a full-time position based in San Francisco, California, and compensation will be aligned with the candidate's experience and qualifications. The role involves working in various environments, including office settings and outdoor locations, sometimes under challenging conditions that may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes. Personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided and required for safety. Physical tasks may include climbing, standing, stooping, or typing, and occasional weekend or night work may be necessary. Travel up to 40% may be required for site visits, commissioning, or support activities. Redwood Materials values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. During the application process, personal information such as identifiers and employment-related data will be collected and used solely for employment-related purposes. For privacy inquiries, contact privacy@redwoodmaterials.com.