Role Overview for VP of Engineering – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering leader in the renewable energy sector to recruit a transformative Vice President of Engineering for their Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) division. Our client is at the forefront of the global energy transition, developing and deploying cutting-edge BESS solutions that are critical for grid stability, renewable energy integration, and a sustainable future. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned engineering leader to shape the technical vision, strategy, and execution of a high-growth, mission-driven organization. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with deep technical expertise in energy storage, a passion for innovation, and a proven track record of building and scaling world-class engineering teams. As the VP of Engineering, you will hold the ultimate responsibility for all aspects of product development, from initial concept and R&D through to manufacturing, deployment, and lifecycle support. You will be a key member of the executive leadership team, collaborating closely with C-suite executives to define company strategy and ensure our technological roadmap aligns with ambitious business objectives. This role requires a blend of technical mastery, inspirational leadership, and sharp business acumen to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry and drive our client to become the undisputed market leader in battery energy storage solutions. You will be instrumental in fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering your teams to solve some of the most challenging problems in modern energy systems.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Engineering – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Strategic Technical Leadership
Develop and execute the long-term technical vision and strategic roadmap for the BESS division, ensuring alignment with corporate goals, market trends, and technological advancements. Drive the evaluation and adoption of new technologies, materials, and design methodologies to maintain a competitive edge.
Team Building and Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and expand a multi-disciplinary engineering organization encompassing hardware, software, firmware, systems, and test engineering. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that attracts, develops, and retains top-tier engineering talent.
Product Development Lifecycle Management
Oversee the entire product development lifecycle for all BESS products, from conceptualization, architecture, and design to validation, certification, and successful market launch. Implement and refine engineering processes (e.g., Agile, Waterfall) to optimize for speed, quality, and efficiency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary technical liaison to other executive leaders, including Product Management, Sales, Operations, and Finance. Ensure seamless collaboration to translate market requirements into robust technical specifications and deliver products that meet customer needs and business targets.
Technical Excellence and Innovation
Champion technical excellence and innovation across the organization. Direct R&D initiatives to explore next-generation battery chemistries, power electronics, thermal management systems, and energy management software (EMS). Cultivate a robust intellectual property portfolio.
Budget and Resource Management
Develop and manage the engineering department’s annual budget, including headcount, R&D expenses, and capital expenditures. Ensure efficient allocation of resources to meet project deadlines and strategic objectives.
Quality and Compliance
Ensure all BESS products are designed for reliability, safety, and manufacturability. Guarantee compliance with all relevant international standards, codes, and regulations, including grid interconnection requirements and safety certifications (e.g., UL, IEC, IEEE).
Vendor and Partner Management
Establish and manage strategic relationships with key technology suppliers, manufacturing partners, and research institutions. Lead technical due diligence for potential partnerships and acquisitions.
Requirements for the VP of Engineering – Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Educational Background
Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field is strongly preferred. A Bachelor’s degree with extensive, relevant experience will be considered.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive engineering experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP, Director) managing large, multi-disciplinary engineering teams within the energy sector.
Deep BESS Expertise
Proven, hands-on experience and deep technical knowledge of Battery Energy Storage Systems. This must include expertise in areas such as lithium-ion battery chemistries, battery management systems (BMS), power conversion systems (PCS), thermal management, and system-level integration.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrated success in leading the development and commercialization of complex hardware/software products from concept to mass production, preferably in the utility-scale or C&I energy storage markets.
Strategic Acumen
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into a clear, strategic vision and actionable plan. Experience developing multi-year technology roadmaps and aligning them with business outcomes.
Regulatory and Standards Knowledge
In-depth familiarity with the regulatory landscape and key industry standards governing energy storage, such as the IEC 62933 series of standards, UL 9540, UL 1973, and IEEE 1547.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of audiences, from deeply technical engineers to board members and external stakeholders.
Dynamic Leadership
A motivational and servant-leader mindset with a demonstrated ability to build, scale, and inspire high-performing teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary, significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful equity package in a rapidly growing company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents with low employee contributions.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Time Off
A flexible and generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays, to encourage a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A substantial budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and continued education to keep you at the forefront of the industry.
Flexible Work Environment
This position is offered as a remote role, providing the flexibility to work from anywhere within the United States.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to work on mission-driven projects that have a direct, positive impact on climate change and the future of our planet’s energy infrastructure.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary engineering leader with a passion for renewable energy and a proven ability to lead in the BESS industry, we want to hear from you. This is a critical leadership role with the potential to make a significant impact on our client’s success and the broader energy transition. To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. JRG Partners is dedicated to connecting top-tier talent with transformative opportunities. We invite you to learn more about our commitment to this space by exploring our expertise Renewable Energy & Clean Technology Executive Search. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity.
