Position: Head of Engineering/BESS

Department: Engineering

Location: Manly, NSW 2095

Global clean energy solutions provider Gentari is committed to doing our part in solving the world’s most pressing sustainable energy needs: to change how we live today and help secure a better future, focusing on three key business pillars of Renewable Energy, Hydrogen and Green Mobility.

Gentari Australia, formerly Wirsol Energy, is amongst the leading players in the Renewable Energy sector in the Australian market, specialising in development, construction, asset management and maintenance of renewable energy projects across the country. Our growing portfolio comprises of solar & battery energy storage (BESS) across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.

Helmed by a local team with deep understanding of the Australian energy landscape and supported by a leadership team with global energy expertise and a comprehensive portfolio built on innovation and growth, we are accelerating the transition to a more sustainable future, with benefits for all.

General

The Head of Engineering will play a crucial role in advancing Gentari’s position as a key player in the renewable energy market in Australia. The role encompasses leadership, strategy development, and technical expertise, ensuring the successful execution of projects, operation of our assets and continuous innovation across our business.

The successful candidate will have recent experience in large scale BESS and hybrid BESS plus Solar development, construction and operations. The engineering team currently includes experts in grid connections and solar PV and works collaboratively with the teams across development, construction and operations to ensure that we are delivering solar and storage projects with the highest standards of quality, performance, and efficiency. Procurement will also fall within the Engineering team. In this role you are expected to bring the BESS expertise to this team.

Key Responsibilities

•  Leadership:
  – The role includes being part of the Leadership Team of Gentari Solar Australia, collaborating with the CEO and other heads of department to ensure a collaborative environment within Gentari Australia and with the technical solutions team at the HQ in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and in other countries such as India
  – Provide leadership and direction to the engineering team
  – Fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• Project Development Stage – technology selection and design:
  – Develop and execute a BESS/ technology/engineering strategy aligned with Gentari’s business objectives, focusing on innovation, cost-efficiency, and performance optimization of utility-scale solar and energy storage solutions.
  – Lead the technology selection and designing activities during development stage.
  – Work closely with the Grid Connection team during the development stage to ensure the Grid interconnection study can be completed smoothly.
  – Collaborate closely with the technical solutions team at the HQ in Kuala Lumpur on an early-stage development project, such as the renewable energy aspects of a Green Hydrogen project, to undertake a preliminary or framing study for projects spanning across Australia. This might involve giving inputs for site conditions, running an energy modelling study to determine the most optimum equipment sizing for the projects.

• Project Construction Stage – engineering support and design review:
  – Be heavily involved in defining the scope of EPC and other contracts for the construction, in the selection of the EPC contractors and equipment suppliers, management of Owner’s Engineer scope and output.
  – Collaborate with cross-functional teams within the organsation and with the EPC to ensure the design & engineering are aligned with the technical specifications.
  – Ensuring that the quality of the projects is upheld and assisting the construction team with the management of the EPC and equipment contracts.

•  Technical Excellence:
  – Oversee the development of engineering plans, designs, and drawings, ensuring technical excellence across all aspects in all Front End Loading (FEL) stages of the project. This includes project development, construction, and operation, utilizing the latest advancements in renewable energy technology.
  – Own the Project Handbook, Procurement Guidelines and other processes, including liaising with the Global Technical Solutions team in KL.

• Acquisitions or Financial Close
  – Point of contact and sign off on any technical due diligence required for internally financing projects or as part of the acquisition process for obtaining new projects.
  – Be part of the technical workstream and work closely with the HQ team during the technical due diligence process. This might includes ensuring thorough assessments and provide inputs (i.e. red flag report), site visits, and work closely with technical advisors

• Operational Assets – optimisation, repairs and plant performance:
  – Provide engineering support to the O&M site managers for operational plants including defining and managing any large rectification projects.
  – Provide input into the Asset Management team regarding plant performance and any optimisation that can be made.

•  Risk Management:
  – Identify potential technical and engineering risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project success and operational stability.

• External Partnerships:
  – Build and maintain strategic relationships with external partners, technology vendors, research institutions, consultants, EPCs, and regulatory bodies to stay at the forefront of industry developments and drive innovation.

• Regulatory Compliance:
  – Stay updated on relevant regulations, standards, and policies related to renewable energy projects and ensure compliance throughout all stages of project development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field.
• More than 10 years of proven experience within the renewable energy sector, with a focus on energy storage projects and utility-scale solar.
• Strong technical background in energy storage systems, solar PV, and related technologies.
• In-depth understanding of and recent experience in project development, engineering design, construction, and operational aspects of large-scale BESS and other renewable energy projects.
• Knowledge and experience in energy modeling simulation and studies is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully leading cross-functional teams and driving technology innovation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to navigate complex technical challenges.
• Solid understanding of the Australian renewable energy regulations and policies.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards.
• A commitment to sustainability and a passion for driving the transition to renewable energy.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and meet with stakeholders as required.
• Ability to work to your own initiative / self-motivated.
• Current Australian driver’s licence.

Benefits and Perks

• 25 days annual leave
• Performance incentive
• Opportunities to work overseas for up to 2 weeks per annum (subject to eligibility)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to a shared company vehicle
• Phone allowance and other great perks (i.e., skin checks)
• Employer parental leave benefit
• L&D budget, individual and team allocation
• Regular team bonding and social initiatives
• Access to a beachfront gym in Manly
• Flexible working opportunities in a fast-paced and exciting environment, that is collaborative in our friendly offices with harbour views in Manly, NSW