BESS Specialist

Location

Rome, Italy - Palermo, Italy

About Us

Zelestra (formerly Solarpack) is a multinational platform fully focused on multi-technology renewables with a vertically integrated business model focused large-scale renewable projects in rapidly growing markets across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia, and Africa.

Headquartered in Spain, Zelestra has more than 1.000 employees worldwide and is backed by EQT, one of three largest funds in the world with $200B in assets.

At Zelestra we aim to be a solid and solvent company, capable of executing quality and valuable projects for the society and the environment.

Therefore, we maintain a firm commitment to contribute directly to the social development of the communities and markets in which we operate, not only through the creation of economic value, but also through the generation of quality employment and through the social projects we promote.

Our purpose is to change the world by making decarbonization a reality for our partners.

Mission

We are seeking a BESS Specialist to join our Engineering Unit and support the full lifecycle of Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects, from early-stage development and proposal preparation through project execution, commissioning, and handover to operations.

The successful candidate will play a central role in delivering battery energy storage projects, from initial feasibility assessments through to commissioning and commercial operation. Working closely with all business units across the company, he/she will collaborate with Development, Finance, Regulatory, Procurement, and O&M teams to ensure that our BESS and hybrid (PV+BESS) assets are technically robust, commercially optimized, and operationally resilient.

This is a hands-on role that combines strong engineering expertise with commercial awareness. The successful candidate will be expected to independently lead technical workstreams while contributing to the organization's broader energy transition strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical feasibility studies and system sizing for utility-scale standalone BESS and hybrid PV+BESS projects (>50 MW).
• Define battery technology selection criteria and evaluate Battery Supply Agreement (BSA) proposals through structured technical and commercial assessments.
• Develop and review technical specifications, single-line diagrams, equipment layouts, and grid connection documentation in coordination with DSOs and Terna.
• Manage interfaces with EPC/BOP contractors, BSA and PCS suppliers, and grid operators throughout the project lifecycle, from engineering through energization.
• Supervise Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT), Site Acceptance Tests (SAT), and commissioning activities, ensuring compliance with contractual, technical, and safety requirements.
• Develop and validate revenue models for market participation and ancillary services, including revenue-stacking strategies.
• Monitor the evolution of market regulations and frameworks (Terna, ARERA, GSE) and proactively assess their impact on asset operations and business plans.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to support project bankability assessments, interactions with lenders' technical advisors, and investment committee presentations.
• Monitor the operational performance of BESS assets through SCADA and remote monitoring platforms; identify degradation trends and propose optimization strategies to maximize asset value and lifetime.
• Define KPIs and reporting frameworks for battery health, round-trip efficiency, availability, and warranty compliance.
• Work closely with the O&M team and coordinate technical service providers to ensure asset availability and compliance with contractual obligations.
• Provide technical support for M&A transactions and project acquisitions, including technical due diligence, risk assessment, and evaluation of BESS assets.
• Ensure regulatory and safety compliance throughout all project phases, with reference to IEC 62933, CEI standards, fire protection requirements, and HAZOP procedures for high-voltage systems.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of internal technical standards, best practices, and lessons-learned processes across the BESS portfolio.
• Ensure technical compliance with grid codes, permitting requirements, and all applicable standards.
• Provide structured project reporting to senior management, investors, and other key stakeholders.
• Act as the technical interface with lenders, technical advisors, and auditors during project execution and construction.
• Communicate project status, risks, opportunities, and mitigation measures clearly and effectively.
• Support relationships with external stakeholders, including TSOs, DSOs, regulatory authorities, and industry bodies.
  
  

Job Requirements

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Energy Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 4–7 years of relevant experience in energy storage, power systems, or renewable energy projects.
• Strong understanding of battery technologies, BSA architecture, PCS integration, and Long-Term Service Agreement (LTSA) structures.
• Hands-on experience in at least one BESS project from development through commissioning and commercial operation.
• Knowledge of the Italian electricity market, including Terna, GSE, and grid connection regulations.
• Familiarity with capacity markets, Contracts for Difference (CfD) mechanisms, and European ancillary service frameworks is considered an advantage.
• Proficiency in energy modelling and simulation tools.
• Fluent in English, both written and spoken; Italian is strongly preferred.
  
  
  

What we offer

• A strategic and high‑impact role within Zelestra’s growth roadmap.
• Dynamic, innovative, and merit‑driven environment.
• Career opportunities and professional development in a growing multinational company with a highly qualified team.
• Permanent contract.
• Flexible compensation.
• Full working day.
• Smart working 9 days per month

Let's co-build a carbon-free tomorrow!

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