Operations and Maintenance Manager

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary Range: $130,000-150,000 + bonus and incentive stock options

Reports to: VP, BESS Operations

Location: New York City (Field)

About The Company

NineDot's name derives from the classic mathematical puzzle for sparking out-of-the-box solutions. As a leading community-scale, clean energy developer with a growing portfolio of projects across a range of technologies, NineDot Energy is creating innovative energy solutions that support a more resilient electric grid, deliver economic savings, address environmental justice and reduce carbon emissions. We plan to develop, build and operate more than 400 MW of clean energy systems by 2026 that will strengthen the local power grid infrastructure and provide clean, reliable and resilient power to tens of thousands of New York households and businesses. This is all in support of New York State’s mission to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040.
With the backing of Manulife Investment Management and The Carlyle Group - two of the world’s leading infrastructure investors - NineDot is continuing to expand its core battery energy storage pipeline, deliver enhanced products and services, explore new regions and consider potential acquisitions all to advance the decarbonization of New York’s grid. This is an exciting opportunity to build a platform from the ground-up with a world-class team of developers and innovators. NineDot is committed to building a company that exemplifies diversity, equity and inclusion values in its team culture, as well as business practices and community engagement.

Job Summary

The Operations and Maintenance Manager will play a critical role in ensuring the efficient and reliable operation of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). This individual is responsible for overseeing various aspects of BESS operations and maintenance, maintaining communication with stakeholders, and optimizing system performance. The individual in this position must possess a deep understanding of the balance of plant equipment, control systems, technical specifications, vendor requirements, and industry standards to successfully manage BESS operations and contribute to the company's overall success.

This is a field-based role that requires regular travel to NineDot Energy’s operating sites across New York City. The Operations and Maintenance Manager must be prepared to work nights, weekends, and off-hours as needed to ensure uninterrupted system performance and address time-sensitive issues. A valid driver’s license in good standing is required, as is the ability to respond quickly and effectively to operational challenges across multiple locations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the BESS, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to safety protocols.
• Monitor and control BESS operation through comprehensive understanding of control systems, technical specifications, and requirements provided by the BESS vendor.
• Perform and lead the technical field team to troubleshoot and resolve any operational issues promptly.
• Develop and implement preventive and corrective maintenance plans to ensure the long-term reliability of the BESS.
• Ensure the timely maintenance and repair of plant components as well as resolve problems that may arise.
• Perform preventive/predictive maintenance to ensure long term profitability, plant reliability and risk minimization.
• Familiarize themselves with the contracts between the company and customers (e.g., Con Edison), ensuring that operational requirements are met as stipulated in the agreements.
• Help build and manage a Network Operations Center (NOC) that serves as the central hub for monitoring and controlling BESS operations in real-time.
• Help develop and follow NOC protocols, procedures, and staffing plans to ensure continuous monitoring and response capabilities.
• Gather operational data from various sources, including control systems, sensors, and monitoring equipment.
• Analyze performance metrics, trends, and anomalies to identify optimization opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Coordinate and resolve operational abnormalities.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting system performance and key operational insights.
• Foster strong relationships with BESS vendors, control system providers, and other relevant partners to ensure seamless communication and collaboration.
• Coordinate with vendors to implement software updates, enhancements, and improvements to optimize BESS performance.
• Stay up-to-date with industry regulations and standards related to energy storage and ensure BESS operations comply with all relevant safety guidelines and requirements.
• Work closely with product, engineering and technical teams to identify opportunities for improving the efficiency and performance of the BESS.
• Collaborate on the implementation of advanced control strategies and energy management techniques.
• Help develop and maintain emergency response plans to handle critical situations, including power outages, equipment failures, or other unforeseen events.
• Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, and authorities to ensure swift and effective responses during emergencies

Core Competencies

• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Drives Results - Constantly achieving results, even under tough circumstances.
• Interpersonal Savvy - Relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.
• Manages Ambiguity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear.
• Nimble Learning - Actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both success and failures as learning fodder
• Plans and Aligns - Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals.
• Tech Savvy - Anticipating and adopting innovations in business-building digital and technology applications.

Required education and experience

• 10+ years of proven operations and/or maintenance of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems, including 2+ years managing renewable energy plants (battery energy storage preferred)
• In-depth understanding of battery technologies, energy storage systems, power electronics, and grid integration is crucial.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills to build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders including EPCs and subvendors
• Proven knowledge of various battery chemistries (e.g., lithium-ion, flow batteries) and their applications are also beneficial.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate operations teams, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and prioritizing tasks effectively to meet deadlines.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, and working cross-functionally with technical and management teams.
• Knowledge of industry standards, OSHA regulations and environmental regulations
• Knowledge of energy markets and market procedures
• Experience with troubleshooting SCADA systems and site operations, and problem solving with local utilities
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to safety processes and procedures
• This is a field operations role and therefore:
  
  • An unrestricted driver's license in good standing is required, as is:
  • Ability to work on weekends and off shifts are required
  • Ability to work in varying climates as required
  • Ability to travel to and from job sites as assigned
• Ability to work within tight deadlines and evolving schedules
• Excellent proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Teams
• Ability to multi-task, while working independently and as part of a team
• Motivated self-starter, goal-oriented, and strong problem-solving abilities
• Proven ability to empathize, build relationships, and effectively communicate with people from a diverse set of backgrounds

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

At NineDot Energy, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and are the foundation of our success. As such, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender expression, gender identity, age, or any other status of an individual or that individual’s associates or relatives that is protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you're passionate about this role but don’t meet every qualification listed, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this or other opportunities with us. We’re committed to building a team that reflects a broad range of experiences, backgrounds, and skills.

NineDot Employee benefits include but are not limited to:

• Medical, dental and vision coverage
• 5% employer match on your 401k retirement account
• 20 paid vacation days off, plus 7 sick days, 9 federal holidays and 3 personal floating holidays
• 12 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for both the primary and secondary caregiver within the first year of birth or adoption
• Wellness initiatives including a $1,000 stipend
• 16 volunteer hours plus two planned company-wide volunteer outings per year