PV / BESS HMI Operator / Attendant

Amentum is hiring a PV / BESS HMI Operator / Attendant in Lamu County, Kenya, to operate and maintain a 3MW solar PV system and a 1MW Battery Energy Storage System for a US Navy program on Diego Garcia. Responsibilities include managing plant controls, ensuring compliance with voltage tolerances, and providing operational oversight. Candidates need relevant certifications and experience in utility-scale systems, along with the ability to work in an austere environment.
Amentum, a global leader in advanced engineering, technical, and professional services serving the US government, allies, and critical infrastructure sectors, is seeking a PV / BESS HMI Operator / Attendant to support a unique US Navy program based on the island of Diego Garcia.

Job Responsibilities

The PV / BESS HMI Operator / Attendant will operate and maintain a 3MW utility-scale solar Photovoltaic (PV) system and a 1MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient electrical power distribution on the island of Diego Garcia. Key responsibilities include:

PV System Operations


Operate the PV plant controls and monitoring system to efficiently produce electrical power.
Utilize the PV Human Machine Interface (HMI) to collect operating data and maintain optimal plant performance.
Coordinate PV plant output to ensure compliance with voltage tolerances.
Ensure the PV system disengages from the grid and maintains system voltage within specified tolerances during dynamic or transient conditions.
BESS Operations


Operate the BESS controls and monitoring system to regulate electrical power output and battery charging retention.
Utilize the BESS HMI to collect operating data and maintain efficient electricity storage operations.
Coordinate BESS plant output to maintain voltage tolerances and support grid stability.
Ensure the BESS disengages from the grid and maintains system voltage within specified tolerances during dynamic or transient conditions.
Optimize BESS output and input to reduce thermal generation ramping and ensure PV smoothing functions.
General Operations


Perform "watchstanding" or attendance duties to oversee the safe and efficient operation of the PV and BESS systems.
Provide operational oversight to ensure reliable electric power production that meets the system's demands.
Monitor plant controls and make adjustments to maintain continuous and efficient electrical power distribution.
Work closely with technical teams to ensure both systems operate optimally under varying conditions and provide operational feedback for system improvements.
Minimum Requirements


A high school diploma or equivalent.
Certification as a solar and BESS operator, with the preferred certification being the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Board Certification for PV or an equivalent certification. (Certification copies must be provided as per contract requirements.)
1-3 years of experience operating and maintaining utility-scale PV and BESS platforms or comparable systems.
Proficient in using Human Machine Interface (HMI) systems for monitoring and managing PV and BESS operations.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational issues in a timely manner.
Previous work experience in an austere OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) environment with a multi-national workforce.
Excellent organizational, time management, and customer service skills.
Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization.
Must be in possession of a valid Passport and be able to travel internationally.
Passport should be valid for a minimum of 1 plus years at the time of hiring.
Ability to successfully pass contract medical requirements and maintain requirements for duration of deployment.
Preferred Qualifications


Comprehensive knowledge of utility-scale solar power generation systems and battery energy storage platforms.
Familiarity with operating systems and technologies used in PV and BESS control and monitoring systems.
Experience in maintaining voltage support, frequency regulation, and PV smoothing functions using utility-scale systems.
Previous experience operating in a remote environment with dynamic power grid conditions.
Familiarity with U.S. Navy or Department of Defense power generation systems is an advantage.
Other Responsibilities

Safety
Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks, and serving on safety committees and teams.

Quality
Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone of our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.

Procedure Compliance
Each employee must read, understand, and implement the general and specific