5 Top Energy Storage Jobs to Grow Your Career in Renewables

Global energy storage solutions are forecasted to exceed $1,700 billion by 2032 as the world looks to increase its investments in harnessing the power of renewables. Whether it's power from solar, wind, or hydrogen, technologies are needed to improve the shelf life of these renewable energy sources. Of course, to make this happen, talent is required. But how can talent make an impact on the energy transition? The answer comes in the form of energy storage jobs.

In this guide, we'll explore five of the top energy storage jobs, perfect for those with transferable skills looking to grow their careers in renewables. We'll outline each role's responsibilities, skills, and requirements. 

We’ll explore the following renewable energy storage jobs:

• Asset Management Director

• Project Manager

• Development Engineer

• Quality Engineer

• Project Finance

1. Asset Management Director

An asset management director operating in the energy storage space is primarily accountable for managing a company's assets associated with the storage industry. These assets could include a client's associated businesses, employees, property and finances. Asset management directors will work closely with an organisation to create strategic and sustainable portfolios to generate income and ensure the business's longevity.

They will monitor a company's performance and focus on finding ways to optimise the ROI of its assets. An asset management director working in the energy storage industry will lean their attention to a business's investment and sales side. They will liaise with industry third parties to support the development of projects, from materials, tools and equipment suppliers to site managers for project locations and renewable energy recruitment agencies for talent acquisition.

Responsibilities of an energy storage asset management director
If you’re considering a career in renewables as an asset management director, here are the role's primary responsibilities: 

• Optimise the profitability of an organisation's assets
• Recommend and complete the acquisition of new assets
• Report on the performance of a company’s assets
• Research the energy storage market for new business leads
• Build and maintain relationships with brands and their associated assets

Asset management director skills and requirements
Discover the key skills and requirements you’ll need if you want to transition into an asset management director role in the energy storage industry:

• Financial background with the ability to utilise asset management systems
• Analytical and project management skills
• Knowledge of financial compliance and relevant energy storage regulations
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• BA degree in accounting, finance, economics or related field

Embarking on a career as an asset management director in energy storage requires a keen interest in sustainability and renewable power solutions. If you're an existing asset manager working in an alternative industry and want to progress to a director level while also making a difference to the planet, then this is the perfect role for you. 

2. Project Manager

As the renewables space tackles its talent shortages, the need for professionals capable of managing and delivering energy storage projects is in high demand. This is where a project manager comes in. A project manager oversees the full scope of an assignment from the development, build, and implementation phases. Professionals in these positions are pivotal in ensuring the project is delivered on time and within budget. 

Project managers operating in energy storage jobs are instrumental in ensuring innovative renewable projects come to fruition to help the world move closer to net zero and climate change targets. Often managing multiple projects at once, the role of a project manager involves planning, coordinating, managing resources and communicating the assignment's requirements. They are ultimately the difference makers between the success or failure of an energy storage project. 

Responsibilities of an energy storage project manager

Professionals looking for the latest project manager jobs in renewables will typically be accountable for the following:

• Manage projects from start to finish
• Define project scopes and goals with relevant stakeholders
• Manage internal resources and third-party vendors
• Measure the performance of energy storage projects 
• Manage budgets and deliver projects on time

Project manager skills and requirements

If you're considering becoming a project manager in the energy storage space, here are the typical skills and requirements needed for the role:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal communication skills 
• Ability to adapt to change and proactively problem-solve 
• Excellent organisational skills
• Budget management and negotiation skills
• Ability to manage risks and identify and mitigate project setbacks

Whether you're an existing project manager with transferable skills and a passion for developing projects that positively impact the planet or an entry-level candidate eager to support the energy transition, project management could be your perfect career path. By progressing your renewable energy career within this niche, you could see yourself working on the world's most significant and innovative energy storage projects.

3. Development Engineer

Next on our list of top energy storage jobs to grow your career in renewables is the role of a development engineer. Development engineers are responsible for designing new and enhancing existing systems and play a vital part in creating emerging technologies. Operating across the full scope of project activities, talent within this space will provide insight from the project's inception through to construction and implementation.

Development engineers in the renewable energy and battery storage space often work on multiple projects simultaneously. They will devise strategies and identify opportunities for energy storage development, focusing on the feasibility of a project, from location and land tenure to community considerations and stakeholder management. These engineers will document each phase of the project, supporting the testing and improvements of the technology to ensure it performs as expected.

Responsibilities of a development engineer
Here are the core duties a development engineer is responsible for:

• Oversee existing energy storage systems and identify areas for improvement 
• Conduct feasibility studies from site locations to stakeholder management 
• Secure agreements and promote business cases for projects with communities and third parties 
• Comply with the necessary regulations 
• Communicate with the project team and report on performance to senior management 

Development engineer skills and requirements
A career in renewables as a development engineer requires these essential skills and requirements:

• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Research skills with an ability to identify locations for projects 
• An understanding of how to prepare Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA)
• Ability to project manage internal and external resources
• Degree in industrial design or a relevant field

Kickstarting a career in development engineering in renewable energy could see you responsible for developing emerging technologies in the storage energy and battery industry. As you progress in your career and reach chartered status as an engineer, you could transition into senior and management positions where you would have more significant input in developing future renewable projects.  

4. Quality Engineer

Quality engineer alternative and renewable energy jobs are crucial for ensuring battery and energy storage products and technologies meet the required standards of a business and the industry. Working on projects such as the development of electric vehicle charging points, these renewable energy engineers are responsible for overseeing, inspecting and reviewing a product or system before it is manufactured for commercial use. 

Also known as quality assurance (QA) engineers, professionals in this space will take strategic steps to ensure an energy storage system is regulatory compliant and safe to use. They will propose measures to improve the final product so it's fit for purpose with zero chance of defects occurring. Operating across the end-to-end value chain, from design, engineering and delivery, a quality engineer is accountable for ensuring a product meets expectations and maintains the business's reputation. 

Responsibilities of a quality engineer

For talent looking to become a QA renewable energy engineer, here is what you can expect to be responsible for:

• Ensure internal business and industry standards and regulations are adhered to throughout the end-to-end value chain
• Review and test energy storage systems before they are given the green light for commercial use
• Address solutions to correct product defects with key stakeholders and third-party suppliers
• Provide training and support to ensure the wider project team is aligned with the expected standards
• Report on quality assurance throughout the project duration

Quality engineer skills and requirements

Below are the essential skills and requirements any successful QA engineer will have:

• Proven experience working on energy storage systems 
• Ability to problem solve and correct issues with a product or system 
• Understanding of standards such as ISO 9001 quality management systems
• Strong communication skills with an ability to collaborate with all areas of the project team
• Degree in a related engineering discipline 

As you gain experience, progression within QA engineering jobs across the energy storage space could see you transition into senior management or director-level roles. Here, you will have more responsibility for managing projects and ensuring future technologies meet internal and external standards. 

Learn more about how engineering and renewables go hand-in-hand by reading our guide on How Chemical Engineers Can Become Renewable Energy Engineers.

5. Project Finance

Renewable energy project financing jobs involve delivering financial guidance to companies looking to start a project or invest in renewables. Finance specialists working in the energy storage space will liaise with key decision-makers within a business to plan the budgets of an assignment. They will provide expert advice regarding the feasibility of a project and determine whether the organisation will need to raise funds to complete the vision. 

Project financing professionals will support a business in fundraising for a project, considering the cost of construction, labour, third-party contracts, and profitability. They play a significant part in coordinating various aspects of an energy storage project, spreading their expertise across finance and legal to have a deep awareness of the technical side of an assignment. Ultimately, project financing jobs help determine whether a project can and should go ahead. 

Responsibilities of renewable energy project financing jobs
Discover the primary duties of a role in project financing:

• Providing financial reports and translating financial information for key decision-makers
• Offering expert advice and strategies on project investments 
• Financial forecasting and determining the feasibility of an energy storage project
• Discovering ways to reduce project costs with a focus on profitability  
• Maintaining the financial health of a company

Project financing skills and requirements
If you’re considering applying for the latest renewable energy project financing jobs, here are the skills and requirements you should have:

• Proven experience in finance, such as a financial analyst or financial advisor
• Strong communication skills with an ability to negotiate with third parties 
• Ability to interpret complex data analysis to key decision-makers
• Knowledge of industry regulatory compliance and global financial legislation 
• Degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a related accountancy qualifications 

Jobs in renewable energy as a project financing specialist require a blend of financial expertise, excellent interpersonal skills, and an analytical and strategic mind. If you’ve previously worked as an advisor for businesses in alternative industries outside the energy market but would like to help shape the future of the renewables space, your skills will be highly sought-after by companies worldwide.

Discover more about the industry by reading our guide: Exploring the Role of Energy Storage in Renewable Energy.

Final thoughts on the top renewable energy storage jobs

Renewable energy storage offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities for individuals passionate about positively impacting the planet. From the strategic roles provided by asset management directors to the pivotal role of project managers in bringing innovative projects to fruition, the renewable energy sector is always seeking skilled professionals as it looks to overcome global talent shortages.

Development engineers also play a crucial role in designing and enhancing energy storage systems, while quality engineers ensure that products meet the required industry standards and maintain a business's reputation. Additionally, project financing specialists contribute their financial expertise to determine the feasibility and success of renewable energy projects.

As the world transitions towards a sustainable future, these top renewable energy storage jobs provide exciting career paths and allow individuals to contribute meaningfully to the global transition towards cleaner energy solutions. Whether you're an experienced professional or an aspiring newcomer, these roles offer avenues for growth, innovation, and the chance to be at the forefront of transformative change in the renewable energy industry.

Looking for the latest energy storage jobs?

If you desire to support the energy transition with a career in renewables, we can help. We specialise in renewable energy recruitment within the energy storage industry and have over two decades of experience helping passionate talent grow in roles for the world’s fastest-growing organisations. 

Register for the latest energy storage jobs or contact us today to see how we can help you achieve your future career aspirations.