Commissioning Manager

Job Description:

Location: Melbourne, Australia

Fluence, a Siemens and AES company, is the leading global energy-storage technology solutions and services company, combining the agility of a fast-growing technology company with the expertise, vision, and financial backing of two industry powerhouses.  Building on the pioneering work of Siemens and AES Energy Storage, Fluence's goal is to create a more sustainable future by transforming the way we power our world.  The company offers proven energy-storage technology solutions that address the diverse needs and challenges of customers in a rapidly transforming energy landscape, providing design, delivery, and integration in over 160 countries.  Fluence works closely with customers throughout their journey and provides advisory, financing, and project-lifecycle services in addition to a spectrum of engineering products including turnkey systems.

The Fluence commissioning manager is responsible for the safe and effective efforts of a team of project commissioning managers and engineers assigned to a diverse portfolio of projects. They will work alongside our battery commissioning teams, and provide direct management of Australian project commissioning managers who focus on the Balance of Plant alongside our Design and Construct sub-contractors.

Scope includes supporting and mentoring the team in Australia for safe planning and execution, testing and verification of the installation, functionality, and performance of the battery energy storage system and the wider Balance of Plant equipment across transformers, protection and MV/HV assets. The commissioning manager works closely with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to ensure that the BESS is operating optimally and meets all performance requirements.

Responsibilities

Fluence is defined by its unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and integrity. We take personal ownership in what we do, developing trust in our relationships with internal and external stakeholders. We firmly believe in having honest, forthcoming, and fair communications. The Energy Storage Commissioning Manager will:

• Lead and develop a team of project-based commissioning managers and engineers, ensuring safe, high-quality execution of all BESS commissioning activities across Australia.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for commissioning strategy and planning, aligning deliverables with project and engineering teams to achieve safe, compliant, and timely project delivery.

• Establish and manage commissioning and pre-commissioning work breakdown structures (WBS) with Project Management, providing regular progress and performance updates.

• Ensure all commissioning activities comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and customer requirements through robust testing, troubleshooting, and system verification.

• Oversee all system integration and acceptance testing for networks, control systems, electrical balance of plant, and battery and inverter subsystems.

• Collaborate with project managers, contractors, and vendors to deliver commissioning and testing activities on schedule and within budget.

• Provide technical leadership and act as an escalation point throughout the project lifecycle, including supporting Root Cause Analysis, Lessons Learned, and Management of Change processes.

• Maintain accurate and complete commissioning documentation, including test reports, NCRs, and quality records, ensuring traceability and compliance.

• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders such as project owners, regulators, vendors, AEMO, and TNSPs to ensure alignment and project success.

• Drive continuous improvement by developing tools, enhancing procedures, and supporting the professional growth and training of commissioning personnel.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline, or equivalent trade qualifications.
• 15+ years of experience in large-scale industrial or utility environments such as energy storage, solar, wind, hydro, coal, or gas.
• Proven leadership experience managing commissioning, technical, or operations teams, including coordination with third-party service providers.
• Strong hands-on background in commissioning, system testing, troubleshooting, installation, and energisation of complex electrical or process systems.
• Comfortable leading and supporting teams across multiple project sites, including remote supervision; flexibility to travel as required to key milestones.
• Solid understanding of core business processes such as project reporting, procurement, change management, and workforce planning.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to build strong relationships, resolve challenges, and explain technical topics clearly.
• Highly organized, proactive, and adaptable, with a strong drive to deliver results in fast-paced project environments.
• Deep knowledge of industry standards, regulations, and best practices, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Our Culture

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

Unleash Voices

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Customer Fluent

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

Infinite Impact

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

All In

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.