FIRE SAFETY SUBJECT MATTER EXPERT – BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS (BESS)

LOCATION: Remote

SCHEDULE: Standard

DURATION: 12-Month Contract

PAY:$37-42/hr

Job Responsibilities:

In this role, you will serve as a Fire Safety Subject Matter Expert for utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). You will help ensure battery storage projects are designed, installed, and operated safely by reviewing fire safety systems, assessing potential hazards, and ensuring compliance with applicable codes and standards.




Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing UL 9540A test reports to evaluate battery fire behavior and potential hazards at cell, module, unit, and installation levels.
• Evaluating and providing guidance on fire protection systems and safety designs for BESS manufacturers and projects.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable UL standards, NFPA codes, International Fire Code (IFC), and other relevant safety requirements.
• Overseeing project safety analyses, including Hazard Mitigation Analysis (HMA), Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), heat flux analysis, and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations.
• Building relationships with Fire Marshals, fire departments, first responders, regulatory authorities, and local communities.
• Educating emergency responders and local authorities about BESS fire hazards, safety systems, and emergency response procedures.
• Supporting consistent fire safety standards, documentation, and communication across all project locations.
• Participating in industry task groups and technical committees to improve BESS safety codes and standards.
• Developing standardized templates and reporting guidelines for third-party safety assessments and supplier evaluations.

Essential Duties and Job Functions:

• Review and assess UL 9540A test reports to understand thermal runaway, fire propagation, and associated hazards.
• Provide technical recommendations and guidance on BESS fire safety system designs.
• Review project- and product-level designs to verify compliance with applicable fire safety codes and standards.
• Evaluate hazard mitigation strategies and fire safety analyses to ensure risks are appropriately addressed.
• Review heat flux calculations and CFD simulation results to understand potential fire spread and thermal impacts.
• Coordinate with engineering teams, manufacturers, suppliers, and project stakeholders to resolve fire safety concerns.
• Develop and deliver presentations and educational sessions for firefighters, first responders, Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), Public Utility Commissions (PUCs), and community representatives.
• Explain BESS hazards, fire protection systems, system operating sequences, and Emergency Response Plans (ERPs) and Emergency Operations Plans (EOPs).
• Travel to local jurisdictions to support stakeholder meetings, emergency preparedness, and public safety education.
• Establish standardized fire safety guidance and communication practices across the organization.
• Participate in industry committees to support the development and improvement of BESS fire safety codes and standards.
• Create standardized templates for third-party analyses and technical reports to improve consistency, efficiency, and supplier onboarding.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong understanding of fire safety engineering and utility-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems.
• Knowledge of battery fire hazards, thermal runaway, fire propagation, and hazard mitigation strategies.
• Experience reviewing UL 9540A test reports and BESS fire protection system designs.
• Familiarity with applicable UL standards, NFPA codes, International Fire Code (IFC), and other relevant regulations.
• Knowledge of HMA, FMEA, heat flux analysis, and CFD simulations.
• Strong technical analysis, problem-solving, and risk assessment skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical fire safety concepts to nontechnical audiences.
• Ability to work effectively with engineering teams, manufacturers, suppliers, fire departments, and regulatory authorities.
• Strong documentation, reporting, and standardization skills.
• Ability to develop safety procedures, technical guidelines, and emergency response materials.
• Willingness to travel locally for stakeholder engagement, training, and public safety education.

Education & Experience:

• Relevant education or professional experience in Fire Protection Engineering, Fire Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with fire safety assessments and battery energy storage systems preferred.
• Experience reviewing UL 9540A test reports and evaluating BESS fire protection designs.
• Familiarity with NFPA codes, IFC requirements, and applicable fire safety standards.
• Experience with hazard analysis, FMEA, heat flux analysis, and CFD modeling preferred.
• Experience working with fire departments, first responders, regulatory authorities, or other public safety stakeholders is an advantage.

...