Microgrid Controls Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Design and implement microgrid control solutions that incorporate natural-gas generators, combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) or simple cycle gas turbine (SCGT) assets, battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar photovoltaic (PV) technology, utility services, switchgear, and site loads.

• Develop, modify, test, and deploy software for automation controllers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), SCADA systems, and data concentrators.

• Create control philosophies, operational sequences, functional descriptions, state diagrams, alarm strategies, operating modes, and testing procedures.

• Program controls utilizing ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, and CODESYS-compatible environments.

• Enable grid-connected operation, islanding, resynchronization, load shedding, generator dispatch, BESS charge and discharge, black start, and transition management.

• Review specifications and convert requirements into actionable control designs.

• Select control system components and prepare bills of materials, technical specifications, and project submissions.

• Provide sketches, markups, input/output requirements, network architecture, and technical guidance to electrical designers and engineering partners.

• Review equipment submissions and coordinate control and communication interfaces.

• Configure and integrate industrial communications utilizing Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850 protocols.

• Coordinate protection relays, power monitoring systems, automation controllers, SCADA, HMIs, plant controls, and industrial networks.

• Engage in design reviews and attend customer meetings.

• Prepare and execute factory acceptance testing, integrated system testing, site acceptance testing, field startup, and commissioning procedures.

• Diagnose software, communication, control, network, protection, and equipment integration issues.

• Collaborate with project teams, engineering, operations, cybersecurity, OEMs, and external vendors.

• Maintain software configurations, backups, source files, test records, redlines, as-built documentation, and turnover materials.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, computer engineering, or a related discipline.

• Typically, 4 to 8 years of experience in power distribution controls, industrial automation, microgrids, SCADA, power system control applications, or a related field.

• Comprehensive understanding of electric power systems, microgrid operations, distributed energy resources, natural-gas generators, BESS, and solar PV technology.

• Preferred experience in programming automation controllers or PLCs using ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams, or CODESYS.

• Familiarity with low- and medium-voltage switchgear, protection relays, power monitoring systems, control systems, and electrical distribution equipment.

• Knowledge of industrial communications protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.

• Experience with HMIs, SCADA platforms, industrial networks, data concentrators, and multifunction protection relay controls.

• Preferred experience with Ignition Perspective or similar HMI and SCADA platforms.

• Experience preparing operational sequences, control drawings, submissions, testing procedures, and bills of materials.

• Field experience with electrical distribution systems, factory testing, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, and adherence to electrical safe work practices.

• Strong ability to communicate technical topics clearly to internal teams, customers, vendors, and other stakeholders.

• Professional Engineer licensure is preferred.

• E-Verify work authorization verification through the employee’s I-9.

🏝️ Benefits

• Annual bonus.

• Medical coverage.

• Dental coverage.

• Vision coverage.

• Life insurance.

• 401(k) eligibility.

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and parental leave.