Microgrid Validation Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +3 more states.

📋 Description

• Establish and execute the validation framework that guarantees the microgrid control software operates safely and reliably prior to deployment.

• Develop simulation environments, validation tools, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing capabilities to confirm system stability, controller performance, and operational readiness across diverse real-world scenarios.

• Collaborate closely with controls engineers, power systems engineers, utilities, and external partners to ensure that microgrid systems fulfill performance, compliance, and reliability standards at scale.

• Create software validation tools and simulation frameworks that test control algorithms across a comprehensive range of operating conditions, including failure scenarios, communication delays, and equipment malfunctions.

• Design and sustain automated test execution workflows that enhance validation efficiency, consistency, and reporting.

• Develop scalable validation processes that facilitate the ongoing growth and deployment of microgrid systems.

• Partner with controls engineers, power systems engineers, utilities, and external stakeholders to establish validation scenarios, test cases, and performance criteria.

• Validate controller performance under both standard operating conditions and unusual system events.

• Set up objective performance metrics and acceptance standards to assess system readiness.

• Analyze field operational data to refine simulation accuracy and identify untested edge cases.

• Integrate operational insights into regression test suites to continuously enhance validation coverage.

• Assist in root-cause investigations and validation activities for system performance challenges.

• Broaden and sustain laboratory validation capabilities, including HIL environments and supporting testing infrastructure.

• Diagnose issues related to test equipment, simulation platforms, and validation workflows.

• Keep well-organized repositories of validation assets, test artifacts, requirements traceability, and technical documentation.

⛳️ Requirements

• B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline.

• 2–5+ years of experience in real-time system HIL validation, SIL testing, power system model verification, or related validation fields.

• Experience in designing automated test pipelines, verification methodologies, and performance metrics for real-time or embedded systems.

• Practical experience with real-time simulators and validation platforms, including SIL, HIL, or similar testing environments.

• Familiarity with simulation and modeling tools such as Simulink, Modelica, or equivalent platforms.

• Experience in supporting commissioning, troubleshooting, or operational validation of laboratory or utility-scale power systems.

• Knowledge of industrial control and embedded programming languages such as C++, IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, SEL RTAC logic, CODESYS, Lua, Rust, or C.

• Experience with modern software development practices, including version control, automated testing, and validation workflows.

• Understanding of utility interconnection requirements, grid operations, and energy market participation; ERCOT experience is preferable.

• Ability to effectively collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams and external stakeholders.

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to safety, quality, and system reliability.

• A proactive, inquisitive, and solutions-oriented mindset that promotes continuous learning and improvement.

🏝️ Benefits

• Total Compensation: $118,750 - $137,500 (total compensation encompasses base salary + bonus in USD)

• Equity: In addition to your salary, you will receive an Equity Grant, providing you with a significant stake in our parent company.

• Health & wellness: 100% premium coverage for you and your dependents for medical, dental, and vision.

• Time to recharge: Unlimited PTO, plus two company-wide breaks (Fourth of July & end of year).

• Family support: Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, plus 6 additional weeks for birth parents; access to family planning and family care support through Carrot and Maven.

• Mental health: Free access to Spring Health, which includes 5 complimentary therapy and psychiatry sessions, along with a Headspace account for mindfulness and meditation through our physical health vendor, Wellhub+.

• Perks & extras: $150 monthly food stipend, $150 monthly reimbursement for cell phone and internet, pet insurance allowance, full home office setup, free access to UrbanSitter with $625 in quarterly company-paid credits, ActiveHero, and One Medical.