Senior Project Controls Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Assist in the design, setup, commissioning, and documentation of control systems for utility-scale solar, energy storage, and hybrid renewable projects.

• Carry out controls design under the supervision of a senior engineer while identifying project-specific requirements and deviations from standard control solutions.

• Program and commission SEL controllers utilizing AcSELerator.

• Create control logic in Codesys using structured text and continuous function charts according to IEC 61131-3 standards.

• Document requirements, develop logic, perform testing in simulated or lab environments, and record test outcomes.

• Implement and validate closed-loop Active Power, Reactive Power, Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), and Primary Frequency Response (PFR) algorithms.

• Manage version control for code artifacts using Bitbucket.

• Diagnose SCADA and controls problems employing tools such as Wireshark, breakpoints, cross-reference, and watch lists.

• Create system architecture diagrams, control narratives, logic diagrams, commissioning documents, and operator manuals.

• Contribute to feature enhancements, bug resolution, continuous improvement initiatives, lessons learned, and product standards.

• Prepare technical documentation, Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs), and presentations for customers.

• Provide support to EPCs, asset owners, and grid operators during project execution, FAT, and commissioning processes.

• Identify technical risks and scheduling challenges to project management along with suggested solutions.

• Maintain daily updates of Jira tickets.

• Willingness to travel up to 10% for on-site commissioning, FAT, and customer interactions.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

• Over 3 years of experience in IEC 61131-3/PLC programming, preferably in Codesys or AcSELerator environments.

• More than 2 years of experience in utility-scale renewable power plant controls (solar, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), or hybrid) preferred, with exposure to project-specific development, Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), commissioning, and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT).

• Proficient in IEC 61131-3 programming.

• Familiarity with AcSELerator, SEL controllers, Codesys, and Diagram Builder.

• Skilled in using traces, cross-references, breakpoints, and watch lists.

• Working knowledge of industrial protocols such as Modbus-TCP, DNP3, OPC-UA, C37.118, and others.

• Strong understanding of Primary Frequency Response (PFR), Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), Active/Reactive power closed-loop control, and capacitor bank operation.

• Familiarity with Utility/ISO testing and interconnection requirements, including ERCOT, PJM, BPA, IEEE 2800, and NERC.

• Experience with Power Plant Controller (PPC) design, configuration, and commissioning.

• Knowledge of PSCAD, PSSE, and/or TSAT modeling processes is a plus.

• Experience with hardware-in-the-loop systems such as RTDS, OPAL-RT, Speedgoat, and Typhoon is a plus.

🏝️ Benefits

• Generous time off and holiday policy.

• Flexible time off.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Opportunities for career advancement.

• 401k matching.

• Stock options.

• Home office setup allowance.

• Equal opportunity and inclusive workplace.