Staff Controls Engineer
Description
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
We are looking for a Staff Controls Engineer to join our digital solutions team to play a pivotal role on the systems engineering team and will be working to develop control software and configuration solutions for both behind-the-meter and front-of-meter applications. The ideal candidate will have expertise in controls systems for renewable energy applications, battery energy storage systems (BESS) and solar PV for our commercial and industrial (C&I) and distributed energy (DE) business. This will be a high-visibility, high-impact initiative in a fast-growing team with an opportunity to contribute to overall project execution and corporate vision of renewable growth. The ideal candidate will be a motivated self-starter with demonstrated success in similar roles previously.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Work closely to develop and implement a solution that requires understanding of concepts of controls, systems, SCADA, and software engineering
- Develop and implement controller code for PV and BESS systems
- Test configurations and testing with lab hardware environment. Develop test plans and automated tests
- Debugging any issues during development, implementation, commissioning and operations
- Creating supporting documentation of functions and features based on project and market requirements
- Staying updated with emerging technologies in the control systems domain and driving their integration into our products wherever applicable
- Having a strong work ethic and working well in a team environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s or higher Degree in Software, Electrical, Control Systems, Power Systems, Instrumentation, Computer Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience working with renewable energy systems (PV and storage)
- Understanding various energy tariffs and rate structures of U.S. markets, ISOs, utilities, and regions
- Experience in behind-the-meter and front-of-meter applications, including both AC and DC coupled systems
- Familiarity with integrating various battery storage systems and inverter systems
- Knowledge of control schemes including active/reactive power controls, frequency control, voltage control, power factor control
- Strong understanding of network communication architectures, telemetry, and protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC-UA, MQTT, 61850, etc.)
- Interpret schematics and block diagrams for networking, controls and electrical systems
- Exceptional collaborative skills, with a demonstrated ability to work across functional teams and drive alignment. Strong analytical skills with a problem-solving attitude.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Software in the Loop (SIL) and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) testing paradigms
- Familiarity with the challenges and nuances of integrating control systems with firmware and hardware
- Knowledge of industry standards related to renewable energy and power electronics
- Field experiences deploying SCADA systems for renewable projects in the US
- Familiarity with electrical modeling & simulation tools like PSSE, PSCAD, ETAP, MATLAB
- Experience programming HMI, PLCs, IEDs, meters, and RTU devices
- Has worked with NERC, FERC and reliability standards
- Understanding of cloud applications and engineering (AWS, Azure)
- Network and cybersecurity engineering experience
- Experience with energy optimization, data science, VPP, and associated software development
- BMS experience
Hanwha Q CELLS America Inc. (“HQCA”) is headquartered in Irvine, CA, and handles sales for the North American region. It is a subsidiary of Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd., one of the world´s largest and most recognized photovoltaic manufacturers for its high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules. It is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Thalheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ). Through its growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East, the company provides excellent services and long-term partnerships to its customers in the utility, commercial, government, and residential markets. Hanwha Q CELLS is a flagship company of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 firm, and a Top 8 business enterprise in South Korea. HQCA recently acquired Geli, a leading developer of Energy Management System software for energy storage, solar, and other renewable resources.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Mobility
Standing
20% of time
Sitting
70% of time
Walking
10% of time
Strength
Pulling
up to 10 Pounds
Pushing
up to 10 Pounds
Carrying
up to 10 Pounds
Lifting
up to 10 Pounds
Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
Typing
F
Handling
F
Reaching
F
Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)
Turning
F
Twisting
F
Bending
O
Crouching
O
Balancing
N
Climbing
N
Crawling
N
Kneeling
N
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
The salary range is required by the California Pay Transparency Act and may differ depending on the location of those candidates hired nationwide. Actual compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to, skill set, education, licenses and certifications, essential job duties and requirements, and the necessary experience relative to the job’s minimum qualifications.
- This target salary range is for CA positions only and should not be interpreted as an offer of compensation.