Power Electronics/Grid-Scale Interface Engineer

Catalyzing a cleaner future.

Primary Responsibilities:

• As the Grid-Scale Energy & Power Systems Software Network & Control Engineer you will have technical expertise in one or more grid scale generation, storage, and distribution technologies, including: virtual power plants, power generation, power electronics. Micro-grids, energy management, distributed energy resources, grid-scale energy storage, and/or automatic generation control.
• The position exists to ensure that the power generation, transmission and distribution controls and monitoring systems designs, integration and associated works activities are carried out and delivered on time, on budget, and in compliance with project scope and specifications.
• Work with firmware, software and hardware and product teams to define new features and develop the controls strategy and algorithms.
• Lead and contribute to the development of electric power utility, microgrid, and smart grid analysis models and decision support tools for installation/facility resilience.
• The program addresses and pursues a wide variety of challenges and opportunities, such as critical energy infrastructure, renewable energy, battery storage, fuel cells, microgrids, and black start (power outage) exercises.
• Execute high risk, high-reward technology development and deployment, including field demonstrations and resilience exercises with the ability to conduct validation of new technologies to meet customer needs in a collaborative environment with both internal and external customers.
• Maintain effective communication with internal/external customers to ensure excellent customer service providing sound technical advice and delivery.

What you'll do at ESS:

• Lead the design and review of network and controls area of BESS, including power conversion systems (Inverters & DC/DC Converters), isolation and power transformers, medium voltage switchgear, protection and control systems, grounding, low and medium voltage ac and dc cable systems, and plant auxiliary equipment.
• Will design, program, commission, and troubleshoot control systems in the utility/power sector, including programming of automation controllers, SCADA systems, and HMIs.
• Implement industrial automation communication protocols such as CAN, PCAN, Modbus, RTU_serial, TCP/IP, Ethernet, network cyber security, fire walls in the utility domain.
• Conduct and review design studies on components and systems to establish equipment ratings, optimize designs, and establish operating parameters to achieve a safe, well-engineered, and cost-effective project designs.
• Create Network Communication Diagrams /architecture.
• Generate point mapping for all the hardwired and digital I/O for BESS controls systems.
• Generate communications designs to allow SCADA interfacing and Cybersecurity.
• Create and review technical portions of RFP and contract documents.
• Support estimating of company and 3rd party developed projects by preparing preliminary designs for proposed projects.
• Review work instructions to ensure compliance with industry and client standards.
• Perform technical review of vendor equipment submittals to ensure acceptability to company, and client requirements and adherence to specifications and industry standards.
• Support the direction of suppliers on project construction sites to ensure projects are constructed according to specific designs.
• Guide project installation and commissioning.
• Ensure projects conform with federal, state, local, and company engineering standards and specifications.
• Visits project job sites during pre-construction, construction and post-construction activities to support project needs.

What you bring to the table:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in network and controls in utility/power sector.
• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) network and controls experience is strongly desired. With a Master’s degree less experience will be considered.
• Knowledgeable on network and controls, communication protocols, Modbus mapping, IP addresses, network switches, local/network controllers, end user controls necessary to operate the battery system, and information gathered by the battery management system, visualized through graphs and charts.
• Technical and non-technical writing skills.
• Industry Standards (i.e. ANSI, IEEE, NEMA, NFPA, NEC, UL, MESA, Sunspecs, CE, AS/NZS, IEC) for end use case design/review/consultation code compliance expert.
• Ability to design for constructability.
• Knowledge of Utility Interconnection EPS/Transmission-Line Facilities Setup “FTM, BTM” BESS site use network & control schemes for “DER, DGS” Renewable Generation Facilities.

Benefits of working at ESS