Sr. Plant Controller Modelling Engineer

Welcome to e-STORAGE, a proud member of the Canadian Solar Inc. (NASDAQ: CSIQ) family! We’re leading the way in designing, building, and integrating advanced battery energy storage systems for utility-scale projects. Our mission? To accelerate the world’s renewable energy transition and create a more sustainable, resilient energy future for everyone.

With our innovative SolBank lithium-iron phosphate battery technology and comprehensive project services, we’re not just building products we’re powering communities and making a difference worldwide.

Position Title: Sr. Plant Controller Modelling Engineer
Department: EQS
Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 + annual bonus (paid in local currency; range varies by location)
Location: Kitchener, ON (Onsite)

About the Role:

We are looking for a talented and a driven Sr Plant Controller Modelling Engineer to join our forward-thinking team and play a key role in shaping the next generation of Energy Management Systems (EMS) for utility-scale applications. This role focuses on developing advanced, high-fidelity models of energy flow, from the battery cell level to full site-level systems, and supporting digital twin implementations that optimize performance, reliability, and scalability.

You will be responsible for modeling complex, bi-directional power and data flows across the grid, capturing interactions between utilities, transformers, inverters, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This includes integrating compute and communication layers in highly distributed, edge-to-cloud architectures, enabling real-time monitoring, control, and predictive analytics.

In this position, you will collaborate closely with engineering, product, leadership, and customer-facing teams to ensure models are aligned with real-world system behavior and project requirements. Your contributions will directly influence system design, inform operational strategies, and set benchmarks for EMS software performance and grid integration.

The ideal candidate is passionate about clean energy, thrives in a fast-paced, startup-like environment, and brings both technical expertise and innovative thinking to drive the energy transition forward.

Responsibilities:

• Build detailed simulation models of power plant controller (EMS) in PSCAD, PSS®E, PSLF, and TSAT, demonstrating proficiency across both RMS (phasor) and EMT (time-domain) simulation environments. Familiarity with DIgSILENT PowerFactory is an advantage. Perform necessary studies accounting the EMS model built will be paired with BESS/ PV for multiple applications.
• Conduct verification, validation, and benchmarking of models across multiple simulation environments (e.g., PSCAD, PSS®E, TSAT) to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Collaborate with external consultants to develop and integrate OEM specific dynamic models that will support utility-scale BESS and hybrid energy projects.
• Ensure all models and simulations meet applicable industry standards and evolving regulatory requirements, including those from IEEE 2800 and other Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) working groups.
• Analyze ISO/ RTO specific requirements (e.g., NOGRR, NPRR in ERCOT) and translate them into actionable modeling requirements from OEM perspective proactively preparing for upcoming projects across multiple regions (North America and EU as a starting point).
•  Develop and build the development of a comprehensive simulation environment for energy storage systems, including inverters, transformers, and substation equipment to validate EMS and power plant controller performance.
• Monitor and apply key technical updates from FERC, NERC, and other regulatory bodies relevant to grid simulation and energy storage integration.
• Support and contribute to the development and deployment of digital twin technologies to replicate and predict real-time and future performance of energy storage systems.
• Analyze simulation data to generate insights and provide actionable recommendations for optimizing system performance and reliability.
• Perform detailed model validation using field data to ensure simulation accuracy and operational reliability.
• Conduct technical assessments and engineering studies on advanced technologies such as utility-scale inverters and BESS, engaging with equipment vendors as needed.
• Apply IEEE standard libraries and best practices to tune and customize EMT simulation models of BESS, including User Defined Model (UDM) development in PSSe using Fortran or CStay ahead of industry trends and advancements in simulation tools, BESS technology, and digital twin methodologies.

• Clearly document methodologies, results, and recommendations. Present findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Demostrate a strong sense of ownership and operate effectively in a high accountability, collaborative environment
• Work closely with program management and cross-functional stakeholders to align OEM modeling deliverable tweaks, feature additions to the client’s project timelines and requirements.
• Develop and maintain scripting or automation tools (e.g., Python) to streamline model management, simulation batch runs, and results post-processing.

Required Qualifications and Skills: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in power system simulation and dynamic modeling, with demonstrated work on utility-scale energy storage or renewable energy projects.
• Experience performing power flow, transient stability, short circuit and dynamic modeling studies including grid interconnection analysis for projects including PPC, IBR, BESS.
• Strong understanding of grid reliability, inverter-based resources (IBRs), renewable energy integration, transmission and distribution systems, and protection and control schemes.
• Familiarity with grid modeling workflows and digital twin concepts applied to energy storage or power plant performance monitoring
• ·       Hands-on experience with PSS®E, PSLF, and PSCAD across both RMS (phasor domain) and EMT simulation environments. Familiarity with DIgSILENT PowerFactory is an advantage. Experience with HIL/ CHIL testing tools is a plus
• Understanding of how converter topology, modulation techniques, and control architectures (including grid-forming and grid-following modes) influence  system-level performance and stability.
• Proficiency in Python for simulation automation, batch processing, or results post processing familiarity with C, C++, Fortran or MATLAB is an advantage.
• Solid understanding of battery technologies and energy storage system components, including inverters and substations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex system behaviors.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent modeling workstreams, balance EMS model tweaking needs supporting deadlines and adapt to evolving technical requirements. Familiarity with SCADA systems, Power Plant Controllers (PPCs) and EMS software architecture is an asset.
• Experience validating simulation models against field data or test results,  executing automated test routines,  and troubleshooting model discrepancies to ensure accuracy and operational reliability.
• Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned tasks, and proactively escalate issues or risks when needed.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams (incl external stakeholders/consultants) and communicate technical ideas clearly.
• Familiarity with NERC reliability standards relevant to generation modeling and interconnection, including MOD-026, MOD-027, and PRC-024

 Preferred Experience:  

• Serve as an internal expert on interconnection (IX) processes in at least one major regional transmission organization (RTO) such as PJM, CAISO, MISO, SPP,  ERCOT, IESO, AESO.
• Overseas ISO experiences (particularly UK and EU regions) will be an advantage. Welcome other APAC, South American ISO knowledge
• Experience with development of models and real-time simulations supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, aligned with defined test cases to evaluate system. Experience with real-time simulation platforms (e.g., OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, RTDS).
• Experience working in agile development environments and familiarity with modern software engineering practices.
• Willingness to travel occasionally to support customer engagements, field validation, and cross-functional team collaboration.
• Ability to effectively navigate and contribute to both business-level requirements and technical specifications.

e-STORAGE is Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

e-STORAGE uses AI-assisted tools during parts of the hiring process, including screening and workflow automation. All final hiring decisions are made by humans. 

This is a current vacancy, and we are actively hiring for this position. 

At e-STORAGE, you’re more than just an employee—you’re part of a team that values your ideas, your background, and your unique perspective. We believe that a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the secret to our success. Here, you’ll find:

• Integrity: We do what’s right, always.

• Innovation: We encourage fresh thinking and bold ideas.

• Quality: We take pride in delivering excellence, every time.

• Customer Focus: We listen, we care, and we deliver.

• Sustainability: We’re passionate about protecting our planet for future generations.

• Join a global leader in renewable energy, backed by over 23 years of Canadian Solar experience.

• Work on projects that matter—helping to build a cleaner, greener world.

• Thrive in a supportive, collaborative environment where your growth is our priority.

• Enjoy a competitive salary and a generous benefits package.

• The right mix of education, experience, and skills for the role.

• Great communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.

• A true commitment to safety, ethics, and sustainability.

We offer a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package—including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

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