Sr. Power Systems Control Engineer

Job Description:

The Performance Engineering and Control team’s goal is to develop algorithms and controls for an all-in-one PV only, Storage only and PV+Storage power block offering to our customers. This role will be R&D focused in supporting NX power block product developments and their integration into Nextpower’s existing offerings.

As a Sr. Power Systems Control Engineer, you will support the team in product development, testing and validation of the NX power plant control product offering & will travel to projects to support field commissioning. The role will be based in Fremont, CA.

Here is a glimpse of what you’ll do…

·         Support in the design, development, testing and commissioning of Nextpower Power Plant Controls technologies for optimized power plant performance for a range of PV with storage systems.

·         Validate and verify control/optimization algorithm performance using controller hardware-in-the-loop to evaluate performance and reliability against certification requirements.

·         Develop and maintain validation tools and simulation models for the purposes of transient analysis, controller testing and rapid prototyping of NX power plant controls.

·         Perform simulation-based stability analysis, interconnection studies as a part of NX power plant controls system integration efforts.

·         Collaborate with cross functional teams, partners/vendors to drive certification of NX Power Plant Controls for certifications across multiple ISO.

·         Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive controller firmware and hardware requirements.

·         Create high-quality technical documentation.

·         Excellent organization and communication skills.

Here is some of what you’ll need (required):

·         Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with 5+ years of experience in power system modeling, analysis and controls with specific focus on renewable applications.

·         Demonstrated proficiency with power system modeling and analysis of renewable energy integration with the grid, fault detection in AC and DC grids, system protection and power quality issues.

·         Deep knowledge of all SISO control techniques for power plant controls.

·         Demonstrated proficiency with power flow models and interconnection studies.

·         Demonstrated proficiency in controller hardware-in-loop tools such as RSCAD, OpalRT etc., for interconnection studies and certification analysis..

·         Demonstrated proficiency in controller code integration into HIL models for the purpose of controller validation.

·         Proficiency with IEEE1547 US grid code and interconnection requirements, including ERCOT, CAISO, IEEE-2800.

·         Proficiency in simulation and modeling tools such as PSCAD, PSEE, RSCCAD, Simscape electrical and basic understanding of PI controls

·         Willingness to travel (up to 15% of time) throughout US and worldwide and excellent organizational and communication skills.

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Here are a few of our preferred experience:

·         Experience with PV + Battery applications..

·         Experience with EMS/PPC and range of inverter products as applied to PV/PV+ Battery applications

·         Experience in multiple aspects of controller design, such as firmware and hardware.

·         Experience in C/C++/Go programming language

·         Experience in Matlab Coder/Auto code generation.

Nextpower offers a comprehensive benefits package. We provide health care coverage, dental and vision, 401(K) participation including company matching, company paid holidays with unlimited paid time off, generous discretionary company bonuses, life and disability protection and more. Employees in certain positions may be eligible for stock compensation. All plans are in accordance with relevant plan documents. For more information on Nextpower’s benefits please view our company website at www.nextpower.com.  Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $160,000 - $185,000

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.