[Hiring] Head of Power Systems Engineering @TAR

Role Description

You are the technical owner of TAR's electrical architecture for behind-the-meter microgrids powering AI data centers in West Texas. You set the single-line design, make the architecture calls (AC/DC coupling, overbuild, protection philosophy, grid-forming strategy), and direct our Engineer of Record and external consultants. You own the electrical domain from pilot through to multi-GW buildouts. This is a hands-on role.

Responsibilities

• Own system architecture for fully islanded BTM microgrids (solar + BESS + gas peakers on a continuous IT load): SLDs/three-lines, basis-of-design, and the Owner's Technical Requirements EPCs bid against, and the drawings where you catch the OE's and EPC's mistakes.
• Define the MV collection and skid-block architecture (34.5 kV) as a repeatable product, not a one-off per site, and own sizing across the hybrid: DC:AC, PCS, BESS power/energy and augmentation, transformer MVA, conductor.
• Own microgrid controls across device, plant, and site levels (dispatch against a flat load, GFM-BESS/genset load-sharing and handoff, droop vs. isochronous, ramp/curtailment, black-start), plus SCADA, metering, telemetry, and the site's OT cyber posture.
• Define the electrical path from MV bus to white space / customer POD, own the scope boundary and interface with the offtaker, and set the reliability architecture to a defined uptime target: N+1, concurrent maintainability, SPOF analysis, and the UPS-vs-GFM ride-through call.
• Lead the studies for a 100% IBR island: protection coordination, fault current, and grounding under GFM constraints (limited fault current, anti-islanding moot); EMT and dynamic stability in PSCAD/EMTP (control interactions, sub-synchronous resonance, harmonics/IEEE 519); and grid-forming validation with the OEM (model validation, controller-HIL, ride-through, dynamic response).
• Specify and evaluate inverters (PCS), BESS, transformers, switchgear, and BOP, including the power electronics requirements; drive vendor selection toward FEOC-clean, ITC-eligible gear; and write specs for long-lead items with the safe-harbor begin-construction deadline (Jul 4) driving procurement.
• Direct the EOR and design consultants (set scope, review deliverables, hold schedule and quality; you decide, they stamp), run constructability and commissioning with EPC and the OE/IE (FAT/SAT, energization sequencing, witness-and-sign), and feed permitting and interconnection the electrical inputs they need.
• Own electrical capex and $/W (design-to-cost across the hybrid, the cost case for standardization) and build the in-house electrical team as the program scales.

Qualifications

• BSEE; 10+ years in utility-scale solar, BESS, or generation, with direct ownership of single-lines and system architecture (not just reviewing others' work).
• Deep power systems fundamentals: load flow, short-circuit, protection coordination, grounding, arc flash.
• Hands-on experience with grid-forming inverters and BESS PCS; able to interrogate OEM control behavior, not just read datasheets.
• Track record managing an EOR or design consultants and owning the design intent across the V's.
• Fluency in MV/HV collection and substation design for 100 MW-class plants.
• PE strongly preferred (you set direction even if the EOR stamps).
• Comfort in a fast, ambiguous, first-of-a-kind environment; bias to decisions over process.

Nice to have

• Behind-the-meter / islanded microgrid or off-grid generation experience.

Benefits

• Total compensation: $440-760K/year.
• Base salary: $240-320K.
• Milestone bonus: 10-20% of base.
• Equity: $175-375K/year at TAR’s most recent valuation.
• Up to $15K relocation bonus.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Health, Dental, Vision insurance.
• $1K monthly stipend for meals.