[Hiring] Senior Controls Engineer @Terabase Energy

Role Description

The Sr. Controls Engineer – OT SCADA Projects leads the design, configuration, commissioning, and support of plant control systems for utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid renewable energy projects. This engineer works with minimal oversight, applies expert knowledge of grid functionality and Utility/ISO standards, mentors junior engineers, and contributes to product standards. Approximately 80% of this role is project execution, while up to 20% is continuous improvement and product development.

Responsibilities

• Project Execution & Technical Delivery (~80%)
  • Lead end-to-end controls design for utility-scale solar, BESS, and hybrid projects – from initiation through commissioning and closeout
  • Program and commission SEL controllers using AcSELerator; develop control logic in Codesys using IEC 61131-3 structured text
  • Identify project-specific deviations from standard product scope during contracting, forecast and scope project-specific development work
  • Implement and validate closed-loop Active Power and Reactive Power, AVR and PFR Algorithms
  • Maintain version control for all code artifacts according to established version control procedure
  • Troubleshoot complex SCADA and controls issues using Wireshark, breakpoints, cross-reference, and watch list tools
  • Produce project deliverables: System Architecture Diagrams, Control Narratives, Logic Diagrams, commissioning documents, and operator manuals
• Product & Process Improvement (~20%)
  • Contribute to new feature development and bug fixes in collaboration with the Product Engineering team
  • Review documentation prepared by junior controls engineers (technical and non-technical)
  • Lead the Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned program, feed field insights back into product standards and templates
  • Coach junior engineers through FAT preparation and customer-facing presentation
• Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
  • Serve as primary controls technical contact for EPCs, asset owners, and grid operators through project execution, FAT, and commissioning
  • Lead FATs as formal presentations; communicate to non-technical audiences with supporting materials prepared in advance
  • Flag technical risks and schedule pressures to management with context and proposed solutions
  • Maintain Jira tickets daily with thorough detail; enforce Jira best practices with junior engineers

Expectations & Success Indicators

• Deliver high-quality work independently across multiple concurrent projects with ownership and urgency
• Leverage standardized platforms and tools; avoid project-specific one-off engineering approaches
• Ensure 100% adherence to Terabase quality processes; enforce standards with junior engineers
• Mentor junior controls engineers through technical guidance, code review, and FAT coaching
• Project deliverables completed on time, within scope, and meeting Utility/ISO regulatory standards
• Jira, version control, and documentation consistently maintained without follow-up from management
• Recognized internally and externally as the go-to technical authority on Terabase SCADA and OT controls
• Travel up to 10% for on-site commissioning, FAT, and customer engagements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Technology, or related field
• 3-5+ years of IEC 61131-3/PLC programming experience, preferably in Codesys or AcSELerator environment
• 3+ years of utility-scale power plant controls experience (solar, BESS, or hybrid)

Requirements

• Expert IEC 61131-3 programming; primary tooling is AcSELerator (SEL controllers) and Codesys, including Diagram Builder, traces, breakpoints, and watch lists
• Extensive knowledge of industrial protocols: Modbus-TCP, DNP3, OPC-UA, etc.
• Expert knowledge of grid functionality: PFR, AVR, Reactive Power, Voltage Regulation, and Capacitor Banks – including the underlying grid rationale, not just controller behavior
• Proficiency with Utility/ISO testing and interconnection requirements (ERCOT, PJM, BPA, IEEE 2800, NERC, etc.)
• Experience with Power Plant Controller (PPC) design, configuration, and commissioning
• Familiarity with PSCAD, PSSE, and/or TSAT modeling processes for utility-scale sites

Benefits

• Base salary of $150,000 – $190,000 (DOE)
• Generous time off and holiday policy
• Remote flexibility
• Flexible time off
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Career progression
• 401k match
• Stock options
• Home office set up allowance
• And much more!