Power Plant Control Engineer

Position Summary:

A PPC (Power Plant Control) engineer designs, programs, and maintains the control systems that govern renewable energy facilities, such as wind, solar, battery energy storage system, or hybrid. This is a specialized role within the field of controls engineering, focusing on optimizing energy production and ensuring grid stability and regulatory compliance. He or She also conducts applicable tests and commissioning complying with local/international codes and/or standards and may lead small to medium size projects as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

·         Develop and program Power Plant Controller (PPC) systems that dictate the plant's behavior at the point of interconnection with the power grid.

·         Create control strategies that ensure the power plant meets the specific grid code requirements of the regional transmission organization (e.g., ERCOT or CAISO in the U.S.). This includes managing voltage, frequency, and reactive power.

·         Support the testing, tuning, and field installation of control equipment to ensure proper operation.

·         Tune PPC systems to maximize the energy output from renewable sources and maintain grid stability.

·         Provide ongoing technical support for new and existing projects, which may involve remote troubleshooting or on-site visits.

·         Work with SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and other control systems to collect data, visualize plant performance, and ensure coordinated operation.

·         PPC projects execution include concept proposal, engineering work packages, construction work packages, inspection and test procedures, FAT/SAT, commissioning, and operation and maintenance.

·         Identify applicable standards and collateral standards for the diverse applicable sites.

·         Lead any design changes required to ensure standards compliance or continuous improvement.

·         Perform PPC technical presentations to clients but not limited.

·         Mentor and train the less experienced engineers and technicians.

·         Lead and manage the assigned PPC projects with available resources for successful projects completion in a due date and a budget.

·         Conduct/facilitate risk analysis activities as required.

·         Perform other duties and/or tasks as requested    

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

·         Bachelor’s degree in electrical, electronic, or computer engineering preferred.

·         SEL RTAC experience is mandatory.

·         More than three (3) years’ experience in PPC.

·         SCADA experience such as Ignition is considered a huge asset.

·         Strong understanding of electrical power systems, grid code requirements, and power control is essential. Experience with electrical system modeling and simulation tools (like PSSE, DigSILENT, or MATLAB/Simulink) is often beneficial.

·         Be familiar with NERC CIP regulatory requirements.

·         Communication protocol experience required such as Modbus, DNP3, MQTT, OPC UA

·         Occasional overnight phone calls or travel may be required for client meetings or site visits.

·         Ability to solve problems and identify root causes as part of investigations.

·         Ability to work with others in a team environment.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment: 

·         This position is preferred based on Georgetown, TX but remote position may be considered for strong candidates.

·         Fast paced with priorities that often change to meet current priorities.

·         Travel to customer sites is required, and the ability to travel internationally with a valid passport.

·         Must be legally entitled to work in the USA and prepared to travel abroad.