Associate Controls Engineer - Electrical Systems Control

Mainspring Energy•Menlo Park, CA

2d•$104,187 - $122,573•Hybrid

About The Position

Mainspring Energy is seeking an Associate Controls Engineer for its Electrical Systems Controls team. The team coordinates inverters, batteries, brake resistors, and generators on a common DC bus to support consistent and reliable power production. The role focuses on learning these components and developing control algorithms for Mainspring’s Linear Generator, a complex system involving mechanical, electrical, fluid, thermodynamic, and thermal dynamics. The engineer will design, implement, tune, and validate control algorithms in simulation and on hardware, initially building simulation tests and supporting validation of grid-tie inverter control algorithms. The position includes mentorship, structured code reviews, and hands-on guidance, with a pathway toward technical ownership of critical control subsystems. Work involves collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams and supporting testing, manufacturing, and fleet operations. This is a hybrid position based at Mainspring’s Menlo Park headquarters, with onsite work required as needed for testing, troubleshooting, and manufacturing support. The stated annual salary range is $104,187–$122,573, subject to adjustment based on location and experience. Mainspring also offers pre-IPO company equity through Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and benefits.

Requirements

BS or MS in electrical, mechanical, or software engineering, with a specialization in control systems or power systems.
0–2 years of relevant work experience.
Experience designing, implementing, and testing controls and automation algorithms in software.
Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for collaboration across hardware and software engineering teams.
Growth mindset and strong desire to learn from experienced mentors and work across multidisciplinary engineering domains.

Responsibilities

Help integrate inverters, batteries, brake resistors, and generators on a common DC bus.
Design, implement, and tune control algorithms coordinating the DC bus, batteries, and grid-tie inverters in simulation and on hardware.
Implement algorithms and continuous-integration tests (MIL, SIL, PIL) in C++17.
Develop automation, diagnostics, and fail-safes for an integrated platform.
Analyze system data and refine control strategies.
Develop and automate test plans, test cases, and traceability matrices.
Conduct failure analysis, risk mitigation, and validation to maintain robust control performance.
Debug sensors, actuators, and subsystems, addressing noise, disturbances, and calibration.
Support fleet generator operation, manufacturing testing, and reliability efforts.
Collaborate with power electronics, mechanical, thermal, firmware, and test teams to define requirements, integrate systems, implement software features, and drive validation.
Build simulation tests and support hardware validation of grid-tie inverter control algorithms, progressing toward ownership of critical control subsystems.