Lead Power Electronics Controls and Modeling Engineer

IS International Services • Heathrow, FL

5h

About The Position

The Power Electronics Controls & Modeling Engineer is a hands-on technical role focused on the analysis, simulation, and validation of Company’s next-generation Modular Multilevel Converter (MMC) platform. Reporting to the Power Electronics and Modeling Manager, this engineer will be responsible for building and maintaining high-fidelity simulation models to verify system performance, stability, and grid code compliance.
This role is ideal for a deeply analytical engineer who lives in MATLAB/Simulink and PSCAD.
You will support the development of advanced control algorithms (Grid Forming & Grid Following) and serve as the primary validation resource, running complex scenarios to ensure our external design partners meet our rigorous technical requirements.

Requirements

• Inverter Controls: Proven experience developing or managing the development of vector control, droop control, and virtual synchronous machine (VSM) algorithms.
• Simulation Mastery: Advanced proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink is required. Proficiency in PSCAD or PLECS is highly preferred.
• Control Theory: Solid understanding of classical control theory (PID tuning, Bode/Nyquist stability, Phase Locked Loops - PLL).
• Power Electronics: Fundamental understanding of voltage source converters (VSC), with specific exposure to Modular Multilevel Converters (MMC) being a strong plus.
• Grid Forming: Conceptual understanding of GFM vs. GFL behaviors and the challenges of integrating inverter-based resources (IBR) into the grid.
• Coding: Familiarity with C/C++ or Python for data scripting and automated testing.
• Analytical Rigor: A personality that enjoys "debugging" physics—digging into why a simulation crashed or why a waveform looks wrong.
• Curiosity: A willingness to learn new standards (IEEE 2800) and topologies quickly under the mentorship of the Lead.
• Exceptional communication skills particularly conveying complex technical concepts or issues.
• Education: Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Electronics, Control Systems, or Power Systems. (A PhD is valuable but not required if practical experience is strong).
• Experience: 2–5 years of relevant industry or academic research experience.

Nice To Haves

• Domain: Experience with renewable energy systems (Solar/Wind/Battery), motor drives, or FACTS devices is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Model Development: Develop and maintain detailed simulation models (Average and Switching models) in MATLAB/Simulink, and PSCAD for the BESS Power Conversion System.
• Grid Study Execution: Perform electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies to simulate grid events—including Low/High Voltage Ride Through (L/HVRT), frequency excursions, and weak grid operation (low SCR).
• MMC Dynamics: Simulate specific MMC behaviors, including capacitor voltage balancing, circulating current suppression, and protection coordination.
• Algorithm Design: Assist in the design and tuning of control loops for Grid Following (GFL) and Grid Forming (GFM) modes, including Virtual Synchronous Machine (VSM) and droop control strategies.
• Stability Analysis: Conduct frequency-domain analysis (impedance-based stability, Bode plots) to predict and mitigate potential resonance or instability issues when connecting to the grid.
• Code Implementation: Support the translation of control block diagrams into C/C++ code for DSP/FPGA implementation, ensuring the logic is optimized for real-time execution.
• Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL): Support HIL testing activities (Typhoon, Opal-RT, or RTDS) to validate control code before it touches real high-voltage hardware.
• Data Analysis: Analyze test data from SPCS supplier and field pilots, comparing real-world results against simulation baselines to identify discrepancies.
• Documentation: Create detailed engineering reports, simulation logs, and requirement traceability documents to support product certification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level