Principal Controls Engineer, Edge Development

Stem • Broomfield, CO

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Principal Controls Engineer, you will serve as a technical leader and architect across Stem's clean energy edge platforms, including EMS, PPC, SCADA, and Logger. You will drive the design and implementation of scalable, high-performance renewable energy control systems. This role demands deep technical expertise; strategic thinking; and the ability to lead, mentor, and influence engineering teams. You will collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to define technical roadmaps, establish architectural standards, and ensure the delivery of robust, maintainable, and innovative software solutions that accelerate the clean energy transition.

Requirements

• B.S/M.S in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field preferred, or equivalent practical experience.
• 12 years of professional controls development experience with a proven track record of delivering complex control system designs.
• Strong proficiency in PLC programming for at least one major controls manufacturer or controls SDK, leveraging IEC 61131-3 coding languages; Familiarity with MATLAB and Simulink; and virtual hardware simulators.
• Solid experience with at least one coding language; like Python, C, or C++.
• Proficiency with Git workflows, code review processes, and collaborative development practices in distributed teams.
• Experience with automated testing frameworks and methodologies, including unit testing, integration testing, and test-driven development (TDD).
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, deployment automation, and monitoring tools. Experience with GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, or similar platforms.
• Experience with SCADA platforms or other industrial user interfaces.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex technical issues across the full stack.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Genuine interest in clean energy, sustainability, and making a positive environmental impact through technology solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, CodeSys, SEL RTAC, and Linux-based real-time controllers.
• Knowledge of energy industry standards, like NERC and/or ENTSO-E.
• Background in building controls applications for the renewable energy sector.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership – Collaborate with a cross-functional group and act as lead for a team of controls engineers.
• Technical Strategy – Collaborate with product and engineering leadership to shape long-term technical strategy and roadmap.
• Controls Development – Design, develop, and maintain robust controls features, from application interfaces to complex controls algorithms.
• Software Development Integration - Collaborate with Edge Software teams to implement integrated product offerings.
• Testing & Quality Assurance – Oversee comprehensive unit, integration, and end-to-end tests using modern testing frameworks to ensure code reliability and maintainability.
• Code Reviews & Mentorship - Participate in code reviews, provide constructive feedback to team members, and mentor junior engineers in best practices and technical skills.
• Technical Innovation - Stay current with emerging technologies and industry trends, proposing and implementing new tools and approaches that improve development efficiency and product capabilities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A competitive compensation package, including eligibility for a bonus or commission based on the role.
• Full health benefits on the first day of employment (several medical plan options-HDHP and PPO, dental plans, FSA/HSA-with employer contribution, employer paid vision/LTD/STD/Life, variety of voluntary coverage)
• 401k (pre- or post-tax) on first day of employment
• 12 paid calendar holidays per year
• Flexible time-off

What This Job Offers

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