Project Controls Engineer, OT SCADA Projects (TEMP)

Terabase Energy

4d•$120,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Project Controls Engineer supports the design, configuration, commissioning, and documentation of plant control systems for utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid renewable energy projects. Working with guidance from senior engineers, the role executes project work using a working knowledge of grid functionality and Utility/ISO standards and contributes to continuous improvement of product standards. Approximately 90% of the role is project execution, with up to 10% devoted to continuous improvement and product development. This is a temporary position expected to last approximately six months, with travel up to 10% for on-site commissioning, FATs, and customer engagements. The engineer designs and commissions controls, develops and tests project-specific logic, maintains code version control, troubleshoots SCADA and controls issues, and prepares project documentation. The role also supports product improvements, customer and stakeholder communications, and FAT preparation and presentations. Success involves delivering quality work across concurrent projects, following established quality processes, meeting project scope and schedule, maintaining thorough documentation and Jira records, and developing expertise toward independent project ownership.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Science, or a related field.
At least 3 years of IEC 61131-3/PLC programming experience.
Proficiency in IEC 61131-3 programming, with AcSELerator and Codesys as the primary IDEs; familiarity with Diagram Builder.
Proficiency using traces, cross-references, breakpoints, and watch lists.
Working knowledge of industrial protocols such as Modbus-TCP, DNP3, OPC-UA, and C37.118.
Solid understanding of grid functionality, including PFR, AVR, closed-loop Active/Reactive Power control, and capacitor bank functionality and principles.
Familiarity with Utility/ISO testing and interconnection requirements, including ERCOT, PJM, BPA, IEEE 2800, and NERC.
Ability to maintain code version control, project documentation, and Jira tickets in accordance with established processes.

Nice To Haves

At least 2 years of utility-scale renewable power plant controls experience (solar, BESS, or hybrid), including exposure to project-specific development, FAT, commissioning, and SAT.
Experience in Codesys or AcSELerator environments.
Exposure to Power Plant Controller (PPC) design, configuration, and commissioning.
Familiarity with PSCAD, PSSE, and/or TSAT modeling processes for utility-scale sites.
Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop equipment such as RTDS, OPAL-RT, Speedgoat, or Typhoon.

Responsibilities

Execute controls design for utility-scale solar, BESS, and hybrid projects under senior-engineer guidance, reviewing scope for project-specific requirements and deviations from the standard controls product offering.
Program and commission SEL controllers using AcSELerator and develop control logic in Codesys using IEC 61131-3 structured text and continuous function charts.
Follow controls development processes for project-specific work, including documenting requirements, developing logic, testing in simulated or lab environments, and documenting test results.
Implement and validate closed-loop Active Power and Reactive Power, AVR, and PFR algorithms.
Maintain code-artifact version control according to established procedures using Bitbucket.
Troubleshoot SCADA and controls issues using Wireshark, breakpoints, cross-reference, and watch-list tools, escalating complex issues as needed.
Produce system architecture diagrams, control narratives, logic diagrams, commissioning documents, and operator manuals.
Contribute to new feature development and bug fixes with the Product Engineering team.
Prepare technical and non-technical documentation for review by senior controls engineers.
Participate in the Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned program and share field insights to inform product standards and templates.
Prepare for FATs and customer-facing presentations with senior-engineer coaching.
Support senior engineers as a controls technical contact for EPCs, asset owners, and grid operators through project execution, FAT, and commissioning.
Support FATs and lead assigned portions as formal presentations, communicating with non-technical audiences using materials prepared in advance.
Flag technical risks and schedule pressures to the project management team, including context and proposed solutions.
Maintain Jira tickets daily with thorough detail and in accordance with Jira best practices.
Deliver high-quality work across concurrent projects, use standardized platforms and tools efficiently, and maintain adherence to Terabase quality processes.
Develop technical skills through code reviews, feedback, and FAT participation alongside senior engineers.
Complete deliverables on time, within scope, and in accordance with Utility/ISO regulatory standards; maintain Jira, version control, and documentation without management follow-up.
Travel up to 10% for on-site commissioning, FAT, and customer engagements.