Technical Fellow - Control System & Power Electronics- PSSD

Southern States LLC•Hampton, GA

34d

About The Position

The Technical Fellow - Control Systems & Power Electronics will be the architect of both hardware and software for multilevel converter technologies, such as Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs) and solid-state transformers, for applications in renewable energy and grid infrastructure focusing on the design and implementation of advanced control strategies to enhance grid stability, voltage regulation, power quality, and real/reactive power management. This role involves creating sophisticated algorithms, performing simulations to evaluate system dynamics and fault scenarios, and creating the development framework for the power electronics and control teams to develop new power electronics-based products. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, expertise in control theory and power electronics, and a passion for innovating solutions that support renewable energy integration and power system reliability in a fast-paced engineering environment.

Requirements

PhD in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
At least 20 years of professional experience in control systems design, preferably in power electronic converter control.
At least 7 years of professional experience in the design of multilevel converter-based systems or grid-connected inverters in renewable energy applications.
Proven expertise in developing control algorithms for voltage and reactive power management, with hands-on experience in PI controllers, MPC, or similar methods.
Proven expertise in programming microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M) and DSPs (e.g., TMS320 series) for real-time applications.
Strong proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, or equivalent for modeling dynamic systems and fault scenarios.
Solid understanding of power system dynamics, stability analysis, and multilevel converter operations in high-voltage environments.
Solid understanding of real-time control principles, interrupt service routines, and hardware-software interfacing in high-voltage systems.
Experience with real-time control implementation, including DSPs or microcontrollers, and knowledge of communication protocols like DNP3.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Familiarity with debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
Strong communication skills for technical documentation and team collaboration.
Familiarity with advanced simulation environments (e.g., hardware-in-the-loop testing) and optimization techniques for control parameters.
Experience with embedded programming in C/C++ for control firmware development.
Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity for embedded devices, such as secure boot and encryption, in compliance with standards like IEC 62443.
Experience with model-based design tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink Embedded Coder) for automatic code generation and HIL testing.

Responsibilities

Establish engineering processes for the development and implementation of power electronic systems, including control hardware & software, module level controls, outer loop controls and user interfaces.
Manage development of model-based design practices for control systems.
Develop control algorithms for voltage regulation, reactive power compensation, power quality, and system stability in multilevel converter STATCOMs, utilizing techniques such as PI controllers, model predictive control (MPC), or adaptive control methods.
Validate control performance under various grid conditions using software tools like MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD/EMTDC, or OPAL-RT, simulating dynamic responses, transient behaviors, and fault handling.
Analyze system-level interactions between control strategies and multilevel converter topologies (e.g., modular multilevel converters or cascaded H-bridge), optimizing for reduced oscillations, improved response time, and harmonic mitigation.
Collaborate with mechanical design teams, power system engineers and commercial teams in new product development.
Manage firmware developers, power electronics, and HIL test teams to integrate control software into prototypes, ensuring seamless hardware-software compatibility and real-time operation.
Establish Engineering Practices and Guidelines for:
Stability analysis, including small-signal modeling and eigenvalue assessments, to ensure robust performance during disturbances like faults or load changes.
Protection functions, such as overvoltage/undervoltage detection and fault ride-through capabilities, to comply with grid codes and standards (e.g., IEEE 519 for harmonics).
Root cause analysis on simulation discrepancies or control failures, iterating designs to enhance reliability and efficiency.
Technical documentation preparation, including control flow diagrams, simulation reports, and performance metrics, for internal reviews and regulatory submissions.
Hardware component obsolescence planning of existing control platforms.
Programming of microcontrollers and DSPs to implement real-time control algorithms, system monitoring, and data processing for multilevel converter STATCOM operations.
Development and integration of communication protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, or Ethernet-based standards to facilitate seamless interaction with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and grid interfaces.
Design and optimization of embedded software for low-latency execution, resource efficiency, and robustness in high-power environments, using languages like C/C++ or assembly.
Conduct code reviews, debugging, and performance profiling to identify and resolve issues in real-time control loops and interrupt handling.
Establish process for Devops
Develop standards for software documentation, including code comments, architecture diagrams, and user manuals.
Support internal audits with the quality department and enforce adherence to documented policies and procedures to uphold quality of designs.
Stay current with advancements in control technologies for power system, embedded technologies, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and cybersecurity practices for power system applications.
Consult on all aspects of ongoing projects as applicable to the multiconverter technologies product lines.
Provide ongoing, strategic guidance for long-term success of the business.
Help identify market needs and develop value propositions. Attend industry functions representing Southern States. Help define the division strategy.
Provide a vital role in developing and maintaining a robust product and technology roadmap.