About The RoleAs a Senior System Firmware Controls Engineer, you will contribute to the system-level control firmware and software for the Energy Management System (EMS) and SCADA layer of our MW/MWh-scale Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) serving data centers, spanning outdoor cabinets and containerized platforms. You will help build the master site controller that coordinates the PCS (inverters), BMS, and thermal subsystems, and interfaces the BESS with utility and grid SCADA and higher-level plant controllers.
This role requires hands-on experience in embedded and real-time controls, EMS control algorithms, SCADA and industrial communications, and BESS grid-code compliance. You will work closely with inverter, BMS, thermal, systems, safety, and cloud/software teams to help ensure the product meets performance, reliability, interoperability, compliance, and cost targets - contributing to production-ready designs from concept through deployment and commissioning.
What You Will Do- Contribute to the development of system-level control firmware and software for the BESS EMS and master site controller.
- Implement real and reactive power dispatch, state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) management, and coordination of multi-vendor subsystems (PCS, BMS, thermal) to meet site and grid requirements.
- Develop control logic for grid services such as frequency response (PFR/FFR), voltage/AVR regulation, capacity firming, peak shaving, energy arbitrage, and black start.
- Support integration of the BESS control system into utility, ISO/TSO EMS/SCADA systems and higher-level plant controllers.
- Implement and maintain industrial communication interfaces using Modbus, DNP3, OPC-UA, MQTT, and IEC 61850.
- Develop and validate controls specifications, functional descriptions, points lists, and data-integration mappings and telemetry for monitoring, control, and historian/data-logging needs.
- Help ensure real and reactive power commands comply with interconnection agreements (LGIA), power purchase agreements (PPA), and grid codes (IEEE 1547, UL 1741-SB).
- Apply cybersecurity and IT/OT best practices to controller and SCADA network architecture.
- Develop unit and system test software, and validate control behavior using simulation and hardware-in-the-loop.
- Support site bring-up, commissioning, witness testing, and acceptance with utility and AHJ stakeholders.
- Contribute to PR reviews, documentation rigor, and well-managed release branches.
- Utilize AI tools to accelerate firmware and software development and testing flow.
Who You Are and What You Bring- BS/MS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
- 5+ years developing embedded/system firmware or control software, preferably for power systems, BESS, microgrids, or grid-connected products.
- Experience with EMS, site/plant controllers, or SCADA systems for energy storage or power generation.
- Proficiency in C, C++, and Python; familiarity with IEC 61131-3 and/or C# is a plus.
- Experience with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, OPC-UA, MQTT, and IEC 61850).
- Understanding of BESS architecture and coordination with BMS, PCS, and thermal derating logic.
- Familiarity with grid-services use cases (PFR/FFR, AVR, capacity firming, arbitrage, black start) and ISO market participation (e.g., CAISO, ERCOT, ISO-NE).
- Working knowledge of grid and safety standards such as IEEE 1547, UL 1741-SB, UL 9540, and IEC.
- Experience with Linux-based controls environments; familiarity with containerized or virtualized deployments (Docker, VMware) is a plus.
- Understanding of cybersecurity and IT/OT best practices for OT and SCADA networks.
- Ability to troubleshoot within complex systems, including hands-on lab and field testing.
- Clear written and verbal communication, including strong presentation skills.
What Will Make You Stand Out- Experience integrating BESS with Tier-1 utility/ISO SCADA systems and higher-level plant controllers.
- Experience with SCADA/PLC platforms (e.g., Ignition, SEL RTAC, Modicon) and historian/data platforms.
- Experience supporting site commissioning and field deployment.
- Familiarity with software development processes (e.g., Agile) and tools (Git, CI/CD).
Work LocationThis role requires being on-site at our Austin, Texas office 5 days per week.
The base pay range for this position is $90,000 to $135,000 per year. This salary range may be modified in the future. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, education or training, work location, and market conditions. This position is also eligible for bonus, equity, and benefits.
