Canadian Solar

Sr. Plant Controller Modelling Engineer

Canadian Solar$100K — $150K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
  • 5+ years experience in power system simulation and dynamic modeling.
  • Strong knowledge of grid reliability and inverter-based resources (IBRs).
  • Hands-on with PSS®E, PSLF, and PSCAD in both RMS and EMT environments.
  • Proficient in Python for automation in simulation processes.

Responsibilities

  • Build detailed simulation models of EMS in PSCAD, PSS®E, PSLF, and TSAT.
  • Conduct verification and validation of models across multiple simulation environments.
  • Collaborate with external consultants for OEM-specific dynamic models.
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
  • Analyze ISO/RTO requirements to develop actionable modeling specifications.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage and retirement plans.
  • Paid time off and performance bonuses.
  • Opportunity to engage in innovative energy projects.
Full Job Description
Position Title: Sr. Plant Controller Modelling Engineer
Department: EQS
Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 + annual bonus (paid in local currency; range varies by location)
Location: Kitchener, ON (Onsite)

About the Role:

We are looking for a talented and a driven Sr Plant Controller Modelling Engineer to join our forward-thinking team and play a key role in shaping the next generation of Energy Management Systems (EMS) for utility-scale applications. This role focuses on developing advanced, high-fidelity models of energy flow, from the battery cell level to full site-level systems, and supporting digital twin implementations that optimize performance, reliability, and scalability.

You will be responsible for modeling complex, bi-directional power and data flows across the grid, capturing interactions between utilities, transformers, inverters, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This includes integrating compute and communication layers in highly distributed, edge-to-cloud architectures, enabling real-time monitoring, control, and predictive analytics.

In this position, you will collaborate closely with engineering, product, leadership, and customer-facing teams to ensure models are aligned with real-world system behavior and project requirements. Your contributions will directly influence system design, inform operational strategies, and set benchmarks for EMS software performance and grid integration.

The ideal candidate is passionate about clean energy, thrives in a fast-paced, startup-like environment, and brings both technical expertise and innovative thinking to drive the energy transition forward.

Responsibilities:
  • Build detailed simulation models of power plant controller (EMS) in PSCAD, PSS®E, PSLF, and TSAT, demonstrating proficiency across both RMS (phasor) and EMT (time-domain) simulation environments. Familiarity with DIgSILENT PowerFactory is an advantage. Perform necessary studies accounting the EMS model built will be paired with BESS/ PV for multiple applications.
  • Conduct verification, validation, and benchmarking of models across multiple simulation environments (e.g., PSCAD, PSS®E, TSAT) to ensure consistency and accuracy.
  • Collaborate with external consultants to develop and integrate OEM specific dynamic models that will support utility-scale BESS and hybrid energy projects.
  • Ensure all models and simulations meet applicable industry standards and evolving regulatory requirements, including those from IEEE 2800 and other Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) working groups.
  • Analyze ISO/ RTO specific requirements (e.g., NOGRR, NPRR in ERCOT) and translate them into actionable modeling requirements from OEM perspective proactively preparing for upcoming projects across multiple regions (North America and EU as a starting point).
  • Develop and build the development of a comprehensive simulation environment for energy storage systems, including inverters, transformers, and substation equipment to validate EMS and power plant controller performance.
  • Monitor and apply key technical updates from FERC, NERC, and other regulatory bodies relevant to grid simulation and energy storage integration.
  • Support and contribute to the development and deployment of digital twin technologies to replicate and predict real-time and future performance of energy storage systems.
  • Analyze simulation data to generate insights and provide actionable recommendations for optimizing system performance and reliability.
  • Perform detailed model validation using field data to ensure simulation accuracy and operational reliability.
  • Conduct technical assessments and engineering studies on advanced technologies such as utility-scale inverters and BESS, engaging with equipment vendors as needed.
  • Apply IEEE standard libraries and best practices to tune and customize EMT simulation models of BESS, including User Defined Model (UDM) development in PSSe using Fortran or CStay ahead of industry trends and advancements in simulation tools, BESS technology, and digital twin methodologies.


  • Clearly document methodologies, results, and recommendations. Present findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Demostrate a strong sense of ownership and operate effectively in a high accountability, collaborative environment
  • Work closely with program management and cross-functional stakeholders to align OEM modeling deliverable tweaks, feature additions to the client's project timelines and requirements.
  • Develop and maintain scripting or automation tools (e.g., Python) to streamline model management, simulation batch runs, and results post-processing.

Required Qualifications and Skills:
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems; Master's or Ph.D. preferred.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in power system simulation and dynamic modeling, with demonstrated work on utility-scale energy storage or renewable energy projects.
  • Experience performing power flow, transient stability, short circuit and dynamic modeling studies including grid interconnection analysis for projects including PPC, IBR, BESS.
  • Strong understanding of grid reliability, inverter-based resources (IBRs), renewable energy integration, transmission and distribution systems, and protection and control schemes.
  • Familiarity with grid modeling workflows and digital twin concepts applied to energy storage or power plant performance monitoring
  • Hands-on experience with PSS®E, PSLF, and PSCAD across both RMS (phasor domain) and EMT simulation environments. Familiarity with DIgSILENT PowerFactory is an advantage. Experience with HIL/ CHIL testing tools is a plus
  • Understanding of how converter topology, modulation techniques, and control architectures (including grid-forming and grid-following modes) influence system-level performance and stability.
  • Proficiency in Python for simulation automation, batch processing, or results post processing familiarity with C, C++, Fortran or MATLAB is an advantage.
  • Solid understanding of battery technologies and energy storage system components, including inverters and substations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex system behaviors.
  • Ability to manage multiple concurrent modeling workstreams, balance EMS model tweaking needs supporting deadlines and adapt to evolving technical requirements. Familiarity with SCADA systems, Power Plant Controllers (PPCs) and EMS software architecture is an asset.
  • Experience validating simulation models against field data or test results, executing automated test routines, and troubleshooting model discrepancies to ensure accuracy and operational reliability.
  • Ability to work independently, take ownership of assigned tasks, and proactively escalate issues or risks when needed.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams (incl external stakeholders/consultants) and communicate technical ideas clearly.
  • Familiarity with NERC reliability standards relevant to generation modeling and interconnection, including MOD-026, MOD-027, and PRC-024


Preferred Experience:
  • Serve as an internal expert on interconnection (IX) processes in at least one major regional transmission organization (RTO) such as PJM, CAISO, MISO, SPP, ERCOT, IESO, AESO.
  • Overseas ISO experiences (particularly UK and EU regions) will be an advantage. Welcome other APAC, South American ISO knowledge
  • Experience with development of models and real-time simulations supporting hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and software-in-the-loop (SIL) testing, aligned with defined test cases to evaluate system. Experience with real-time simulation platforms (e.g., OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, RTDS).
  • Experience working in agile development environments and familiarity with modern software engineering practices.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally to support customer engagements, field validation, and cross-functional team collaboration.
  • Ability to effectively navigate and contribute to both business-level requirements and technical specifications.


This is a current vacancy, and we are actively hiring for this position.

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We offer a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package-including health coverage, retirement plans, paid time off, and more.

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About Canadian Solar

Canadian Solar Inc. is a publicly traded company that manufactures solar PV modules and provides solar energy solutions. It was founded in 2001 in Canada and has since expanded to over 20 countries. Canadian Solar has delivered over 38 GW of solar modules to customers in over 150 countries. In 2018, Canadian Solar was ranked #6 on the list of top solar panel manufacturers by PV Tech. The company is listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Learn more about Canadian Solar
Size
13,535 employees
Market Cap
$1.9 billion
Industry
Net Income
$299.3 million
Founded
2001
5 Year Trend
+13.1%
Revenue
$3.5 billion
NASDAQ

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