Senior Power Systems Controls Engineer (Distributed Energy Resources)

PowerSecure, Inc. is seeking a Senior Power Systems Controls Engineer in Durham, NC, to design and implement Microgrid Applications for Distributed Energy Resources (DERs). Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and over 10 years of experience in power systems. Responsibilities include leading controls design, reviewing drawings, and collaborating with engineering teams. Travel may be required up to 15% of the time.
Job Summary:

The primary duties of a Sr Power Systems Controls Engineer are to provide engineering services for the design and implementation of Microgrid Applications. These engineering activities are to provide power control system engineering services associated with the design of the low and medium voltage Distributed Energy Resources (DERs).

Minimum Qualifications: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, and Skills)
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related technical field from an accredited university.
• Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of experience in a power systems engineering environment.
• Knowledge and Skills:
• Advanced understanding of power generation and distribution.
• Advanced understanding of solar/renewable energy equipment/system deployment, integration, and troubleshooting.
• Basic field communication experience (Modbus, DNP3).
• Prior experience designing/implementing Microgrids with diverse DERs is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of digital multifunction relays for power protection to meet electric utility requirements (Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Beckwith).
• Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) with preferred manufacturers (Emerson, Siemens).
• Experience with DER asset controllers (Woodward, ComAP).
• Ability to travel up to 15% of the time.
• Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills with a desire for continuous improvement.
• Proficient with ladder logic programming, SFC, and structured text or equivalent.
• Advanced understanding of UL1741 SA/SB.
• Proficient acting as a system integrator and understanding high-level operation.
• Experience working in a lab environment to validate system components.
• Understanding of the NEC and NFPA110.
• Basic networking experience.
• Ability to interact with peers and management.
• Experience with 2-D CAD software (AUTOCAD preferred).

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
• Evaluate new controller offerings.
• Lead controls design on new solutions.
• Provide engineering estimates to the application engineering team.
• Confirm and review drawings to align proposed solutions to current standards.
• Coordinate and communicate with other engineering groups, sales, marketing, and operations.
• Review the various product BoM (Bill of Materials) to ensure necessary components are present.
• Review drawing packages prior to release.
• Support standards development for various applications, including:
• Simple Automatic Transfer Controls between two sources.
• Complex Automatic Transfer controls between multiple sources.
• Paralleling Switchgear Applications.
• Renewable Control (e.g., Paralleling Islanded BESS and Generators).
• Collaborate with peers to develop standards and base files for complex power and control schemes.
• Review electrical diagrams and schematics for LV, MV, and DC applications.
• Ensure solutions have proper controls, metering, and monitoring.
• Provide technical support as needed during business and non-business hours.
• Support the Test group when issues arise in the factory.
• Troubleshoot site issues alongside the commissioning team.
• Communicate clearly to the Engineering Manager regarding issues or ideas for continuous improvement.
• Develop Factory Acceptance Test procedures, Functional Performance Test, and Sequence of Operations for new products.
• Support design standardization efforts with other groups.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch; talk or hear; taste or smell.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Must be able to work in front of screens for extended periods.
• Ambient room temperatures, well-lit work areas, and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.
• Primarily office environment with occasional manufacturing and site visits.

About Us:

PowerSecure, a Southern Company subsidiary, is a leading provider of innovative energy solutions to electric utilities and their industrial, institutional, and commercial customers.

Benefits:
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage
• Competitive pay and a matching 401(k) plan
• Vacation, Company Holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO - personal and sick days)
• Flexible spending accounts/Health savings account
• Wellness Incentive Programs
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. All employees may have other duties assigned at any time based on business needs.

PowerSecure is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. This position is not open to third-party recruiters.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.