Director, Generation Controls, Protection, and Automation – Power and Energy

Nscale

. Own the microgrid control architecture, including power management, generation dispatch and load sharing, frequency and voltage regulation in island mode, and coordinated response to load transients and contingencies .

Posted 11/1/2026full-timeRemote • Texas • United StatesLead💰 $190,000 - $300,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in power systems controls, protection, and automation engineering, with a strong focus on microgrid and islanded systems. Proficient in developing control philosophies, conducting dynamic modeling, and managing technical relationships with OEMs and consultants.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Power Systems Controls EngineeringProtective Relaying ExpertiseMicrogrid Control SystemsSCADA and Substation AutomationDynamic Modeling with PSCAD

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Control Architecture DesignDynamic Performance VerificationControl TuningLoad Sharing CoordinationEMT ModelingHardware-In-The-Loop TestingSettings ManagementSignal List DefinitionAlarm Philosophy DevelopmentRoot Cause Analysis

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipTechnical CommunicationDecision-Making Under Pressure

Tools & Technologies

PSCADRTDSIEC 61850DNP3Modbus

Certifications & Qualifications

PE LicenseBachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Industry Keywords

Microgrid SystemsIslanded SystemsPower ManagementBESSEPC Engineering

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber SecurityFlash

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own the microgrid control architecture, including power management, generation dispatch and load sharing, frequency and voltage regulation in island mode, and coordinated response to load transients and contingencies
Define control philosophies and functional specifications for plant master controllers, engine governor and AVR coordination, and grid-forming BESS controls
Direct dynamic performance requirements and verification, including control tuning, load acceptance and rejection behavior, black start, resynchronization logic, and load ramp coordination
Oversee EMT and dynamic modeling using PSCAD and similar platforms
Own protection philosophy for islanded systems, including relaying schemes, coordination and arc flash studies, and settings management
Review and approve protection designs, relay settings, and coordination studies from EPC partners, OEMs, and consultants
Direct controller and protection CHIL/HIL testing campaigns with relay, BESS, and switchgear vendors
Establish settings management discipline, including version control, change management, and as-left documentation
Own plant automation and SCADA architecture, including control topology, substation automation, communications design, and time synchronization
Define signal lists, alarm philosophy, and operator interfaces
Set OT network and cybersecurity requirements for controls and protection systems
Integrate automation designs with data center building management and operational data platforms
Carry controls and protection scope through design reviews, FAT witnessing, site functional testing, energization, and integrated systems testing
Support root cause analysis of controls, protection, and power quality events and drive corrective actions
Develop engineering standards, specifications, and reference designs for microgrid controls, protection, and automation
Build and lead a small team of controls and protection engineers
Direct specialist consultants and studies firms
Manage technical relationships with relay, controls, BESS, and switchgear OEMs
Partner with the Director, Generation Electrical Engineering on integrated power system, protection, and controls design
Coordinate with data center operations, controls, fuel gas, mechanical, and civil teams
Communicate complex power systems issues to project leadership, commissioning teams, and executives

Requirements

What you’ll need

10+ years of experience in power systems controls, protection, or automation engineering
Significant experience with islanded, industrial, or microgrid power systems
Deep protective relaying expertise, including scheme design, coordination studies, and settings development on modern digital relay platforms
Experience with high inverter-based resource penetration and limited fault current
Hands-on experience with plant or microgrid control systems, power management systems, governor and excitation coordination, and grid-forming or grid-following inverter controls
Working fluency with EMT (PSCAD or equivalent), dynamic stability, short circuit, coordination, and arc flash studies and models
Direct hardware-in-the-loop testing experience with RTDS or equivalent is a strong advantage
Solid grounding in SCADA and substation automation
Knowledge of IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, and OT cybersecurity practices
Experience taking controls and protection scopes through commissioning and energization on major projects
Ability to direct OEMs, consultants, and EPC engineering teams
Experience making technically defensible decisions under schedule pressure
Exposure to behind-the-meter generation, BESS, or mission-critical facilities is a strong advantage
Ability to build standards, processes, and small teams in a fast-scaling environment
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field
Willing and able to travel regularly to project sites and vendor facilities, typically 25% and higher during factory testing and energization campaigns
PE license preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Highly competitive US compensation package including bonus and equity
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Generous PTO plus US federal holidays
Flexible workplace with autonomy
Flexible paid time off
Parental leave
Retirement plan participation
Performance reviews every 12 months