Senior Project Controls Engineer

Terabase Energy

. Support the design, configuration, commissioning, and documentation of plant control systems for utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid renewable energy projects .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeRemote • California • United StatesSenior💰 $120,000 - $140,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in IEC 61131-3 programming and control systems for utility-scale renewable energy projects, with a strong focus on commissioning, documentation, and technical support for solar and hybrid systems.

Highest-signal resume keywords

IEC 61131-3 ProgrammingAcSELeratorCodesysUtility-Scale Renewable Power Plant ControlsFactory Acceptance Test (FAT)

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Controls DesignControl Logic DevelopmentClosed-Loop Control AlgorithmsVersion ControlTroubleshooting SCADA IssuesTechnical DocumentationSystem Architecture DiagramsActive Power ControlReactive Power ControlPrimary Frequency Response (PFR)

Soft Skills

Problem SolvingCommunicationCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

SEL ControllersBitbucketWiresharkJiraModbus-TCPDNP3OPC-UAC37.118PSCADRTDS

Industry Keywords

Utility-Scale SolarBattery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)CommissioningSite Acceptance Test (SAT)EPCGrid OperatorsERCOTPJMNERCIEEE 2800

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the design, configuration, commissioning, and documentation of plant control systems for utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid renewable energy projects
Execute controls design under senior engineer guidance and identify project-specific requirements and deviations from standard controls offerings
Program and commission SEL controllers using AcSELerator
Develop control logic in Codesys using IEC 61131-3 structured text and continuous function charts
Document requirements, develop logic, test in simulated/lab environments, and document test results
Implement and validate closed-loop Active Power, Reactive Power, AVR, and PFR algorithms
Maintain version control for code artifacts in Bitbucket
Troubleshoot SCADA and controls issues using Wireshark, breakpoints, cross-reference, and watch list tools
Produce system architecture diagrams, control narratives, logic diagrams, commissioning documents, and operator manuals
Contribute to feature development, bug fixes, continuous improvement, lessons learned, and product standards
Prepare technical documentation, FATs, and customer-facing presentations
Support EPCs, asset owners, and grid operators through project execution, FAT, and commissioning
Flag technical risks and schedule pressures to project management with proposed solutions
Maintain Jira tickets daily
Travel up to 10% for on-site commissioning, FAT, and customer engagements

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Control Systems, Computer Science, or related field
3+ years of IEC 61131-3/PLC programming experience, preferably in Codesys or AcSELerator environment
2+ years of utility-scale renewable power plant controls experience (solar, BESS, or hybrid) preferred, including exposure to project-specific development work, Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), commissioning and Site Acceptance Test (SAT)
Proficient IEC 61131-3 programming
Experience with AcSELerator, SEL controllers, Codesys, and Diagram Builder
Proficiency with traces, cross-references, breakpoints, and watch lists
Working knowledge of Modbus-TCP, DNP3, OPC-UA, C37.118, and similar industrial protocols
Solid understanding of Primary Frequency Response (PFR), Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR), Active/Reactive power closed-loop control, and capacitor bank functionality
Familiarity with Utility/ISO testing and interconnection requirements, including ERCOT, PJM, BPA, IEEE 2800, and NERC
Exposure to Power Plant Controller (PPC) design, configuration, and commissioning
Familiarity with PSCAD, PSSE, and/or TSAT modeling processes is a plus
Exposure to hardware-in-the-loop hardware such as RTDS, OPAL-RT, Speedgoat, and Typhoon is a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous time off and holiday policy
Flexible time off
Comprehensive benefits package
Career progression
401k match
Stock options
Home office set up allowance
Equal opportunity and inclusive workplace