Controls Engineer II

About the role

The Controls Engineer serves as a valuable member of the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects end-to-end—from sales handover through system development, commissioning, and ongoing operational support—while balancing hands-on technical execution with process improvement and cross-functional collaboration. The position plays a critical role in supporting a growing portfolio of microgrid projects, including live customer systems, and requires strong accountability, technical depth, and comfort operating in customer-facing, high-pressure environments. The role is based onsite in Fort Collins and includes travel for on-site commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects from sales handover through commissioning and ongoing support
• Lead on-site and remote startup and commissioning activities, including development and execution of commissioning test plans
• Develop energy resource drivers (including power meters, protective relays, generator controllers, PV inverters, energy storage inverters, battery management systems, wind turbines, weather stations, etc.)
• Develop, test, and deploy control algorithms
• Conduct system functionality testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and reporting
• Provide high-level technical support for in-progress projects and operating microgrid systems, including triage and resolution of customer issues
• Create studies, reports, specifications, requirements, estimates, electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, and equipment layouts
• Balance hands-on project execution with continuous improvement of project processes, standards, and quality
• Partner cross-functionally with Controls Engineering, Service, Commissioning, and Sales teams to deliver strong customer outcomes
• Mentor and support team members through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and collaboration
• Communicate project status, challenges, and progress clearly to internal stakeholders and customers

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
• 2+ years experience with power generation
• 2+ years experience programming industrial controls, PLCs, HMIs

Preferred Qualifications

• 5+ years experience with three-phase AC power system controls and automation
• 5+ years experience with the following:
  • Power generation experience (reciprocating engine and inverter based synchronizing, paralleling, and load-sharing, energy storage systems)
  • Communications protocols (Modbus, DNP3, CAN 2.0A/B, J1939 CANbus)
  • Programming languages (IEC 61131, Python, REST API)
  • Programming experience (Codesys, ClearSCADA, PLC)
  • Electrical design codes (UL 508A, NEC, NEMA)
• Advanced technical understanding of power control philosophy in voltage-forming and voltage-following applications

Skills

• Ability to convey complex ideas and issues in a clear, concise, and understandable manner
• Outstanding analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail, passion for excellence, and commitment to customer success
• Self-motivated and self-directed
• Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, teach, and improve
• Passion for renewable energy and electrification
• Ability to communicate fluently in English (verbally and written)
• Valid driver’s license and passport
• Ability to travel internationally, including remote locations in third-world countries
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. safely
• Ability to use common hand tools safely
• Ability and knowledge to work safely around electrical equipment at various voltage levels
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, kneel, ascent/descend stairs and ladders
• Ability to communicate verbally to small or large audiences