Senior Controls Engineer, Power Plant Controller (PPC)

Hanwha Qcells USA Corp (Qcells USA), headquartered in Houston, CA, specializes in utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage systems (BESS) project development, along with Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) services. Qcells USA delivers comprehensive turnkey solutions encompassing the entire utility-scale project lifecycle, reducing uncertainty and risk while enhancing investment returns and contributing to a sustainable future. The company integrates expertise from Development, Module, and EPC teams, coordinating closely with internal groups such as Project Finance, Systems Integration, and Legal to ensure exceptional project value and performance.

As part of the global Qcells brand, Qcells USA benefits from a legacy of excellence in photovoltaic manufacturing, renowned for high-performance, superior-quality solar cells and modules. Qcells operates under Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 company and one of South Korea’s top business conglomerates.

About the role

This position provides critical engineering support to the design, project development, and commissioning of power plant controller (PPC) products within the EPC Tech Center. The role is remote, reporting to the Houston, TX office, with working hours Monday through Friday (8:00 AM–5:00 PM or 9:00 AM–6:00 PM local time) and up to 10% travel expected. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end Power Plant Controller (PPC) software delivery for utility-scale PV, BESS, and hybrid projects, from requirements definition through release, commissioning, and operations support.
• Translate owner, EPC, utility, ISO, and interconnection requirements into practical plant-control functions, test plans, and project-specific configurations.
• Coordinate PPC integration with plant SCADA, EMS/BMS, inverters/PCS, metering, substation systems, and vendor interfaces to support reliable plant operation.
• Lead software validation, factory/site acceptance testing, commissioning, and utility witness testing; ensure controls perform safely, predictably, and in compliance with project requirements.
• Serve as senior escalation owner for field issues, leading troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and clear technical communication across internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop reusable engineering standards, commissioning procedures, documentation, and mentoring practices to improve software quality, field readiness, and execution consistency.
• Travel expected approximately 30% depending on project phase; must be comfortable working in active construction, substation, and power plant environments while following site and electrical safety procedures.
• Create product testing requirements and develop standard practices.
• Assist with the creation and/or revision of product installation and maintenance manuals.
• Develop and manage product FMEA documents and reports.
• Facilitate product certification through direct engagement with external test labs.
• Build and refine economic models including component cost, supply logistics, installation labor, and product performance.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and established design codes.
• Perform value engineering on existing components to optimize and reduce cost.
• Resolve product issues by performing root-cause failure analysis.
• Confidently communicate design recommendations to peer and management level audiences.
• Convert market requirements into engineering specifications.
• Meet with cross-functional teams to align product strategy and execution.
• Conduct research and stay current on market trends and influences.
• Engage with suppliers to optimize designs around manufacturing capabilities.
• Demonstrate professional ethics to manage time and deliver on project schedule expectations as a remote employee.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned by Management.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, Computer Science, Power Systems, or related field (or equivalent); advanced degrees valued and may apply toward professional experience requirements.
• 7+ years in power systems, controls, automation, SCADA, renewable energy, or power plant control systems; 5+ years directly supporting PPC, PV plant controls, BESS controls, or inverter-based resources.
• Hands-on commissioning and troubleshooting experience for utility-scale PV, BESS, or hybrid plants, including work under COD schedule pressure.
• Strong knowledge of plant-level active/reactive power control, voltage regulation, power factor control, frequency response, ramp-rate limits, curtailment, POI metering, and grid-code/interconnection requirements.
• Development experience with industrial control platforms and tools such as Codesys or AcSELerator for SEL RTAC.
• Practical experience with Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, IEC 61850, OPC UA, Ethernet/IP, SCADA HMI, network diagnostics, and time synchronization.
• Ability to interface effectively with EPCs, owners, utilities, ISOs, OEMs, inverter/PCS suppliers, EMS/BMS vendors, SCADA vendors, and field crews.
• Advanced analytical and mathematical skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Typhoon HIL, IEC 61131-3 languages, Structured Text, Function Block, C/C++, Python, or similar.
• Utility/ISO witness testing and renewable interconnection compliance in markets such as CAISO, ERCOT, PJM, MISO, SPP, NYISO, or ISO-NE.
• Familiarity with IEEE 2800, IEEE 1547, NERC-related requirements, utility generator interconnection requirements, and site-specific grid codes.
• Simulation/modeling exposure using PSCAD, PSS/E, PSLF, TSAT, MATLAB/Simulink, or similar tools; experience with automated regression testing is a plus.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Solar industry experience.
• Demonstrable experience delivering on engineering requirements in a process-driven product development environment.

Physical Demands

• Stationary Position: Frequently remains stationary up to 90% of the time and sits up to 8 hours in a day.
• Move/Traverse: Infrequently bends, stands, stoops, and/or walks.
• Carry Weight: Infrequently carries weight and/or lifts objects (light to heavy) weighing up to 10 pounds.
• Hearing and Speech: Frequently communicates with the ability to hear and talk on a regular basis with employees, coworkers, and personnel; must exchange accurate information.
• Sight: Frequent use of sight to detect images on computer, office documents, and office objects near and far.
• Climb: Occasionally ascends/descends stairways to access office upper and lower floors.
• Travel: Up to 10% as needed.

Work Environment

• Regular professional, office business setting with low to moderate noise levels (office setting).
• Moderate to high noise levels when on construction worksites.

Under the Office Mobilization Plan (OMP) policy, the role may transition to an onsite or hybrid arrangement based on business needs and the Head of Department’s determination.

Pay

The salary range for this position in Irvine, CA is as required by the California Pay Transparency Act. Actual compensation may differ based on factors such as internal pay equity, skill set, education, licenses, certifications, geographic location, essential job duties, and experience relative to the role’s minimum qualifications. Nationwide roles will follow market-based compensation for the job function. An additional discretionary bonus structure or incentives may be offered, along with medical, dental, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position.