The Sr. Controls Engineer – OT SCADA Projects leads the design, configuration, commissioning, and support of plant control systems for utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid renewable energy projects. This engineer works with minimal oversight, applies expert knowledge of grid functionality and Utility/ISO standards, mentors junior engineers, and contributes to product standards. Approximately 80% of this role is project execution, while up to 20% is continuous improvement and product development.
Responsibilities
Project Execution & Technical Delivery (~80%)
• Lead end-to-end controls design for utility-scale solar, BESS, and hybrid projects – from initiation through commissioning and closeout
• Program and commission SEL controllers using AcSELerator; develop control logic in Codesys using IEC 61131-3 structured text
• Identify project-specific deviations from standard product scope during contracting, forecast and scope project-specific development work
• Implement and validate closed-loop Active Power and Reactive Power, AVR and PFR Algorithms
• Maintain version control for all code artifacts according to established version control procedure
• Troubleshoot complex SCADA and controls issues using Wireshark, breakpoints, cross-reference, and watch list tools
• Produce project deliverables: System Architecture Diagrams, Control Narratives, Logic Diagrams, commissioning documents, and operator manuals
Product & Process Improvement (~20%)
• Contribute to new feature development and bug fixes in collaboration with the Product Engineering team
• Review documentation prepared by junior controls engineers (technical and non-technical)
• Lead the Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned program, feed field insights back into product standards and templates
• Coach junior engineers through FAT preparation and customer-facing presentation
Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration
• Serve as primary controls technical contact for EPCs, asset owners, and grid operators through project execution, FAT, and commissioning
• Lead FATs as formal presentations; communicate to non-technical audiences with supporting materials prepared in advance
• Flag technical risks and schedule pressures to management with context and proposed solutions
• Maintain Jira tickets daily with thorough detail; enforce Jira best practices with junior engineers
Expectations & Success Indicators
• Deliver high-quality work independently across multiple concurrent projects with ownership and urgency
• Leverage standardized platforms and tools; avoid project-specific one-off engineering approaches
• Ensure 100% adherence to Terabase quality processes; enforce standards with junior engineers
• Mentor junior controls engineers through technical guidance, code review, and FAT coaching
• Project deliverables completed on time, within scope, and meeting Utility/ISO regulatory standards
• Jira, version control, and documentation consistently maintained without follow-up from management
• Recognized internally and externally as the go-to technical authority on Terabase SCADA and OT controls
• Travel up to 10% for on-site commissioning, FAT, and customer engagements