Senior Power Systems and Simulation Engineer, Innovation

Job Description

Enhance the SOLV SCADA solution by developing Power Plant Controls systems and simulated testing environments. Lead CHIL development, improve plant controller logic, and optimize testing and modeling.
This role is based full-time in our office in Bend, OR. Specific location details and expectations will be discussed during the interview process.

Position Responsibilities and Duties

• Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Controller Hardware-in-the-Loop (CHIL) development and execution within SOLV's Typhoon HIL ecosystem, owning standards, workflows, tooling, while influencing long-term technical direction.
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve automated CHIL test frameworks and scripts that benchmark controller performance against defined acceptance criteria, grid-code requirements, and internal quality standards.
• Support SCADA Engineers while they deploy site-specific single-line and system models within the CHIL environments to test power plant controller logic.
• Collaborate directly with EPC engineers and internal stakeholders to support plant controller development, troubleshooting, tuning, and validation across PV, BESS, and hybrid facilities.
• Contribute to, author, and maintain Power Plant controller Templates, shared libraries, and reusable logic modules across multiple programming environments and languages (e.g., Structured Text, Python, C-based languages).
• Work extensively within Visual Studio and GitHub environments to manage version control, branching strategies, peer reviews, and release workflows for controller logic and testing assets.
• Apply power system modeling tools (PSCAD, PSSE, TSAT, PSLF, UDMs) to connect grid studies, plant controls, and CHIL testing for real-world validation.
• Perform hands-on system wiring and lead end-to-end troubleshooting across hardware, networking, controls, and software layers.
• Configure, program, and support utility-scale power plant controllers, with demonstrated experience commissioning plant control systems for real-world grid-interactive operations, adhering to national and regional requirements such as IEEE-2800.
• Utilize and support SEL RTAC platforms, including structured text development, logic validation, and integration with broader SCADA and plant control architectures.
• Actively leverage AI-assisted tools (e.g., code generation, analysis, documentation support) in a safe, responsible, and governed manner to improve efficiency, quality, and innovation velocity.
• Operate effectively within ambiguously defined problem spaces, proactively defining requirements, exploring emerging technologies, and producing novel methods, tools, and discoveries that elevate team capabilities.
• Engage with industry partners, PPC stakeholders, vendors, and internal teams to gather insights, align on needs, and translate learnings into proactive technical solutions.
• Attend and contribute to industry conferences, trainings, and technical forums to stay current with evolving grid requirements, control methodologies, and simulation technologies.
• Promote a collaborative, team-first culture by approaching challenges with a solution-oriented mindset that emphasizes enablement over barriers.

Objectives and Goals to Measure Performance

• A robust, repeatable CHIL testing framework is established and consistently used to improve controller quality and field readiness.
• Controller defect detection, resolution time, and test coverage are measurably improved through automation and standardized benchmarks.
• Collaboration with EPC and internal teams results in reduced rework and improved commissioning outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to independently navigate ambiguity, define technical direction, and deliver high-impact solutions.
• The technical capability and maturity of the SCADA Innovation team are advanced through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and enablement.
• Responsible and effective use of AI-enabled tooling that measurably improves productivity, quality, or insight while maintaining safety, security, and compliance expectations.
• Professional growth is demonstrated through ongoing skill development and the application of training and industry learnings.

Minimum Skills or Experience Requirements

• Engineering degree in electrical, mechanical or energy engineering is preferred.
• 6-8 years of engineering experience (experience working within renewable energy including; industrial or utility scale PV solar, BESS or Wind desired). Direct experience in SCADA engineering.
• Advanced working knowledge of programming languages including but not limited to; C, C++, Java, Python, Structured Text (IEC61131-3).
• Advanced working knowledge of Inductive Automation's Ignition SCADA platform or other equivalent SCADA platform(s).
• Advanced working knowledge of Windows servers, relational databases, and SCADA applications.
• Advanced working knowledge of industry recognized PLC equipment including but not limited to Schweitzer Engineering RTAC Platform, Allen Bradley Control / CompactLogix platform, GE / Emerson RX3i, or similar "named variable" PLC environments.
• Advanced working knowledge of design, installation and commissioning of SCADA networks using; Fiber Optics, Serial RS-232 / RS-485, and Ethernet TCP/IP.
• Advanced working knowledge of industrial automation protocols including but not limited to; Modbus RTU/TCP, DNP3, OPC UA and DA.
• Advanced working knowledge reading and developing diagrams and schematics including but not limited to, power systems, networking and control, electrical, mechanical and civil layouts.
• Advanced working knowledge of power plant operating procedures and control system interaction with governing bodies such as: Regional Compliance Entities, Independent System Operators, Transmission Operators, and Generator Operators.
• Ability to work with sub-contractors and field personnel.
• Proficiency with various project management, scheduling, and task management tools.
• Excellent communication skills.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.

SOLV Energy Is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At SOLV Energy we celebrate the power of our differences. We are committed to building diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that improve our communities. SOLV Energy prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind against an employee or applicant based on race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, or ethnicity, mental or physical disability, veteran status, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Benefits

Employees (and their families) are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life and disability insurance. Employees can enroll in our company's 401(k) plan and are provided vacation, sick and holiday pay.

Compensation Range

$125,114.00 - $166,402.00

Pay Rate Type: Salary

SOLV Energy does not accept unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes from third-party recruiters or staffing agencies. We require all third-party recruiters to communicate exclusively with our internal talent acquisition team. SOLV Energy will not pay a placement fee to any third-party recruiter or agency that has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of our internal talent acquisition team.

In addition, candidate introductions or resumes can only be submitted to our internal talent acquisition recruiting team if a signed vendor agreement is already on file and the third-party recruiter or agency has received formal instructions from our internal talent acquisition team to submit candidates for a particular job posting.

Any unsolicited candidate introductions, referrals or resumes sent by third-party recruiters to SOLV Energy or directly to any of our employees, or received through our website or career portal, will be considered property of SOLV Energy and will not be eligible for a placement fee. In the event a third-party recruiter submits a resume or refers a candidate without a previously signed vendor agreement, SOLV Energy explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire the candidate(s) without financial liability to such third-party recruiter.

If you're interested in a meaningful career with a brighter future, join the SOLV Energy Team.