Lead Engineer, Controls

Job Description

The Remote Monitoring & Diagnostics Center (RMDC) is Fluence's global operations hub, dedicated to ensuring the reliability and performance of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) worldwide. As RMDC expands, we are integrating advanced Controls Engineering expertise to support real-time operations, grid compliance, and troubleshooting.

Position Summary

The Controls Engineer will serve as a technical owner for global utility-scale BESS assets, providing remote diagnostics, controls logic analysis, and engineering support. This role involves collaborating with field engineers, clients, and internal teams to drive system performance and compliance.

Key Responsibilities / Tasks

• Act as the remote technical lead for controls-related troubleshooting across global BESS assets.
• Diagnose and resolve issues involving BMS, PCS/Inverters, HVAC, SCADA, servers, controls logic, and communication pathways.
• Support field engineers during commissioning, testing, and service activities with real-time controls expertise.
• Interface with clients, TSOs, subcontractors, and engineering teams for controls compliance and system performance.
• Develop, validate, and test controls applications for utility-scale energy storage systems.
• Create and execute standardized FAT/SAT procedures to improve commissioning quality and efficiency.
• Participate in lab testing and prototype evaluations for controls logic and algorithms.
• Collaborate on project-specific requirements for controls, grid integration, and system behaviors.
• Integrate Fluence BESS controls into TSO EMS systems, developing operating logic and control schemes.
• Maintain and update controls documentation (hardware lists, communication links, software versions, protocols, backup/recovery strategies).
• Ensure strict change management and documentation of all modifications.
• Stay current on Fluence controls technologies and global engineering updates.
• Analyze grid codes, ensure compliance, and support development/testing of grid-services algorithms (e.g., frequency response, voltage control).
• Provide detailed reporting and KPI-driven feedback for continuous improvement.
• Uphold world-class safety standards in all remote operations and engineering activities.

Technical Skills & System Proficiency

• Controls development, logic interpretation, and algorithm testing.
• Matlab/Simulink experience
• Familiarity with Git and Github
• Prudence model and industrial control systems.
• OPC-UA servers (Ignition).
• Extensive knowledge in the electricity transmission/distribution sector and EMS systems: Grid code and requirements analysis, development and testing of algorithms for Grid services applications.
• Extensive knowledge in SCADA protocols: IEC60870-5-101/103/104, IEC 61850 MMS, DNP3, Modbus & TCP/IP, PLC, Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), SEL Real Time Automation Controller (RTAC), SEL Relays & Meters, Siemens Relays & Meters & SCADA Gateways & Data Concentrators.
• ISO 2700 and associated standards, NIS II and other country or regional cyber security standards
• FAT/SAT procedures, validation cycles, and prototype evaluations.
• Electrical & power systems: inverters, transformers, I/O racks, telecom systems, high-voltage equipment.
• Utility-scale grid services: frequency response, reserve functionality, ramp/active/reactive control, TSO behaviors.
• Systems & software: Linux/Ubuntu, Python, shell/bash scripting, GitHub workflows, Cisco/industrial networking fundamentals.

Qualification

• Bachelor's / Master's degree in computer / industrial engineering with focus on automation and controls (or equivalent).
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant Controls/Software/programming experience with a power utility or related industry and the design, operation and maintenance of a power plant.
• Solution-orientated mindset
• Good communication skills
• Fluency in English
• German / other language skills desired- Hands-on experience with controls logic, SCADA protocols, utility grid codes, and HV equipment.
• Experience with commissioning, FAT/SAT, or system testing.

Skills & Attributes

• Expert troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Strong communication and documentation discipline.
• Ability to interpret diagrams, logic flows, communication maps, and system architectures.
• Efficient in high-pressure operational environments.
• Willingness to work in rotational shifts and occasionally support field engineers.
• Strong teamwork and global collaboration skills.
• Completion of Fluence safety training (as applicable).

Why Join RMDC as a Controls Engineer?

• Direct impact on global BESS performance and stability.
• Unique blend of operations, engineering, and grid services work.
• Opportunities for growth into senior technical or global engineering roles.
• Work with cutting-edge energy storage technology supporting the clean-energy transition.

Our Culture

At Fluence, our culture is the foundation that drives our ambitious growth strategy and fuels our mission to transform the future of energy. Our core cultural pillars empower us to innovate, collaborate, and lead with purpose, ensuring we continue to deliver unparalleled value to our customers and the world.

Unleash Voices

We believe every voice matters. We encourage openness, active listening, and decisive action to create a culture where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our success. We foster an environment where diverse perspectives are heard and valued, driving innovation and progress.

Customer Fluent

Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We're committed to delivering exceptional value that exceeds expectations by understanding our customers' needs and adapting swiftly to meet them. Our deep focus on customer satisfaction drives us to continuously improve and innovate.

Infinite Impact

We are committed to creating the impossible. We push boundaries to deliver sustainable, game-changing solutions that shape a brighter, more energy-efficient future for all. Our team is passionate about making a lasting impact that will resonate for generations to come.

All In

We are all in for growth. Our teams are relentlessly focused on identifying and seizing opportunities that propel us forward. We embrace an ownership mindset, pushing ourselves and each other to accelerate progress and create lasting success.