Hardware & Network Engineer - Power Systems (m/w/d)

Job Description

Nextracker's Control Systems Engineering team designs and delivers advanced control and communication solutions that optimize the performance of utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid power plants.

We are seeking a Hardware & Network Engineer to design, configure, and validate plant-level control systems that ensure reliable, secure, and standards-compliant operation of renewable generation assets.

In this role, you will lead the hardware and network design for these control systems, selecting appropriate controller platforms (PLC or IPC), developing detailed electrical and communication schematics, and ensuring robust system integration. You will collaborate closely with firmware, SCADA, and commissioning teams to deliver fully validated control panels ready for field deployment.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong technical expertise in control hardware design and industrial networking, capable of bridging the gap between electrical design, automation, and cybersecurity. You thrive in collaborative environments, demonstrate excellent problem-solving skills, and are comfortable working in multidisciplinary teams delivering high-reliability solutions for renewable energy projects.

Key Job Responsibilities

Hardware Design

• Define and document controller hardware architecture (PLC or IPC), including CPU selection, I/O modules, power supplies, and redundancy configurations.
• Design electrical schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams using AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN.
• Generate I/O lists, instrumentation diagrams, and field interface wiring for sensors, breakers, inverters, meters, and RTUs.
• Specify and validate industrial enclosures, power supplies, and terminal blocks in compliance with UL 508A and NEC standards.
• Coordinate Factory and Site Acceptance Tests (FAT/SAT) with vendors, EPCs, and clients.

Network and Communication Design

• Develop plant-level network topologies including control, SCADA, and utility communication layers.
• Configure managed switches, routers, and firewalls (e.g., Cisco, Moxa, Hirschmann, Siemens Scalance).
• Implement redundant Ethernet networks (RSTP, PRP, or HSR) and define IP addressing and VLAN schemes.
• Define cybersecurity zones and ensure compliance with IEC 62443 and NERC CIP guidelines.
• Support time synchronization (NTP/PTP) and network diagnostic testing.

Integration & Commissioning Support

• Collaborate with firmware and SCADA teams to map signals, tags, and commands between controllers and field devices.
• Support Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) and simulation testing using RTDS, OPAL-RT.
• Participate in on-site commissioning and network validation for renewable generation facilities.
• Review vendor-provided network and control documentation, including logical/physical network diagrams, VLAN configurations, and VPN setup.

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Controls/Automation Engineering, or Power Systems Engineering.
• Experience: 5-10 years in power plant control system design for solar, storage, or hybrid facilities.
• Proven experience with PLC/IPC-based control architecture, industrial networking, and SCADA integration.
• Knowledge of utility interconnection standards and grid code compliance (IEEE 1547, UL 1741 SA, IEC 61850).
• Familiarity with industrial network redundancy, cybersecurity best practices, and remote access (VPN) setup.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Electrical or EPLAN, and experience generating detailed control panel documentation.
• Languages: Proficiency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Master's degree in electrical engineering, Controls/Automation, or Power Systems Engineering.

• Experience with renewable energy control systems and grid-connected automation panels.

• Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting managed switches and firewalls in industrial environments.

• Languages: Proficiency in English.

• Familiarity with RTDS, OPAL-RT, or MATLAB/Simulink for control system validation.

• Understanding of commissioning procedures for control panels, including FAT/SAT execution.

• Experience with redundant control architectures and industrial VPN solutions.

Why Join Nextracker?

🚀 Innovative Environment

Be part of a team at the forefront of revolutionizing solar energy technology. Collaborate with experts passionate about driving clean and sustainable solutions to power the world.

📈 Professional Growth

At Nextracker, we encourage continuous learning and provide opportunities for professional development. Take on challenges, expand your skill set, and advance your career alongside accomplished professionals.

🤝 Collaborative Culture

We believe in the power of teamwork. Share your ideas, engage in cross-functional collaborations, and contribute to a culture that values diversity and inclusiveness.

🎯Impactful Work

Join us in making a real impact on the planet by accelerating the adoption of renewable energy. Your contributions will play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future.

At Nextracker, we are leading in energy transition, providing the most comprehensive portfolio of intelligent solar trackers and software solutions for solar power plants, as well as strategic services to capture the full value of solar power plants for our customers. Our talented worldwide teams are transforming PV plant performance every day with smart technology, data monitoring and analysis services.

For us at Nextracker, sustainability is not just a word. It's a core part of our business, values and our operations. Our sustainability efforts are based on five cornerstones: People, Community, Environment, Innovation, and Integrity. We are creative, collaborative and passionate problem-solvers from diverse backgrounds, driven by our shared mission to provide smart solar and software solutions for our customers and to mitigate climate change for future generations.

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we're building the foundation for the world's next generation of clean energy infrastructure.