About the position
The Control Systems/Embedded Software Engineer will be a key member of the development team for multilevel converter technologies, such as Static Synchronous Compensators (STATCOMs), for applications in renewable energy and grid infrastructure focusing on the design and implementation of advanced control strategies to enhance grid stability, voltage regulation, power quality, and reactive power management. This role involves developing sophisticated algorithms, performing simulations to evaluate system dynamics and fault scenarios, and collaborating with power electronics and hardware teams to integrate controls into high-voltage FACTS devices. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, expertise in control theory, and a passion for innovating solutions that support renewable energy integration and power system reliability in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement control algorithms for voltage regulation, reactive power compensation, power quality, and system stability in multilevel converter STATCOMs, utilizing techniques such as PI controllers, model predictive control (MPC), or adaptive control methods.
- Validate control performance under various grid conditions using software tools like MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD/EMTDC, or OPAL-RT, simulating dynamic responses, transient behaviors, and fault handling.
- Analyze system-level interactions between control strategies and multilevel converter topologies (e.g., modular multilevel converters or cascaded H-bridge), optimizing for reduced oscillations, improved response time, and harmonic mitigation.
- Collaborate with power electronics engineers, firmware developers, and test teams to integrate control software into prototypes, ensuring seamless hardware-software compatibility and real-time operation.
- Collaborate with power electronics and other control systems engineers to translate hardware requirements into firmware, supporting integration testing and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations.
- Conduct stability analysis, including small-signal modeling and eigenvalue assessments, to ensure robust performance during disturbances like faults or load changes.
- Design and tune protection mechanisms, such as overvoltage/undervoltage detection and fault ride-through capabilities, to comply with grid codes and standards (e.g., IEEE 519 for harmonics).
- Perform root cause analysis on simulation discrepancies or control failures, iterating designs to enhance reliability and efficiency.
- Prepare technical documentation, including control flow diagrams, simulation reports, and performance metrics, for internal reviews and regulatory submissions.
- Manage hardware component obsolescence issues of existing control platforms.
- Program microcontrollers and DSPs to implement real-time control algorithms, system monitoring, and data processing for multilevel converter STATCOM operations.
- Develop and integrate communication protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, or Ethernet-based standards to facilitate seamless interaction with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and grid interfaces.
- Design and optimize embedded software for low-latency execution, resource efficiency, and robustness in high-power environments, using languages like C/C++ or assembly.
- Conduct code reviews, debugging, and performance profiling to identify and resolve issues in real-time control loops and interrupt handling.
- Develop and maintain software documentation, including code comments, architecture diagrams, and user manuals.
- Support internal audits and enforce adherence to documented policies and procedures to uphold quality of designs.
- Stay current with advancements in control technologies for power system, embedded technologies, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and cybersecurity practices for power system applications.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field.
- At least 5 years of professional experience in control systems design, preferably in power electronic converter control.
- Proven expertise in developing control algorithms for voltage and reactive power management, with hands-on experience in PI controllers, MPC, or similar methods.
- Proven expertise in programming microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M) and DSPs (e.g., TMS320 series) for real-time applications.
- Strong proficiency in simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, or equivalent for modeling dynamic systems and fault scenarios.
- Solid understanding of power system dynamics, stability analysis, and multilevel converter operations in high-voltage environments.
- Solid understanding of real-time control principles, interrupt service routines, and hardware-software interfacing in high-voltage systems.
- Experience with real-time control implementation, including DSPs or microcontrollers, and knowledge of communication protocols like DNP3.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
- Familiarity with debugging tools (e.g., JTAG, oscilloscopes) and version control systems (e.g., Git).
- Strong communication skills for technical documentation and team collaboration.
Nice-to-haves
- Master's or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Control Systems or Power Systems.
- 7+ years of experience, including work on multilevel converter-based systems or grid-connected inverters in renewable energy applications.
- Familiarity with advanced simulation environments (e.g., hardware-in-the-loop testing) and optimization techniques for control parameters.
- Experience with embedded programming in C/C++ for control firmware development.
- Knowledge of machine learning applications in predictive control or fault detection for power systems.
- Advanced knowledge of cybersecurity for embedded devices, such as secure boot and encryption, in compliance with standards like IEC 62443.
- Experience with model-based design tools (e.g., MATLAB/Simulink Embedded Coder) for automatic code generation and HIL testing.
