Power Electronics Control Engineer

Wärtsilä; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Vancouver is seeking a Power Electronics Control Engineer to develop dynamic models for Battery Energy Storage Systems and implement advanced control algorithms. The ideal candidate should possess an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Power Systems or Electrical Engineering and experience with inverter-based resources, MATLAB, and Python. This hybrid role allows collaboration across teams to drive innovative solutions for a sustainable future.

Benefits

Training activities and learning solutions

Opportunities for personal development

Diversity and inclusion initiatives

Qualifications

• Education in Power Systems or Electrical Engineering is essential.
• Experience with power electronics hardware including testing and troubleshooting circuits.
• Proficiency in Python and MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and validate models of battery storage systems.
• Conduct grid interconnection studies to ensure design compliance.
• Implement control algorithms in MATLAB/Simulink.

Skills

Modeling inverter-based resources

Proficient in Python

Strong programming skills in C/C++

Experience with HIL testing

Strong communication skills

Education

M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Power Systems or Electrical Engineering

Tools

MATLAB/Simulink

PSCAD

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

PSS/E

Job description

Power Electronics Control Engineer (Software Engineer3)

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians – put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä’s purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game‑changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and a more sustainable future that we can all be proud of.

We want to transition the world toward a decarbonised, sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future‑oriented talent – want to join the ride?

Role Summary / Purpose

In this hybrid role, you will work at the intersection of large‑scale power system modeling and detailed power electronics controls. You will develop dynamic models of inverter‑based Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and hybrid solar‑plus‑storage plants using tools like PSCAD, DIgSILENT, and PSS/E. You will conduct grid integration and stability studies under relevant standards to ensure robust performance.

Concurrently, you will design, simulate, and implement advanced control algorithms for power converters and inverters. This includes capturing control strategies in MATLAB/Simulink and translating them into optimized embedded code (C, Python, or similar) for real‑time controllers. The successful candidate will bridge high‑level system simulations with hands‑on implementation, working in Wärtsila’s ESB Global Power Systems Engineering team to advance our renewable energy optimisation products.

Essential Responsibilities

• Dynamic System Modeling: Develop and validate detailed time‑domain models of battery storage systems and hybrid PV–BESS configurations in tools like PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS/E. Use these models to simulate system behaviour under various operating conditions.
• Grid Code Compliance & Stability: Conduct grid interconnection studies to ensure designs meet standards (e.g., IEEE 1547, UL 1741, IEEE 2800). Perform stability and transient analyses on microgrids and utility‑scale systems to verify secure operation under disturbances.
• Power Electronics Modeling & Control: Create models of power electronic converters (multilevel, modular, etc.) and simulate their electrical dynamics. Develop and refine control strategies (e.g., vector control, grid synchronization, MPPT, protection schemes) for inverters and converters to meet performance and safety requirements.
• Controller Design & Implementation: Translate control concepts into working code. Implement control algorithms in MATLAB/Simulink and generate embedded C/Python code for microcontrollers or DSPs and optimise control software for reliability and efficiency.
• Embedded Systems Integration & HIL Testing: Integrate control software with real hardware platforms and perform Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) simulations using platforms such as Typhoon HIL or OPAL‑RT. Validate converter prototypes and battery systems in lab tests, troubleshoot hardware issues, and refine models based on experimental data.
• System‑Level Design & FMEA: Contribute to the overall power system architecture. Participate in design reviews and conduct Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) on system components and controls to identify potential failures and enhance reliability.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Work closely with adjacent teams (hardware, firmware, software, data science) to align modelling, control, and implementation efforts. Collaborate with hardware testing engineers to refine models and incorporate lab findings into system design.

Qualifications / Requirements

• Education: Pursuing or completed M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Power Systems, Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field. Strong grasp of core electrical engineering principles (circuit theory, control, electromagnetics) is essential.
• Modeling Experience: Hands‑on experience modelling inverter‑based resources and converter topologies (e.g., grid‑tied inverters, DC–DC and AC–DC converters). Familiarity with simulation tools such as PSCAD, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSS®E, or equivalent.
• Software Skills: Proficient in Python and MATLAB/Simulink for algorithm development and data analysis. Strong programming skills in C/C++ (for embedded control code) are required. Experience with Fortran or other scientific languages is a plus.
• Practical Skills: Demonstrated ability to work with power electronics hardware. Experience testing and troubleshooting circuits, and implementing embedded software on microcontrollers or FPGAs, is highly valued.
• Language: The candidate should be proficient in both English and Chinese, as the role involves regular communication with both local teams and international stakeholders.

Desired Skills

• Grid Codes & Standards: Familiarity with distributed energy interconnection standards (e.g., IEEE 1547, IEEE 2800 series, UL 1741) and anti‑islanding requirements for inverter‑based resources.
• Real‑Time Simulation (HIL): Experience with hardware‑in‑the‑loop testing tools (Typhoon HIL, OPAL‑RT, or similar) for validating power system controllers and battery systems.
• Embedded Code Generation: Proven ability to convert Simulink control models into optimised embedded C code (e.g., using MATLAB Embedded Coder) for deployment on digital controllers.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills to document modelling approaches and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, dynamic R&D setting.

Why You and Us

We have an amazing team and a clear purpose to exist. We are passionate about the work we do and hope to find a colleague with a shared passion for smart technologies and a sustainable future.

All our employees are encouraged to utilise the variety of training activities, learning solutions and self‑study materials that we have to offer which supports the opportunity to further develop your talents and competencies within a very global working environment, in an ambitious and growth oriented organisation.

Contact & Next Steps

Does this sound like the job for you? If yes, we hope to hear from you before the application 31st December 2025 by submitting your application through our careers portal. If you still have questions, please reach out to Tina Zheng, Talent Acquisition Partner ([e-mail]) with any questions related to this position. (only for questions from direct job applicants, applications through email will not be recorded or responded to)

Please apply by 31st December 2025 at 23:59 Chinese Standard Time. Our recruiting tool recognizes the time zone where the job ad has been published and closes the application period according to the same time zone.

Last application date: 31/12/2025

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job‑relevant merits and abilities.

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

Wärtsilä

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals in more than 230 locations in 77 countries shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.