Microgrid Controls Engineer, Energy Storage San Francisco, California, United States

Redwood Materials, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 145,200 - 196,800; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy storage company in California is seeking a Power Systems Engineer to design and validate controller functions for cutting-edge battery energy storage systems. The ideal candidate will have an MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering and expertise in control theory, MATLAB/Simulink, and programming in Python, C, or C++. The role offers a competitive salary range of $145,200 - $196,800 based on experience, along with full-time employment and opportunities in an innovative work environment.

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in PID tuning, state-space modeling, and frequency-domain analysis.
• Expert proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for control algorithm development.
• Experience with inverter-based resource modeling and grid stability concepts.

Responsibilities

• Translate power system requirements into controller specifications.
• Design and validate plant controller functions for storage systems.
• Develop automation tools for interconnection studies using Python or C.

Skills

Classical and modern control theory

MATLAB/Simulink

Python programming

C programming

C++ programming

Education

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSCAD

PSSE

CHIL environments (RTDS, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL)

Job description

About Redwood Materials

Redwood is localizing a global battery supply chain that seamlessly integrates recovery, reuse, and recycling—keeping critical minerals in circulation and driving the energy transition. Founded in 2019, we’re delivering low-cost and large-scale energy storage and producing battery materials in the U.S. for the first time, all from batteries we already have.

Role: Power Systems Engineer, Energy Storage

Responsibilities:

• Work with the product and controls design teams to translate power system requirements into site controller and inverter controller specifications, influencing 6 system and plant-level control architecture.
• Design, develop, and validate plant controller functions for battery energy storage systems including voltage regulation, frequency regulation, P–f and Q–V droop control, active/reactive power control loops, and fast frequency response.
• Ensure control algorithms meet utility, ISO, and IEEE requirements including ERCOT interconnection specifications and IEEE 2800 compliance.
• Build and strengthen in-house modeling capabilities for Redwood Energy’s products in PSCAD and PSSE, including model validation against field and controller‑hardware‑in‑the‑loop behaviors.
• Set up and execute CHIL testing on platforms such as RTDS, OPAL‑RT, or Typhoon HIL to validate inverter and site controller performance under grid disturbance and fault scenarios.
• Develop automation tools for PSCAD and PSSE for interconnection studies using Python, C, or C++.

Desired Qualifications:

• MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with specialization in power systems and control systems (PhD preferred).
• Strong foundation in classical and modern control theory including PID tuning, state‑space modeling, small‑signal stability analysis, and frequency‑domain analysis (Bode plots).
• Expert proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink for control algorithm development and testing.
• Experience developing and validating user‑defined inverter or plant controller models in PSCAD and/or PSSE.
• Hands‑on experience with inverter‑based resource modeling including grid‑forming and grid‑following control, PLL design, virtual inertia, and droop‑based power control.
• Solid understanding of synchronous machine dynamics, excitation and governor systems, and system‑level stability concepts (frequency stability, voltage stability, weak grid operation).
• Experience with real‑time simulation and CHIL environments (RTDS, OPAL‑RT, Typhoon HIL) is strongly preferred.
• Programming experience in Python, C, or C++ for model automation, controls integration, or testing workflows.
• Experience performing or supporting transmission‑level engineering studies such as transient stability, protection coordination, harmonics, and insulation coordination is a plus.
• Familiarity working with utilities, ISOs, or renewable project developers is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistently and safely in accordance with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards.

Working Conditions:

• Environment, such as office or outdoors.
• Ability to work in challenging working conditions which may include exposure to noise, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes, while protected by PPE, for extended periods of time.
• Essential physical requirements, such as climbing, standing, stooping, or typing.
• Occasional work weekends, nights, or be on‑call as a regular part of the job.

In accordance with California pay transparency laws, the salary range for this position is listed below. Actual compensation may vary based on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and skills.

$145,200 - $196,800 USD

The position is full‑time. Compensation will be commensurate with experience.

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