Power Systems HIL Engineer

Merit Controls; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Merit Controls is seeking a Power Systems Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Engineer to develop and validate control solutions for utility-scale renewable energy projects. You will design HIL simulations, automate testing, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure PPC performance and reliability.

Ideal candidates have 2–5 years in electrical power systems, experience with PSCAD/PSS/E/ PSLF, and a strong drive to advance renewable energy technologies.

Qualifications

• Bachelors in Electrical Engineering required.
• Master's in Electrical Engineering with emphasis in Power/Control preferred.
• Experience with HIL testing, power system modeling, or renewables is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain and improve HIL platform for PPC and plant control system testing.
• Design, execute and automate HIL test cases and validation procedures.
• Develop and maintain automated testing frameworks and test scripts.

Skills

Power systems

Problem solving

Communication (written)

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

PSCAD

Siemens PSS/E

GE PSLF

Job description

Merit Controls is seeking a Power Systems Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Engineer to help develop and validate advanced control solutions for utility-scale renewable energy projects. In this role, you'll design HIL simulations, automate testing, and collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure the performance and reliability of our Plant Power Controller (PPC) and related control systems. If you're passionate about power systems, controls, and renewable energy, this is an opportunity to make a direct impact on innovative technologies shaping the future of the energy industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and continuously improve Merit Controls's Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) platform used to verify the performance of Plant Power Controller (PPC) and plant control system applications.
• Design, execute, and automate HIL test cases to verify PPC functionality, control algorithms, communications, and project-specific operational requirements.
• Develop and maintain automated testing frameworks, scripting tools, repeatability, regression testing, and documentation.
• Develop reusable HIL test scenarios, validation procedures, and simulation assets that integrate with Merit Controls's automated testing framework.
• Configure, maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize HIL hardware, simulation models, communication interfaces, and laboratory test equipment.
• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and customer demonstrations using the HIL platform to validate system performance and resolve technical issues.
• Maintain accurate documentation of HIL models, test procedures, automated test scripts, validation results, and engineering reports.

Power System Modeling & Analysis

• Develop and validate PSCAD, PSS®E, and GE PSLF power system models to support HIL testing, project execution, and generator interconnection studies.
• Perform power system studies including load flow, dynamic stability, reactive power, short circuit, and voltage analysis.
• Assist in evaluating utility interconnection requirements, transmission studies, and applicable grid codes to support renewable energy project development.
• Analyze HIL test results, identify root causes of control system issues, and collaborate with Controls, Applications Engineering, and Product Development teams to implement corrective actions and continuous product improvements.
• Support the development, testing, and implementation of SCADA, PPC, communication, and network solutions for utility-scale renewable energy facilities.
• Participate in control system architecture development, product standardization initiatives, and continuous improvement activities.
• Partner with Systems Enablement to integrate HIL validation into automated build, test, and release workflows.

Customer & Project Support

• Collaborate with customers, utilities, EPCs, consultants, and internal engineering teams to define project requirements, resolve technical issues, and support successful project execution.
• Assist with technical evaluations related to NERC, FERC, ISO, utility interconnection requirements, and customer-specific compliance requirements.

Professional Development & Industry Knowledge

• Stay current on emerging renewable energy technologies, inverter-based resource (IBR) controls, grid integration requirements, and advancements in HIL simulation platforms.

Position Requirements

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is required.
• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with an emphasis in Power Systems, Power Electronics, Control Systems, or Renewable Energy Systems is preferred.
• Coursework or graduate research involving one or more of the following is highly desirable: Electrical Power Systems, Power System Protection, Power Electronics, Renewable Energy Systems, Control Systems, Real-Time Simulation, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Testing, Power System Modeling and Simulation.

Experience

• 2–5 years of professional experience in electrical power systems, controls engineering, renewable energy, or a related engineering field.
• Experience with utility-scale solar PV, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), hybrid renewable energy plants, or inverter-based resources (IBR) is preferred.
• Experience developing or supporting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulations, power system models, or control system validation is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience with power system modeling and analysis tools such as PSCAD, Siemens PSS®E, or GE PSLF is preferred.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings, transmission studies, utility interconnection requirements, and technical specifications.
• Graduate research, internships, or thesis work involving power systems, HIL simulation, control systems, or renewable energy technologies may be considered toward professional experience.

Engineering & Analytical Skills

• Ability to interpret electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, control narratives, engineering reports, and technical specifications.
• Ability to evaluate utility interconnection requirements, transmission studies, and applicable industry standards.
• Knowledge of NERC, FERC, ISO/RTO, and utility interconnection requirements is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to balance technical, schedule, and customer requirements.
• Ability to organize and manage multiple engineering activities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with customers, utilities, consultants, and cross-functional engineering teams.
• Ability to prepare clear technical reports, test procedures, validation documentation, and engineering presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across Controls Engineering, Applications Engineering, Product Development, and Project Management teams.

Professional Attributes

• Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Continuous learner with an interest in renewable energy technologies, power system controls, and emerging industry standards.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative engineering environment.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% to support customer projects, testing activities, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).

Behavioral

• Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative team environment and start-up atmosphere.
• Enthusiasm for taking on new and challenging tasks.
• Strong interest in renewable energy, energy storage and their applications.
• Excellent analytical, quantitative, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, collaborative working environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and self-starter.
• Sense of humor and ability to build positive relationships.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Sitting/Standing/Flexibility: Ability to stand and sit for 8 or more hours when in an office environment.
• Speech/Reading: Ability to speak, read, and write English proficiently and deliver a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
• Vision/Hearing: Ability to understand a variety of instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
• Safety: Ability to understand and communicate safety precautions when necessary.

Note: The above job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned based on evolving business needs.