Principal Controls Engineer

Fluence; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in energy solutions is looking for a Principal Controls Software Engineer in Arlington, VA. You will design and develop control software for energy storage systems and ensure robust performance while adhering to project timelines. The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's in related fields, has over 10 years in control software development, and is proficient in MathWorks Matlab/Simulink and Agile methodologies. The position requires travel up to 5%.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of control software development experience required.
• Master's degree in Power Systems, Power Electronics, or related fields preferred.
• Significant related work experience may substitute for formal education.

Responsibilities

• Design control software for energy storage system applications.
• Develop and integrate grid-scale battery systems.
• Document and manage work using JIRA and Confluence.

Skills

MathWorks Matlab/Simulink

Agile Scrum

Git

Power engineering

Control SW development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Electronics, or Controls Engineering

Master's in Power Systems or related fields (preferred)

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Linux shell scripting

Job description

Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit fluenceenergy.com.

Job Description

Role Overview

We are looking for a Principal Controls Software Engineer with a passion for software design and extensive experience with power engineering, MathWorks Matlab/Simulink, Agile Scrum using Jira, and Git. Our Control System is comprised of three main applications: Controls, UI, and the Data Acquisition System. You will report to the Senior Manager Control Application Software Development.

As a hands‑on member of the development team, you will also do the work of delivering a releasable Increment of product at the end of each Sprint.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the Principal controls SW developer designing Fluence’s energy storage system control SW for utility and grid applications.
• Develop FOS Controls, integrate grid‑scale battery and power conversion systems from industry‑leading manufacturers.
• Design, develop, build, and document FOS controls logic using MathWorks Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow and C.
• Support requisition engineering. Troubleshoot field issues and identify root causes.
• Focus on robustness, security, performance, scalability, and maintainability.
• Meet project timelines and budget.
• Track, manage, document, and report work using JIRA and Confluence.
• Foster a spirit of teamwork that allows for impersonal disagreement over ideas, conflict, and expeditious resolution.
• Understanding of grid codes, compliance, leading the team technically.

Required Qualifications And Experience

• Bachelor in the areas of Electrical, Electronics, or controls Engineering, Power Engineering related fields from an accredited university. Masters in Power system, Power electronics, Energy are preferable.
• Expertise in MathWorks Matlab/Simulink for model‑based systems engineering.
• Strong knowledge of power system market applications, power generation, and/or energy storage system controls.
• Experience in closed‑loop control algorithms.
• Expertise using the Agile development framework and Git workflow.
• Enthusiasm for getting things done, taking personal responsibility, adding value within a team setting, and ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Willing and able to travel, domestically and internationally, up to 5% of the time.

Additional Skills

• 10+ years of control SW development experience with Master degree
• MS or M.Tech in Power System, Power Electronics, Control systems, Software Engineering, from an accredited university.
• Significant related work experience will be considered in place of a master’s degree.
• Expertise in control SW verification and validation.
• Expertise in Simulink code generation and optimization.
• Experience in Linux shell script programming.
• Experience in CI/CD integration process and toolchain.
• Experience with Industrial Protocols: Modbus TCP, MQTT, DNP3, IEC 61850.
• Knowledge in HIL – Typhoon,OPAL are preferable.

Equal Opportunity Employer

At Fluence, we believe great teams are built on a collaborative and connected culture. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcome qualified applicants of all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

Work Authorization

To join our team, you’ll need to be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout your employment, without the need for employer sponsorship. Please note that Fluence does not sponsor work visas for this position.