Principal Controls Engineer

Fluence; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy technology company based in Houston is seeking a Principal Controls Software Engineer to design and develop software for energy storage systems primarily for utility and grid applications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with MathWorks Matlab/Simulink and a strong background in power engineering. This role requires collaboration within a development team to deliver high-quality software solutions while adhering to project timelines. Applicants should hold relevant degrees and have substantial experience in control software development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Controls Engineering required.
• Master's preferred in Power Systems, Power Electronics.
• 12+ years of control SW development experience with Bachelor's.
• 10+ years of experience with Master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Design controls SW for utility and grid applications.
• Develop and integrate battery and power conversion systems.
• Document controls logic using Matlab/Simulink.
• Manage and report work using JIRA and Confluence.

Skills

MathWorks Matlab/Simulink

Agile Scrum

Git

Control SW development

Power system applications

Education

Bachelor in Electrical, Electronics, or Controls Engineering

Master in Power System, Power Electronics

Tools

JIRA

Confluence

Linux

Job description

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.

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 preferrable.
• 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

• 12+ years of control SW development experience with Bachelor degree.
• 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.