Senior Power Systems Controls Engineer – Islanded Microgrid

TAR; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

TAR is building the world’s first off-grid power plant for data centers powered by renewable technologies in Austin, TX. As Senior Engineer, Power Systems Controls, you will develop and validate islanded EMT models (PSCAD), perform real-time Typhoon HIL testing, and verify control interactions between grid-forming devices and EMS.

You will work with OEMs and the MGC/EMS team to ensure protection, stability, and fast, reliable operation of a 24/7 data center load with no utility support.

Qualifications

• Hands-on PSCAD/EMTDC experience building plant-level models of inverter-based resources.
• Experience with real-time HIL testing, preferably Typhoon HIL.
• Understanding grid-forming versus grid-following inverter control and faults.
• Ability to read OEM control diagrams and validate EMT results against expected behavior.
• Proficiency in Python for automation and data analysis; MATLAB/Simulink is a plus.
• Strong eye for detail and ability to document test procedures and reports.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain PSCAD EMT model of islanded plant with BESS, PV, transformers, and data center load.
• Integrate OEM models, ensure numerical stability, and document gaps for OEMs.
• Run islanded EMT studies and validate protection, stability, and fault responses.
• Develop and execute Typhoon HIL tests; validate controller-HIL with EMS and OEM controllers.
• Automate study cases and post-process results with Python; ensure traceable results.
• Collaborate with controls, automation, protection engineers and vendors.

Skills

PSCAD/EMTDC

Typhoon HIL

Python

Grid-forming control

OEM model integration

Real-time HIL testing

MATLAB/Simulink

C/C++

Power systems analysis

Education

MSc in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Power Electronics, or Controls

PhD in Electrical Engineering with relevant experience

Tools

Typhoon HIL

PSCAD/EMTDC

Python

MATLAB/Simulink

PowerFactory / PSS/E / ETAP

Job description

TAR is building the world’s first off-grid power plant for data centers powered by renewable technologies in Austin, TX. As Senior Engineer, Power Systems Controls, you will develop and validate islanded EMT models (PSCAD), perform real-time Typhoon HIL testing, and verify control interactions between grid-forming devices and EMS.

You will work with OEMs and the MGC/EMS team to ensure protection, stability, and fast, reliable operation of a 24/7 data center load with no utility support.