Sr Engineer – Controls & Systems Integration Energy Storage

Frontier Power USA; North Carolina; On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Frontier Power USA is seeking an Engineering Lead to own the architecture, controls, and integration of utility-scale BESS. You will develop an OEM-agnostic platform that unifies batteries, PCS, MV equipment, protection, EMS, and SCADA through a common controls and data architecture.

Lead projects from requirements through commissioning and handoff. The role requires deep power systems expertise, hands-on engineering leadership, and the ability to drive cross-vendor collaboration, testing, and

Qualifications

• Own BESS architecture from battery DC blocks through MV interconnection.
• Define OEM-agnostic integration and controls platform.
• Translate grid requirements into power, energy, controls, and performance specs.
• Travel ~20% to supplier and project sites.
• Lead projects from architecture through commissioning and testing.

Responsibilities

• Own BESS architecture across batteries, PCS, EMS, and protection.
• Lead design reviews, FAT, SAT, commissioning, and cross-vendor issue resolution.
• Define interface specifications, sequences of operation, and alarm philosophy.
• Support safety and code compliance (NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A).
• Build reusable standards and test libraries for multi-OEM deployments.

Skills

Power systems engineering

OEM integration

Grid-forming/grid-following controls

Leadership

Project execution

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical/controls/computer engineering

Tools

PSCAD

EMT modeling tools

Job description

Frontier Power USA is seeking a hands-on Engineering Lead to own the architecture, controls, and integration of utility-scale battery energy storage systems. You will develop an OEM-agnostic platform that integrates batteries, PCS, medium-voltage equipment, protection, EMS, and SCADA through a common controls and data architecture. This role leads projects from requirements and sizing through testing, commissioning, and operational handoff.

What You Will Do

• Own BESS architecture from battery DC blocks through the medium-voltage point of interconnection.
• Define an OEM-agnostic integration and controls platform across BMS, PCS, plant controller, EMS, SCADA, protection, and communications.
• Translate project duty cycles, grid requirements, and operating objectives into power, energy, controls, and performance requirements.
• Define grid-following and grid-forming strategies, including ride-through, islanding, black start, voltage and frequency response, and coordination with other generation.
• Lead supplier requirements, design reviews, FAT, SAT, commissioning, performance testing, and resolution of cross-vendor issues.
• Own controls documentation, interface specifications, sequences of operation, alarm philosophy, cybersecurity requirements, and validation plans.
• Support safety and code compliance, including NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A, emergency shutdown, hazard mitigation, and AHJ coordination.
• Build reusable standards, test libraries, and engineering practices for consistent deployment across multiple OEM combinations.

What We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, controls engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
• Eight or more years in power systems engineering, including at least four years with utility-scale or large commercial and industrial BESS.
• Strong knowledge of battery systems, PCS/inverters, medium-voltage equipment, protection, EMS, SCADA, plant controls, and industrial communications.
• Experience integrating equipment from multiple OEMs and leading projects from architecture through commissioning.
• Understanding of grid-forming and grid-following controls, duty-cycle-based sizing, ride-through, islanding, and inverter-based resource behavior.
• Hands-on experience with design reviews, FAT, SAT, commissioning, troubleshooting, and cross-vendor issue resolution.
• Ability to travel approximately 20% to supplier and project sites.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of NFPA 855, UL 9540/9540A, IEEE 1547, IEEE 2800, and utility interconnection requirements.
• Experience with PSCAD or other power-system and EMT modeling tools.
• Experience with SIL, HIL, microgrids, weak grids, grid-forming inverters, or large BESS fleets.
• Experience building an engineering team or standardizing a multi-OEM controls platform.

Why Join Frontier Power USA

This is an early technical leadership role with direct influence over Frontier Power USA’s BESS architecture, OEM-agnostic controls platform, supplier strategy, engineering standards, and growing team. The right candidate can set direction while remaining hands-on in design, controls, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning.

• Frontier Power USA is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications.
• Please note: Frontier Power USA does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach from third-party recruiters or agencies.