Staff Software & Controls Engineer

Role Summary

The Senior Software & Controls Engineer is a recognized subject matter expert responsible for the architecture, design, development, and technical leadership of control software and automation systems across ON.energy’s energy storage and power infrastructure portfolio. This role manages large, multi-site projects and processes with limited oversight from engineering leadership, sets control strategy and software standards for the broader engineering organization, and coaches, reviews, and delegates work to junior and mid-level engineers. The role owns resolution of the most difficult and often complex control, integration, and field-performance problems, and serves as the primary technical authority interfacing with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders on high-stakes engagements.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as subject matter expert (SME) for control software architecture and control strategy across large-scale BESS and power infrastructure projects, operating with limited oversight from engineering leadership.
• Lead system architecture discussions; define and own control strategy standards, functional specification templates, and design frameworks used across the engineering organization.
• Architect, develop, and maintain PLC, HMI, and embedded/control software platforms; establish reusable code libraries, design patterns, and coding standards for the broader team.
• Own configuration, integration, and lifecycle management of Ignition SCADA systems across the project portfolio, including HMI development standards and data architecture.
• Set and enforce software documentation, version control, and CI/CD practices across the engineering team; drive continuous improvement of automation scripts, testing tools, and simulation environments.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with electrical, mechanical, firmware, and field service teams on complex, ambiguous integration challenges.
• Lead selection, evaluation, and qualification of control hardware and vendors (controllers, relays, meters, network devices); own vendor relationships and technical negotiations.
• Plan, lead, and sign off on Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs) for large or complex projects; mentor junior engineers in test execution.
• Serve as the escalation point for the most complex control logic, real-time execution, and PLC/SCADA issues; lead root-cause analysis and resolution for critical field and operational incidents, remotely and on-site.
• Own and drive cybersecurity compliance strategy for control systems, ensuring adherence to UL, IEEE, NFPA, and other applicable standards across the project portfolio.
• Provide senior technical oversight during installation, commissioning, and field deployment for major projects.
• Coach, review, and delegate work to junior and mid-level Software & Controls Engineers; support technical skill development and career growth.
• Act as primary technical point of contact for clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders on the most complex engagements; lead technical documentation, training, and knowledge-transfer efforts.
• Manage large projects and processes with limited oversight from management, ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery of control software deliverables.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Software Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred), or equivalent advanced experience.
• 8–12 years of progressive experience developing PLC, HMI, and control software for industrial or energy systems, including experience leading complex projects.
• Demonstrated experience coaching, mentoring, and reviewing the work of junior/mid-level engineers.
• Expert-level object-oriented programming skills (e.g., C++, C#, Python, or similar).
• Advanced, hands-on expertise with Siemens PLC programming (TIA Portal) across multiple large-scale deployments.
• Deep expertise with Ignition SCADA, including advanced HMI development, system architecture, and integration at scale.
• Strong command of control algorithms, real-time systems, and industrial automation concepts, with the ability to define standards and best practices.
• Expert knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC UA, Profinet) and system integration architecture.
• Proven track record establishing version control, CI/CD, and structured software development practices across a team.
• Demonstrated ability to independently diagnose and resolve highly complex control system issues, both remotely and on-site.
• Experience leading FAT/SAT programs and signing off on acceptance criteria for large or complex projects.
• Strong communication and leadership skills; experience interfacing directly with senior stakeholders and clients.
• Willingness to travel extensively for commissioning, field deployments, and client engagements, including travel to the United States.