Senior System Controls Engineer

About us:

TAaKA Engineering is a Tokyo-based engineering consulting company that specializes in prime power, dispatchable power, gas, data centers, and commercial and industrial energy projects in the U.S. Our current portfolio predominantly consists of solar projects, but we are expanding our expertise to include microgrids and data center infrastructure. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, we aim to revolutionize the energy engineering landscape.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a talented Senior Systems Control Engineer to join our innovative team. The Microgrid Controls & Network Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing control systems for our power generation systems that integrate gas turbines, PV solar, BESS, and other technologies to meet the unique energy demands of large industrial facilities and data centers, ensuring optimal performance and reliability. This position requires a strong background in communications protocols, PLCs, networks, control theory, programming, and renewable energy technologies.

What you get to do:

• Project Execution and Management:

  • Lead the implementation of SCADA systems for microgrid projects, ensuring successful design, programming, and system configuration. Create detailed and simple documentation in Confluence.

  • Oversee project deliverables for controls and protection systems, managing system upgrades, enhancements, and troubleshooting during implementation.

  • Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget from design to O&M.

  • Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and ensure technical solutions meet project goals and client expectations.

• System Design & Configuration:

  • Design and implement control strategies for microgrid projects, including renewable integration and energy management optimization.

  • Configure and program SCADA software such as Ageto ARC, Tesla Opticaster, AlsoEnergy Powertrack, Ignition, Wonderware, WinCC to monitor and control microgrid assets.

  • Review diagrams for seamless integration of PLCs, computers, and network infrastructure based on CANBUS, MODBUS, TCP/IP based networks and more.

• Architect of System Monitoring & Asset Management:

  • Specify and implement novel monitoring and asset management solution: configuring SCADA systems to track and upload microgrid performance, battery state of charge, and energy output data to proprietary cloud with contractor support.

  • Automate event logging uploading to SSH or FTP server.

  • Perform system diagnostics and troubleshooting, ensuring optimal uptime and quick resolution of technical issues.

  • Develop asset management protocols, including predictive maintenance strategies to ensure long-term reliability of microgrid systems.

• Technical and Field Support:

  • Provide technical support to field personnel during the installation and commissioning phases, ensuring seamless system integration.

  • Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate system performance against project specifications.

  • Prepare technical documentation such as cable schedules, control enclosure layouts, and relay panel layouts for project execution.

• SCADA and Controls Upgrades:

  • Implement upgrades and enhancements to SCADA and control systems, staying ahead of technological advancements.

  • Use programming languages such as Python and C# to automate system functions and optimize control logic.

  • Manage database systems such as SQL or MySQL for SCADA data storage and reporting.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering/Computer Science, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in control systems engineering, preferably in the power generation or renewable energy industry.

• Strong knowledge of control theory, including feedback control, optimization, and system identification.

• Proficiency in programming languages such as MATLAB, Simulink, Python, or C/C++.

• Experience with SCADA systems, PLC programming, and industrial automation platforms.

• Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaics, and energy storage systems, fuel cells, CHP …etc. Microgrid experience preferred.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze complex technical issues.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and departments.

• Detail-oriented with a commitment to quality and continuous improvement.

• Language: English proficiency is a must.

• Language: Japanese is a nice to have.