Power Systems Modeling & Integration Engineer

What to Expect Heron Power is a startup company building cutting-edge power electronics for the 21st-century grid. We aim to debottleneck the growth of electricity generation and consumption with scalable, innovative, and less costly hardware solutions, accelerating the electrification of everything. Our first goal is to build better converters (inverters & rectifiers) to connect large-scale renewables, storage, and loads to the grid. Heron's leadership team is made up of seasoned veterans who have designed and shipped gigawatts of power conversion products over the past decade. We understand that no one individual knows everything. We will all learn a lot together and from each other. We strive to build a collaborative, enriching environment conducive to personal, technical, and career growth. You can expect to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, driven by first principles engineering, solving difficult problems. Job OverviewAs a system modeling and integration engineer, you will be responsible for developing and validating dynamic behavioral models of various power system components. This includes development and maintenance of official dynamic models for grid interconnection studies, as well as hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) systems used for system integration activities. You will also be responsible for integration of controls and software systems and validating their behaviors. How You Will ContributeEvaluate system-level requirements and translate to dynamic performance and controls specsRepresent Heron Power at industry events, advocate for grid-forming and grid-healing functionality, and highlight the merits of standardized open-source interoperable softwareStudy and analyze compliance requirements for grid-codes (IEEE2800, UL1741) and protection schemes (arc-fault, ground-fault, etc.)Review electrical schematics and suggest changes to ensure signal acquisition and the plant are well-designed to handle transients and edge-casesSpecify control functions required to improve the security and stability of the power system. Produce concise documentation of the behaviors, configuration, and component API required for proper operationBuild and maintain reference models for various system components such as power converters, site controls, and balance-of-system componentsPerform failure-mode & effects analysis (FMEA) to discover design weaknesses and devise mitigation strategiesCreate and execute dynamic stress-test plansBuild and maintain hardware-in-the-loop (HiL) setups to be used for integration, validation, and factory-acceptance testing of controlsAutomate system validation and creation of test-reports for efficient data reviewsMaintain RMS (PSS/E, PSLF) and EMT models (PSCAD, Powerfactory) required for grid-interconnection studiesCreate and maintain application notes & controls/software commissioning proceduresReview and analyze fleet data, and devise performance improvement and failure mitigation strategiesAs a startup, we expect individuals to engage and overlap with teams with adjacent skill-sets. Expect to overlap both Power Electronics Controls and Embedded Software Engineers. What You Will BringWe have a short list of must-have requirements. We prioritize a strong grip on first principles, hands-on skills, and a sense of initiative. Domain-specific knowledge and experience will help determine the career level for each hire. Must-Have Requirements Strong electrical power systems fundamentalsFamiliarity with simple inverter topologies and controlsUnderstanding of dynamic models and control systemsAbility to write and troubleshoot C-codeHands-on systems integration & troubleshooting experienceNice-to-HavesExperience with design and controls of grid-tied inverter systemsFamiliarity with grid-forming controlsFamiliarity with grid-code requirements such as IEEE1547, IEEE2800, UL1741, or equivalentFamiliarity with power system modeling, operation, and common protection techniquesExperience in a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) environmentExperience with PV conversion systems including maximum power point tracking (MPPT) and arc-fault detectionPower plant commissioning experience with batteries, microgrids, and/or utility-scale solarFamiliarity with SCADA systems, plant controls, and HMIsIf you are passionate about technology and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, we would love to hear from you. Join us in accelerating the electrification of everything at Heron Power. Heron Power provides competitive compensation (salary and equity) and benefits. The salary for this role ranges from $95,000 to $200,000 per year.