Principal Controls Engineer (PLC/SCADA – Renewables)- Remote

Location: Remote (U.S.) with Travel to Juno Beach, FL
Duration: Contract (11+ Months)
Schedule: Monday–Friday (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Travel: Up to 25% (Project sites + Juno Beach, FL)
Driving Required: Yes

Overview

Our client, a leading energy infrastructure and renewable energy developer, is seeking a Lead Controls & SCADA Engineer to support utility-scale energy projects across solar, BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems), and power generation assets.

This is a high-impact, remote role with periodic travel, where you will serve as the technical lead for controls systems, PLC programming, and SCADA integration. You will play a critical role in ensuring system performance, grid compliance, and successful commissioning of large-scale energy projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of PLC and SCADA systems for utility-scale energy projects
• Act as the technical authority for controls engineering, system integration, and commissioning
• Develop and support:
  • PLC programming (Schneider Electric preferred)
  • SCADA systems (Ignition platform)
  • HMI development and validation
  • Industrial protocols (Modbus, DNP3)
• Oversee integration across:
  • Inverters
  • BESS systems
  • Substations
  • Grid control and monitoring systems
• Ensure compliance with:
  • PPA, LGIA, and OEM testing requirements
  • Utility and interconnection standards
• Lead and support:
  • FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing)
  • SAT (Site Acceptance Testing)
  • Commissioning and system validation
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex system and integration issues
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, SCADA, construction, and operations
• Provide oversight to vendors, contractors, and third-party integrators
• Support documentation, reporting, and adherence to engineering standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 11–15+ years of experience in PLC programming and industrial control systems
• Strong experience with Schneider Electric PLC platforms
• Deep knowledge of:
  • SCADA systems (Ignition preferred)
  • HMI development
  • Industrial communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3)
• Strong understanding of:
  • Power systems and grid integration
  • Utility-scale renewable energy projects
• Experience with:
  • FAT/SAT testing
  • Commissioning processes
  • System integration
• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and inverter technologies
• Familiarity with NERC CIP cybersecurity standards
• Experience working with interconnection processes and utility requirements
• Proven leadership experience on large-scale energy projects