Application Guide

How to Apply for Head of Microgrid Controls

at BoxPower Inc.

🏢 About BoxPower Inc.

BoxPower is a mission-driven startup revolutionizing remote energy with modular microgrids that replace diesel generators. You'll work on cutting-edge controls architecture while building a team from the ground up, with the autonomy to shape both the product and the engineering culture.

About This Role

As Head of Microgrid Controls, you'll own the entire controls platform—from PLC/RTAC programming to AI integration—and lead a team over 12-18 months. Your work directly enables clean, reliable power for off-grid sites, making a tangible environmental impact.

💡 A Day in the Life

Mornings might involve reviewing field data from commissioned microgrids, then coding a new feature for the PLC logic. Afternoons could include interviewing a senior controls engineer candidate, followed by a cross-functional meeting with hardware and software teams to align on the next product release.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who BoxPower Inc. Is Looking For

  • A controls architect who has designed and owned a microgrid/DER controls platform from scratch, not just maintained existing systems.
  • Deeply experienced with SEL RTAC programming and protocols like Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850, with hands-on field commissioning.
  • A builder who thrives in a startup environment—willing to write code today and hire a team tomorrow, with proven mentorship experience.
  • Excited about integrating AI into controls workflows (e.g., simulation, optimization) and has some exposure to data science or ML.

📝 Tips for Applying to BoxPower Inc.

1

Highlight specific microgrid projects where you owned the controls architecture, including the PLC platform, communication protocols, and DER integration.

2

Showcase your startup experience: mention times you built processes, hired engineers, or worked in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment.

3

Demonstrate hands-on commissioning experience—describe a challenging field deployment and how you resolved issues on-site.

4

Address AI integration explicitly: even if you haven't done it, propose a concrete idea (e.g., using ML for load forecasting in the controls loop).

5

Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership in platform ownership, not just project management—use terms like 'architecture owner,' 'technical lead,' 'platform evolution.'

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your vision for BoxPower's controls platform evolution, including how you'd integrate AI and simulation/testing environments.", "Your experience scaling a team: how you've hired, mentored, and set technical direction for controls engineers.", 'Specific examples of microgrid projects where you improved reliability, reduced costs, or enabled renewable integration.', "Your passion for clean energy and replacing diesel generators—connect your personal mission to BoxPower's."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read BoxPower's case studies on their website to understand their typical microgrid configurations and customer pain points.
  • → Research their competitors (e.g., Tesla, Generac, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories) to understand BoxPower's market position.
  • → Look into recent news or press releases about BoxPower's funding, partnerships, or new projects.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the SEL RTAC product line and its programming environment (e.g., SEL-5030 acSELerator).

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe how you would design the controls architecture for a microgrid with solar, battery, and a backup generator. What protocols and PLC would you use?
2 How would you approach integrating AI into the controls workflow? Give a concrete example (e.g., predictive maintenance, optimal dispatch).
3 Tell us about a time you had to commission a system in the field and encountered unexpected issues. How did you troubleshoot?
4 How do you prioritize features when building a controls platform from scratch in a startup with limited resources?
5 Walk us through your experience with SEL RTAC programming. What are the key differences compared to other PLCs?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus solely on software development without emphasizing hardware integration and field experience—this role requires both.
  • Avoid vague claims like 'I'm a leader' without specific examples of team growth or architecture ownership.
  • Don't overlook the AI requirement—even if you're not an expert, show curiosity and a plan to learn.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to BoxPower Inc.!

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