Application Guide

How to Apply for Senior SCADA Controls Systems Engineer - Battery Storage

at Plus Power

๐Ÿข About Plus Power

Plus Power is at the forefront of the renewable energy transition, specializing in utility-scale battery storage systems that stabilize the grid and enable higher penetration of renewables. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven team that values innovation, technical excellence, and a greener future. The company's remote-first culture and focus on cutting-edge energy storage technology make it an exciting place for engineers passionate about climate impact.

About This Role

As a Senior SCADA Controls Engineer, you will design and implement the control system infrastructure for large-scale battery storage plants, programming PPC, HMI, and RTU systems to ensure optimal performance and grid compliance. Your work directly enables critical grid services like frequency regulation and black start, making you a key player in the clean energy transition. This role offers the opportunity to shape the backbone of modern energy storage projects from concept through commissioning.

๐Ÿ’ก A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a remote stand-up to coordinate with project teams, followed by diving into programming an Ignition HMI for a new plant or troubleshooting an RTU communication issue from your home office. Later, you might review network upgrade plans, document control logic, or prepare for an upcoming site commissioning trip, balancing deep technical work with collaboration via Slack and video calls.

๐ŸŽฏ Who Plus Power Is Looking For

  • An electrical engineer with 6+ years of SCADA/controls experience, specifically in utility-scale renewable energy or battery storage, and hands-on expertise with Inductive Automation Ignition, Schneider Modicon, and SEL RTACs.
  • Deep understanding of battery storage use cases such as PFR, FFR, and black start, and fluency in industrial protocols like DNP3.0, Modbus, OPC-UA, and MQTT.
  • Proven ability to design and commission complex control systems, including network architecture, integration testing, and troubleshooting OT/SCADA issues in the field.
  • A self-starter comfortable working remotely and collaborating across teams, with strong documentation skills and a focus on safety and reliability.

๐Ÿ“ Tips for Applying to Plus Power

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience with Inductive Automation Ignition and SEL RTACs, as these are core platforms for Plus Power's systems.

2

Quantify your impact in previous rolesโ€”e.g., 'Led SCADA integration for a 100 MW battery storage plant that achieved 99.9% uptime'โ€”to demonstrate results.

3

Mention any direct experience with battery storage use cases (PFR, FFR, black start) in your cover letter or resume summary, as this is highly preferred.

4

Showcase your familiarity with NERC/CIP standards or other grid compliance requirements, as Plus Power operates in a regulated environment.

5

Include a link to a portfolio or GitHub repo with example HMI/SCADA projects or technical documentation you've authored.

โœ‰๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Emphasize your hands-on experience with the specific SCADA and PLC platforms listed (Ignition, Modicon, SEL RTACs) and how you've used them to solve real-world problems.", 'Highlight any projects where you improved system reliability or efficiency in battery storage or renewable energy, tying your work to grid stability.', "Express enthusiasm for Plus Power's mission and describe how your technical skills align with their goal of building a greener grid.", 'Mention your ability to work independently in a remote environment and your experience with commissioning and field support.']

Generate Cover Letter โ†’

๐Ÿ” Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • โ†’ Explore Plus Power's project portfolio on their website to understand the scale and technology of their battery storage plants (e.g., typical MW/MWh capacities).
  • โ†’ Read about the company's recent partnerships or press releases to gauge their market positioning and growth areas.
  • โ†’ Familiarize yourself with the specific grid services their systems provide, such as frequency regulation (PFR/FFR) and black start, to speak knowledgeably.
  • โ†’ Check their LinkedIn or industry news for any recent technical innovations or case studies they've published.

๐Ÿ’ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you designed and commissioned a control system for a utility-scale battery plant. What challenges did you face with protocols like DNP3 or Modbus?
2 How do you approach integrating a new battery storage plant into an existing utility SCADA system? Walk through your process.
3 Explain your experience with black start and islanding scenarios for battery storage. How would you program a PPC to handle these?
4 Tell us about a complex OT/SCADA issue you resolved remotely. What tools and steps did you use to diagnose and fix it?
5 How do you stay current with evolving grid codes and cybersecurity requirements (e.g., NERC CIP) when designing control systems?
Practice Interview Questions โ†’

โš ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application that doesn't mention battery storage or renewable energy; Plus Power specifically looks for that experience.
  • Avoid downplaying the importance of field commissioning and travelโ€”this role requires hands-on site work, so emphasize your willingness and experience.
  • Don't neglect to mention your familiarity with the specific protocols and platforms listed; omitting them can make your application seem unfocused.

๐Ÿ“… 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

โœ“

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Plus Power!