Application Guide

How to Apply for Software Engineer, Microgrid Controls Validation Engineer

at Intersect Power

🏢 About Intersect Power

Intersect Power is a clean energy company focused on scalable low-carbon solutions for both retail and wholesale energy markets, offering clean electricity and fuels. What makes them unique is their specific focus on microgrids and distributed energy resources, positioning them at the intersection of software, hardware, and energy transition. Someone might want to work there to contribute directly to decarbonizing the grid through innovative control systems.

About This Role

This role involves building and maintaining validation frameworks for microgrid control software, specifically developing tools and simulation frameworks to test control algorithms across various operating conditions. It's impactful because ensuring the reliability and safety of microgrid controls is critical for grid stability and the adoption of renewable energy, directly supporting Intersect Power's mission of scalable low-carbon solutions.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve developing or refining validation frameworks using tools like Simulink, running automated tests on microgrid control algorithms, and analyzing results to ensure performance and safety. You'd collaborate with engineering teams to define new test cases based on stakeholder requirements and work on automating reporting tools to track verification metrics for compliance.

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🎯 Who Intersect Power Is Looking For

  • Has 3-7+ years of hands-on experience with real-time system validation, specifically using SIL/HIL simulation methods for embedded software
  • Proficient with simulation tools like Simulink or Modelica and can design automated test pipelines for real-time systems
  • Can collaborate effectively with engineering teams and external stakeholders to define test cases and performance requirements
  • Has a background in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or Computer Engineering with a focus on control systems or energy applications

📝 Tips for Applying to Intersect Power

1

Highlight specific projects where you designed or used SIL/HIL frameworks for energy systems or microgrids, not just general testing experience

2

Quantify your impact with metrics from past validation work, such as test coverage percentages or reduction in validation cycle time

3

Tailor your resume to include keywords from the job description like 'real-time simulators,' 'automated test execution,' and 'verification metrics'

4

Research Intersect Power's existing projects or partnerships in microgrids and mention how your skills align with their specific technology stack

5

If you have experience with utilities or grid operators, emphasize that as it relates to the stakeholder collaboration aspect of the role

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your direct experience with SIL/HIL validation frameworks and how you've applied them to control systems or energy applications", 'Examples of automating test execution and creating reproducible validation workflows in past roles', "How you've collaborated with cross-functional teams or external stakeholders to define test cases and performance criteria", "Your understanding of microgrid controls and why you're passionate about Intersect Power's mission in low-carbon energy solutions"]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Intersect Power's specific microgrid projects or partnerships, such as any announced deployments or technology collaborations
  • → The company's technology stack or public mentions of their control software platforms (e.g., if they use proprietary or third-party tools)
  • → Their role in retail and wholesale energy markets, and how microgrids fit into their business model for clean electricity and fuels
  • → Industry trends in microgrid controls validation, especially any standards or regulations (e.g., IEEE 1547) that might impact the role

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a specific project where you designed or implemented a SIL/HIL validation framework for a control system
2 How do you approach defining verification metrics for control performance, safety, and compliance in real-time systems?
3 Describe your experience collaborating with engineering teams and external stakeholders to define test cases and requirements
4 What simulation tools (e.g., Simulink, Modelica) have you used, and how did you integrate them into automated test pipelines?
5 How do you validate both steady-state behavior and abnormal operating scenarios in microgrid or energy system controls?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Applying with only generic software testing experience without emphasizing real-time, embedded, or SIL/HIL validation specifically
  • Failing to demonstrate knowledge of microgrids or energy systems in your application, making your experience seem irrelevant to Intersect Power's focus
  • Overlooking the collaboration aspect—not highlighting experience working with engineering teams or external stakeholders in past roles

📅 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 Intersect Power!

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