Junior Controls Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Sr. Controls Engineer - OT SCADA Projects leads the design, configuration, commissioning, and support of plant control systems for utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid renewable energy projects. This engineer works with minimal oversight, applies expert knowledge of grid functionality and Utility/ISO standards, mentors junior engineers, and contributes to product standards. Approximately 80% of this role is project execution, while up to 20% is continuous improvement and product development.

       Lead end-to-end controls design for utility-scale solar, BESS, and hybrid projects - from initiation through commissioning and closeout

       Program and commission SEL controllers using AcSELerator; develop control logic in Codesys using IEC 61131-3 structured text

       Identify project-specific deviations from standard product scope during contracting, forecast and scope project-specific development work

       Implement and validate closed-loop Active Power and Reactive Power, AVR and PFR Algorithms

       Maintain version control for all code artifacts according to established version control procedure

       Troubleshoot complex SCADA and controls issues using Wireshark, breakpoints, cross-reference, and watch list tools

       Produce project deliverables: System Architecture Diagrams, Control Narratives, Logic Diagrams, commissioning documents, and operator manuals

       Contribute to new feature development and bug fixes in collaboration with the Product Engineering team

       Review documentation prepared by junior controls engineers (technical and non-technical)

       Lead the Continuous Improvement and Lessons Learned program, feed field insights back into product standards and templates

       Coach junior engineers through FAT preparation and customer-facing presentation

       Serve as primary controls technical contact for EPCs, asset owners, and grid operators through project execution, FAT, and commissioning

       Lead FATs as formal presentations; communicate to non-technical audiences with supporting materials prepared in advance

       Flag technical risks and schedule pressures to management with context and proposed solutions

       Maintain Jira tickets daily with thorough detail; enforce Jira best practices with junior engineers

       Deliver high-quality work independently across multiple concurrent projects with ownership and urgency

       Leverage standardized platforms and tools; avoid project-specific one-off engineering approaches

       Ensure 100% adherence to Terabase quality processes; enforce standards with junior engineers

       Mentor junior controls engineers through technical guidance, code review, and FAT coaching

       Project deliverables completed on time, within scope, and meeting Utility/ISO regulatory standards

       Jira, version control, and documentation consistently maintained without follow-up from management

       Recognized internally and externally as the go-to technical authority on Terabase SCADA and OT controls

       Travel up to 10% for on-site commissioning, FAT, and customer engagements

Requirements

       Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Technology, or related field

       3-5+ years of IEC 61131-3/PLC programming experience, preferably in Codesys or AcSELerator environment

       3+ years of utility-scale power plant controls experience (solar, BESS, or hybrid)

       Expert IEC 61131-3 programming; primary tooling is AcSELerator (SEL controllers) and Codesys, including Diagram Builder, traces, breakpoints, and watch lists

       Extensive knowledge of industrial protocols: Modbus-TCP, DNP3, OPC-UA, etc.

       Expert knowledge of grid functionality: PFR, AVR, Reactive Power, Voltage Regulation, and Capacitor Banks - including the underlying grid rationale, not just controller behavior

       Proficiency with Utility/ISO testing and interconnection requirements (ERCOT, PJM, BPA, IEEE 2800, NERC, etc.)

       Experience with Power Plant Controller (PPC) design, configuration, and commissioning

       Familiarity with PSCAD, PSSE, and/or TSAT modeling processes for utility-scale sites

Benefits

Compensation And Benefits

This role offers a base salary of $150,000 - $190,000 (DOE).

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each posted range individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher) dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package including:

Generous time off and holiday policy

Remote flexibility

Flexible time off

Comprehensive benefits package

Career progression

401k match

Stock options

Home office set up allowance

And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing-related inquiries.