Controls Engineer II

Controls Engineer

The Controls Engineer serves as a valuable member of the Generac Microgrid Controls Team. This role owns projects end-to-end—from sales handover through system development, commissioning, and ongoing operational support—while balancing hands-on technical execution with process improvement and cross-functional collaboration.

This position plays a critical role in supporting a growing portfolio of microgrid projects, including live customer systems, and requires strong accountability, technical depth, and comfort operating in customer-facing, high-pressure environments. In addition to project delivery, the Controls Engineer contributes to team performance by collaborating with peers, supporting knowledge sharing, and helping evolve project execution standards and processes. The role is based onsite in Fort Collins and includes travel for on-site commissioning activities.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the technical lead for advanced microgrid control system projects from sales handover through commissioning and ongoing support
• Lead on-site and remote startup and commissioning activities, including development and execution of commissioning test plans
• Develop energy resource drivers (including power meters, protective relays, generator controllers, PV inverters, energy storage inverters, battery management systems, wind turbines, weather stations, etc.)
• Develop, test, and deploy control algorithms
• Conduct system functionality testing, commissioning, troubleshooting, and reporting
• Provide high-level technical support for in-progress projects and operating microgrid systems, including triage and resolution of customer issues
• Create studies, reports, specifications, requirements, estimates, electrical drawings, one-line diagrams, and equipment layouts
• Balance hands-on project execution with continuous improvement of project processes, standards, and quality
• Partner cross-functionally with Controls Engineering, Service, Commissioning, and Sales teams to deliver strong customer outcomes
• Mentor and support team members through technical guidance, knowledge sharing, and collaboration
• Communicate project status, challenges, and progress clearly to internal stakeholders and customers

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering
• 2+ years experience with power generation
• 2+ years experience programming industrial controls, PLCs, HMIs

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years experience with three-phase AC power system controls and automation
• 5+ years experience with the following:
  • Power generation experience (reciprocating engine and inverter based synchronizing, paralleling, and load-sharing, energy storage systems)
  • Communications protocols (Modbus, DNP3, CAN 2.0A/B, J1939 CANbus)
  • Programming languages (IEC 61131, Python, REST API)
  • Programming experience (Codesys, ClearSCADA, PLC)
  • Electrical design codes (UL 508A, NEC, NEMA)
• Advanced technical understanding of power control philosophy in voltage-forming and voltage-following applications

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Ability to convey complex ideas and issues in a clear, concise, and understandable manner
• Outstanding analytical, organizational, and troubleshooting skills
• Attention to detail, passion for excellence, and commitment to customer success
• Self-motivated and self-directed
• Enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, teach, and improve
• Passion for renewable energy and electrification
• Ability to communicate fluently in English (verbally and written)
• Valid driver's license and passport
• Ability to travel internationally, including remote locations in third-world countries
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. safely
• Ability to use common hand tools safely
• Ability and knowledge to work safely around electrical equipment at various voltage levels
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, reach, kneel, ascent/descend stairs and ladders
• Ability to communicate verbally to small or large audiences

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.