Senior Expert – Energy Power Plant and Microgrid Control Technology

Senior Expert – Energy Plant & Microgrid Control Technologies

Position Overview

An international energy technology and research organization is seeking a Senior Expert in Energy Plant and Microgrid Control Technologies to lead innovation and advanced research in grid-connected renewable energy plants, microgrids, and intelligent energy management systems.

This strategic technical leadership role focuses on defining next-generation control architectures, guiding product roadmaps, building research capabilities, and collaborating with utilities, industrial partners, and energy ecosystem stakeholders across Europe.

The successful candidate will combine deep technical expertise in plant control systems with strong industry insight and the ability to influence future energy infrastructure solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Technology Strategy & Innovation

• Define the long-term technology roadmap for:
  • Power Plant Controllers (PPC)
  • Microgrid Controllers (MGCC)
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS)
• Analyze industry trends, market developments, and emerging technologies in digital energy and smart grids.
• Identify key technical challenges and opportunities to strengthen product competitiveness.

Advanced Solution Architecture

• Design innovative control solutions for:
  • Renewable energy plants
  • Hybrid energy systems
  • Battery energy storage systems
  • Grid-connected microgrids
• Develop architectures that address operational challenges, regulatory requirements, and customer needs.
• Drive technology breakthroughs in plant-level optimization, coordination, and control.

Product & Research Leadership

• Build and lead technical research initiatives in energy control technologies.
• Work closely with product and engineering teams to align research outcomes with commercial product development.
• Guide technical decision-making for future energy management and control platforms.

Industry & Utility Engagement

• Participate in technical discussions with:
  • Utilities
  • Transmission system operators
  • Distribution network operators
  • Industrial energy customers
• Represent the organization in industry forums, technical workshops, and strategic partner engagements.
• Support collaboration initiatives with external research institutes and technology partners.

Standards & Regulatory Analysis

• Monitor developments in:
  • Grid codes
  • Energy standards
  • Microgrid regulations
  • Renewable integration requirements
• Provide technical recommendations to ensure products remain compliant and competitive.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems Engineering, Energy Systems, Control Engineering, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in:
  • Power Plant Controllers (PPC)
  • Microgrid Controllers (MGCC)
  • Energy Management Systems (EMS)
• Demonstrated experience leading product or solution development for large-scale energy projects.

Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of:
  • Renewable power plant control
  • Grid integration technologies
  • Microgrid operation and optimization
  • Energy management systems
• Strong knowledge of European energy infrastructure and project delivery processes.
• Expertise in power system control strategies and operational requirements.

Software & Control Systems

• Strong proficiency with IEC 61131 programming standards, including:
  • Structured Text (ST)
  • Function Block Diagram (FBD)
• Experience developing or configuring industrial automation and control systems.
• Background in power system software, automation platforms, or industrial control environments is highly desirable.

Project & Industry Experience

• Proven track record of leading R&D efforts resulting in deployment on multiple utility-scale energy projects (100 MW+).
• Deep understanding of:
  • Renewable energy project execution
  • Grid compliance requirements
  • Operational challenges faced by plant operators
• Experience integrating third-party hardware and software solutions into energy control systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with leading industrial automation and energy management platforms.
• Knowledge of:
  • Virtual Power Plants (VPP)
  • Energy forecasting systems
  • Power market participation
  • Demand response programs
• Experience working with utility-scale battery storage systems.
• Familiarity with distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS).

Leadership & Communication

• Strong leadership and organizational skills.
• Ability to influence both technical and business stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with globally distributed engineering and product teams.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities.
• Fluent English required.
• Willingness to travel internationally.