Sr. Plant Controller Modelling Engineer

Position Title: Sr. Plant Controller Modelling Engineer Department: EQS
Compensation: $100,000 - $150,000 + annual bonus (paid in local currency; range varies by location)
Location: Kitchener, ON (Onsite)
About the Role: We are looking for a talented and a driven Sr Plant Controller Modelling Engineer to join our forward-thinking team and play a key role in shaping the next generation of Energy Management Systems (EMS) for utility-scale applications. This role focuses on developing advanced, high-fidelity models of energy flow, from the battery cell level to full site-level systems, and supporting digital twin implementations that optimize performance, reliability, and scalability. You will be responsible for modeling complex, bi-directional power and data flows across the grid, capturing interactions between utilities, transformers, inverters, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). This includes integrating compute and communication layers in highly distributed, edge-to-cloud architectures, enabling real-time monitoring, control, and predictive analytics. In this position, you will collaborate closely with engineering, product, leadership, and customer-facing teams to ensure models are aligned with real-world system behavior and project requirements. Your contributions will directly influence system design, inform operational strategies, and set benchmarks for EMS software performance and grid integration. The ideal candidate is passionate about clean energy, thrives in a fast-paced, startup-like environment, and brings both technical expertise and innovative thinking to drive the energy transition forward.
Responsibilities Build detailed simulation models of power plant controller (EMS) in PSCAD, PSS®E, PSLF, and TSAT, demonstrating proficiency across both RMS (phasor) and EMT (time-domain) simulation environments.
Familiarity with DIgSILENT PowerFactory is an advantage.
Perform necessary studies accounting the EMS model built will be paired with BESS/ PV for multiple applications.
Conduct verification, validation, and benchmarking of models across multiple simulation environments (e.g., PSCAD, PSS®E, TSAT) to ensure consistency and accuracy.
Collaborate with external consultants to develop and integrate OEM specific dynamic models that will support utility-scale BESS and hybrid energy projects.
Ensure all models and simulations meet applicable industry standards and evolving regulatory requirements, including those from IEEE 2800 and other Inverter-Based Resource (IBR) working groups.
Analyze ISO/ RTO specific requirements (e.g., NOGRR, NPRR in ERCOT) and translate them into actionable modeling requirements from OEM perspective proactively preparing for upcoming projects across multiple regions (North America and EU as a starting point).
Develop and build the development of a comprehensive simulation environment for energy storage systems, including inverters, transformers, and substation equipment to validate EMS and power plant controller performance.
Monitor and apply key technical updates from FERC, NERC, and other regulatory bodies relevant to grid simulation and energy storage integration.
Support and contribute to the development and deployment of digital twin technologies to replicate and predict real‐time and future performance of energy storage systems.
Analyze simulation data to generate insights and provide actionable recommendations for optimizing system performance and reliability.
Perform detailed model validation using field data to ensure simulation accuracy and operational reliability.
Conduct technical assessments and engineering studies on advanced technologies such as utility-scale inverters and BESS, engaging with equipment vendors as needed.
Apply IEEE standard libraries and best practices to tune and customize EMT simulation models of BESS, including User Defined Model (UDM) development in PSSe using Fortran or CStay ahead of industry trends and advancements in simulation tools, BESS technology, and digital twin methodologies.
Clearly document methodologies, results, and recommendations.
Present findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Demostrate a strong sense of ownership and operate effectively in a high accountability, collaborative environment.
Work closely with program management and cross-functional stakeholders to align OEM modeling deliverable tweaks, feature additions to the client's project timelines and requirements.
Develop and maintain scripting or automation tools (e.g., Python) to streamline model management, simulation batch runs, and results post-processing.
Required Qualifications and Skills 5+ years of hands‐on experience in power system simulation and dynamic modeling, with demonstrated work on utility-scale energy storage or renewable energy projects.
Experience performing power flow, transient stability, short circuit and dynam