Controls Engineer

Company

Orenda is on a mission to make the grid more efficient with batteries and software. We build and operate energy storage projects in dense urban environments to bridge the gap between renewables and electricity consumption.

Orenda’s Asset Management Technology team is developing the software and hardware platform to operate these projects. We use ML to forecast electricity markets and decision algorithms to allocate energy optimally. Our cloud platform connects to on-site energy controls systems to monitor and manage our asset fleets.

We are a dynamic, NYC-based startup at the forefront of a new industry. We are seeking highly motivated and incredibly talented individuals who wish to contribute to our important mission.

Role

Orenda is looking to hire a Controls Engineer to join our Asset Management Technology team. This individual will design and program our energy controls systems, which are responsible for orchestrating devices on site and aggregating our fleet in the cloud.

This role will report directly to the VP of Technology.

What You’ll Do

• Controls Design: Own the design of Orenda’s controls packages. Specify hardware and produce detailed panel/rack drawings (power and communication distribution), networks architecture diagrams, and comprehensive software requirements.
• Systems Programming: Develop code for controllers (RTAC/PLC), SCADA (edge and cloud), and networking devices. Follow modern software engineering-based SDLC processes.
• Quality & Standardization: Build a library of standardized, reusable code and hardware templates to ensure our fleet is easily maintainable at scale. Develop rigorous documentation including commissioning procedures, user manuals, and recovery plans.
• Testing & Validation: Build robust, automated software unit tests. Instantiate a hardware-in-the-loop test-bed. Lead factory acceptance test workflows.
• Manage relationships with equipment vendors, software providers, and engineering firms.
• Test and commission our first deployments. Be a key stakeholder for future team expansion strategy.
• Be a key technical stakeholder in evaluating new technologies, markets, and operational strategies.
• Work closely with software engineers to design interfaces and utilize cloud infrastructure.

Qualifications

• B.S. in engineering with 4+ years of professional experience designing and implementing controls systems
• Proficiency in AutoCAD (or similar) for producing detailed electrical schematics and panel layouts
• 3+ years experience programming and deploying RTUs, RTACs, or PLCs
• 3+ years experience developing Ignition SCADA
• Proficiency in Python
• Experience configuring network switches and firewalls (VPNs, VLANs)
• Hands-on experience installing and/or wiring controls hardware panels
• Deep understanding of industrial controls protocols (DNP3, Modbus)
• Excellent technical writer and communicator
• Previous projects in the energy industry
• Strong ability to troubleshoot communications, wiring, or software issues in real-time
• You take a first principles, mathematically-minded approach to new problems
• Obsessed with design standardization and scalability. At scale, we will have 100+ deployments.
• Keen attention to detail. You do not need someone to inspect your work.
• Relentlessly positive attitude, strong work ethic, and sense of humor

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
• Prior work with SEL relays and/or meters
• Exposure to cloud-based SCADA deployments
• Familiarity with modern software engineering principles

Work Environment

This is a full time, in-office position requiring work from our headquarters (Brooklyn, NY) five days a week.

Compensation

Orenda offers a competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent.

Base Salary: The anticipated base salary range for this full-time position in New York City is $100,000 - $150,000 per year. The final base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the successful candidate's relevant experience, skills, and qualifications.

Bonus: In addition to the base salary, this role is also eligible for an annual performance-based bonus.

Benefits: Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with 3% Employer Match
• LifeTime Fitness corporate membership
• Monthly commuter stipend
• Learning and education stipend
• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy

Orenda Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.