Principal engineer, advanced energy system controls

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AES US Renewables & Power is seeking a Principal Engineer, Advanced System Controls who will be a senior individual-contributor and technical-authority role responsible for defining, developing, validating, and deploying sophisticated control solutions for integrated energy systems. This role brings together renewable generation, energy storage, fuel cells, synchronous generators, utility interconnections, plant-level controllers, and co-located mission-critical loads into a coherent, secure, testable, and operable system architecture.

This position leads the technical definition of control philosophies, operating modes, control-authority boundaries, multi-resource dispatch logic, sequence-of-operations requirements, model-based validation, laboratory testing, and field integration. The Principal Engineer works across equipment suppliers, power plant control vendors, and real-time simulation laboratories. This role will interface significantly with AES project engineering, grid integration, generator modeling, SCADA, protection and control, and commissioning teams to turn first-of-kind concepts into executable designs and proven operating systems.

Success requires deep expertise in utility-scale off-grid microgrid and grid-connected systems, islanded steady-state control, grid-forming and grid-following behavior, power system integration with colocated loads (such as data centers), flexible interconnection, microgrid transitions, and the interactions among fast power-electronic controls and slower rotating-generation controls. The role is expected to exercise independent technical judgment, set the direction and vision for colocated load and generation system controls, guide other engineers and external partners, and resolve architecture and validation issues that do not have established precedents.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrated System Controls and Architecture
• Data Center Controls Integration
• Advanced Dispatch and Flexible Interconnection Applications
• Model-Based Engineering and EMT Technical Leadership
• Laboratory, Vendor, and Integrated System Testing
• Technical Authority and Cross-Functional Leadership

Skills and Qualifications

Master’s degree in controls engineering, power systems engineering, energy systems, electrical engineering, or a related field. PhD preferred. Typically 8 to 12 years of experience in utility scale power systems controls, microgrids, utility-scale generation, energy storage, or advanced control applications. Demonstrated experience in system controls integration with colocated loads and utility scale generation and energy storage projects strongly preferred.

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $145,000 and $181,050/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.

Apply by clicking the application link below and submitting your information. The deadline to apply for this role is 12/03/2026.