Firmware Engineer – Power Systems

Firmware Engineer – Power Systems - R&D Nextracker Inc. Job Description Nextracker’s Control Systems Engineering team designs and delivers advanced control and communication solutions that optimize the performance of utility‑scale solar, storage, and hybrid power plants. We are seeking a Firmware Engineer to join our product development team responsible for embedded software and control logic used in plant‑level control and grid regulation systems. This engineer will develop and validate real‑time control firmware for industrial controllers (PLC and IPC‑based systems), to meet precise performance requirements and grid code compliance. The ideal candidate is hands‑on, detail‑oriented, and experienced in real‑time embedded control systems. You will work closely with hardware, SCADA, and commissioning teams to deliver reliable, validated firmware deployed in utility‑scale renewable generation plants. At Nextracker, you’ll be part of a team leading the clean energy transition — delivering cutting‑edge control technology that powers the world’s largest solar and hybrid projects. Key Job Responsibilities Firmware Development Design and implement real‑time control algorithms for industrial controllers (PLC or IPC‑based systems). Develop and maintain firmware architecture, state machines, and I/O logic for control of active/reactive power, voltage, and frequency. Implement and optimize communication stacks (e.g., Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, IEC 61850, OPC UA). Optimize firmware for deterministic timing and low‑latency control execution. Integrate voltage, current, and frequency feedback loops with inverters, BESS, and metering systems. Hardware Integration Collaborate with hardware engineers to define I/O mappings, analog/digital signal conditioning, and network communication layers. Work with industrial controller platforms (e.g., Siemens S7, GE RX3i, Allen‑Brady ControlLogix, or industrial PCs). Validate deterministic real‑time performance under operational and simulated conditions. Testing and Validation Support unit testing, Hardware‑in‑the‑Loop (HIL) simulation, and Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of firmware releases. Collaborate with modeling and controls engineers to validate dynamic response under grid disturbance scenarios (RTDS, OPAL‑RT). Implement automated testing and test routines for firmware builds. Standards and Compliance Ensure firmware operation complies with grid codes (IEEE 1547, UL 1741 SA, IEC 61850‑7‑420) and cybersecurity standards (IEC 62443). Maintain documentation for firmware design, communication interfaces, and functional behavior per IEC/IEEE standards. Support certification testing for control hardware and firmware releases. Basic Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related areas. Experience: 5–10 years of embedded firmware development or real‑time control systems; at least 4 years in power plant controls focused on renewable power. Programming: Proficiency in C/C++ for embedded systems; Python for test scripts, and experience with structured programming for PLCs. Tools: Proficiency with MATLAB/Simulink Coder or Embedded Real‑Time Workshop; exposure to HIL tools (RTDS, OPAL‑RT, Typhoon HIL). Networking & Protocols: Experience with industrial communication protocols (Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, OPC UA). Systems Knowledge: Proficiency in power plant control architectures with basic understanding of power conversion systems, inverters. Languages: Proficiency in English. Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in electrical engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related areas. Knowledge of real‑time operating systems (RTOS) or industrial control runtimes. Familiarity with cybersecurity design for industrial systems (IEC 62443). Experience with version control (Git), continuous integration (CI/CD), and automated testing environments. Exposure to field commissioning or factory testing of automation systems. Ability to analyze system response data to tune control loops for performance and stability. Why Join Nextracker?