Lead Controls Engineer (m/f/d)
- Compensation
- Not disclosed
- Location
- Germany - Erlangen
- Work setup
- Not specified
- Seniority
- Lead
- Employment
- Not specified
- Experience
- 6+ years
- Category
- Industrial engineering
- Posted
Skills
Must have
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, software, or power systems within utilities, renewable energy, energy storage, or a related industry.
- Strong knowledge of power systems, grid codes, EMS applications, and grid services.
- Experience with SCADA and industrial communication protocols, including IEC 60870-5-101/103/104, IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, and TCP/IP.
- Experience with PLCs, RTUs, SEL and Siemens protection/automation equipment, and SCADA systems.
- Proficiency in Linux environments, Python, Bash/Shell scripting, and version control tools such as GitHub.
- Experience with Simulink, model-based engineering, and C/C++ is preferred.
- Knowledge of high-voltage equipment, including inverters, transformers, controllers, telecommunications, and I/O systems.
- Proven ability to independently solve complex technical issues, manage priorities, and influence stakeholders.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with customer-facing experience.
- Experience using CMMS platforms and leveraging operational data to drive continuous improvement.
- Fluent in English; German or other European languages are advantageous.
Full description
Fluence (Nasdaq: FLNC) is a global market leader delivering intelligent energy storage and optimization software for renewables and storage. Our solutions and operational services are helping to create a more resilient grid and unlock the full potential of renewable portfolios. With gigawatts of successful implementations across nearly 50 markets, we are transforming the way we power our world for a more sustainable future. For more information, please visit fluenceenergy.com.
Job Description:
Role Overview
The Lead Controls Engineer serves as the technical authority for controls systems across Fluence's operational BESS portfolio in the EMEA region. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable system performance, grid compliance, software lifecycle management, and continuous improvement of controls-related processes and technologies. Working closely with customers, service teams, and engineering functions, the position drives issue resolution, operational excellence, and long-term asset performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead controls-related activities for operational BESS projects, ensuring compliance with technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
- Act as the primary controls subject matter expert for customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex controls, software, and system integration issues.
- Lead root cause analyses and implement corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability and availability.
- Oversee software and firmware upgrades, ensuring safe deployment, testing, and change management.
- Coordinate and support grid code compliance testing across the EMEA fleet.
- Drive prioritization and resolution of controls-related improvement initiatives and software enhancement requests.
- Maintain accurate controls documentation, software deployment records, and functional descriptions.
- Promote continuous improvement through data-driven analysis, process optimization, and best-practice adoption.
- Stay informed of product, software, and industry developments relevant to controls and energy storage systems.
Required Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation, Controls Engineering, or a related field.
- 6+ years of experience in controls engineering, automation, software, or power systems within utilities, renewable energy, energy storage, or a related industry.
- Strong knowledge of power systems, grid codes, EMS applications, and grid services.
- Experience with SCADA and industrial communication protocols, including IEC 60870-5-101/103/104, IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus, and TCP/IP.
- Experience with PLCs, RTUs, SEL and Siemens protection/automation equipment, and SCADA systems.