Controls Engineer at ASCENDING LLC – Houston, Texas

Title: Software & Controls Engineer
Location: corporate office in Miami, FL. Role is 100% Remote (EST and CST preferred)
Term: FTE, Direct Hire
For our client, the Software & Controls Engineer is responsible for the design, development, testing, integration, and commissioning of control software and automation systems that ensure the reliable, efficient, and safe operation of energy storage systems and power infrastructure projects. This role bridges software engineering, control systems, and field deployment, working closely with internal engineering teams, project management, vendors, and clients to deliver high-performance control and SCADA solutions that meet safety, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Key Responsibilities

• Design, model, and implement control algorithms and control strategies for energy storage systems and power infrastructure.
• Contribute to system architecture discussions and define control strategy requirements and functional specifications.
• Design, develop, and maintain PLC, HMI, and embedded/control software for energy storage and distributed energy systems.
• Configure, integrate, and maintain SCADA systems for BESS and power infrastructure projects.
• Write clean, efficient, maintainable, and well-documented code following best practices.
• Build automation scripts, testing tools, simulation environments, and continuous integration pipelines.
• Implement version control, software documentation, and CI/CD workflows.
• Collaborate with electrical, mechanical, firmware, and field service teams to ensure full system functionality and seamless integration.
• Support the selection, configuration, and integration of control hardware, including controllers, relays, meters, and network devices.
• Conduct Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) and Site Acceptance Tests (SATs).
• Diagnose and resolve issues related to control logic, real-time execution, PLC/SCADA behavior, and system performance, both remotely and on-site.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity requirements and relevant standards and codes (e.g., UL, IEEE, NFPA).
• Support installation, commissioning, field deployments, and ongoing operational troubleshooting.
• Interface with clients, vendors, and internal stakeholders to provide technical documentation, training, and ongoing support.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls, Software Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong object-oriented programming skills (e.g., C++, C#, Python, or similar).
• Hands-on experience with Siemens PLC programming (TIA Portal).
• Experience with Ignition SCADA, including HMI development and system integration.
• Experience developing PLC, HMI, and control software for industrial or energy systems.
• Familiarity with control algorithms, real-time systems, and industrial automation concepts.
• Knowledge of industrial communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, OPC UA, Profinet).
• Experience with version control systems and structured software development practices.
• Ability to troubleshoot control systems both remotely and on-site.
• Willingness to travel for commissioning and field deployments, including travel to the United States