About this role

Role Summary Terabase Energy is seeking an RTDS Engineer to support the delivery of real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop simulation solutions for utility-scale solar, BESS, and hybrid renewable energy projects. This role will be primarily responsible for developing, configuring, validating, and maintaining project-specific RTDS and RSCAD models used for plant controller, SCADA, EMS, inverter, and substation control validation.

The RTDS Engineer will work closely with Controls Engineering, SCADA Engineering, Project Engineering, Modeling & Validation, Commissioning, and customer-facing teams to ensure HIL simulations are ready for internal testing, FAT, customer witness testing, and field issue replication. The ideal candidate has 5+ years of hands-on experience with PSCAD, RSCAD, RTDS modeling, and HIL setup for project-specific power plant validation.

Key Responsibilities RTDS / RSCAD Modeling · Develop and configure project-specific RTDS and RSCAD models for utility-scale solar, BESS, and hybrid power plants. · Translate electrical one-lines, control narratives, interconnection requirements, equipment data, and project specifications into real-time simulation models. · Build and validate plant-level models for active power, reactive power, voltage control, frequency response, ramp-rate control, curtailment, and grid support functions.

· Develop and maintain reusable RSCAD model libraries, templates, and project standards. PSCAD and Dynamic Modeling · Develop, review, and validate PSCAD models to support project-specific studies, controls validation, and grid compliance requirements. · Support model alignment between PSCAD and RTDS/RSCAD environments. · Work with inverter OEMs, BESS OEMs, and internal engineering teams to validate control behavior and model assumptions.

· Support testing related to inverter-based resource performance, plant controller behavior, and interconnection compliance. HIL Setup and Project Delivery · Set up project-specific Hardware-in-the-Loop environments using RTDS and physical control hardware. · Integrate PPCs, EMS controllers, RTACs, relays, gateways, SCADA servers, network switches, firewalls, and communication interfaces into the HIL environment. · Configure I/O mapping, signal routing, protocol interfaces, and controller communication paths.

· Support FAT, eFAT, customer witness testing, internal validation, and project readiness reviews. · Ensure HIL environments are delivered on schedule to support project milestones. Testing, Validation, and Troubleshooting · Develop and execute HIL test plans, procedures, acceptance criteria, and validation reports. · Validate controls performance under normal operating conditions, grid disturbances, curtailment scenarios, plant trips, communication failures, and recovery events.

· Troubleshoot model, controller, communication, network, and simulation issues during HIL setup and testing. · Replicate field issues in the HIL environment to support commissioning, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions. · Document test results, model assumptions, issue logs, lessons learned, and final validation outcomes. Cross-Functional Collaboration · Partner with Controls Engineering, SCADA Engineering, Project Engineering, Commissioning, IT/OT, and Product teams to align HIL setup with project needs.

· Support customer-facing technical discussions related to HIL testing, plant controller validation, and model behavior. · Work with vendors and OEMs to obtain model data, controller interfaces, firmware details, and communication requirements. · Contribute to Terabase’s standard HIL delivery process, test automation roadmap, and quality improvement initiatives. Requirements Required Qualifications · Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Controls Engineering, or a related technical field.

· 5+ years of experience with PSCAD, RSCAD, RTDS, or real-time power system simulation. · Hands-on experience setting up Hardware-in-the-Loop environments for project-specific validation. · Strong understanding of power systems, inverter-based resources, utility-scale solar, BESS, hybrid plants, and plant-level controls. · Experience developing and validating PSCAD and RSCAD models. · Experience integrating physical controllers, RTACs, relays, gateways, SCADA systems, or network devices into simulation environments.

· Familiarity with PPC, EMS, SCADA, inverter controls, substation automation, and plant controller validation. · Experience with industrial communication protocols such as DNP3, Modbus TCP, IEC 61850, OPC UA, or similar protocols. · Ability to read and interpret electrical one-lines, network diagrams, control narratives, points lists, equipment data sheets, and interconnection requirements. · Strong troubleshooting skills across models, controls, communication networks, and physical hardware.

· Strong documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Preferred Qualifications · Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or Controls Engineering. · Experience with RTDS NovaCor, RSCAD FX, GTNET, GTFPGA, or similar RTDS hardware/software platforms. · Experience with OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, Speedgoat, or other real-time simulation platforms. · Experience with SEL RTACs, SEL relays, SEL-3555, Schweitzer controllers, Ignition SCADA, or similar control platforms.

· Experience with IEEE 2800, NERC, ERCOT, CAISO, PJM, or other utility interconnection and grid compliance requirements. · Experience with inverter OEM and BESS OEM models. · Experience creating automated HIL test scripts, reusable test libraries, and validation templates. · Experience supporting FAT, SAT, commissioning, or field troubleshooting for renewable energy projects. · Experience with Python, MATLAB/Simulink, scripting, or test automation tools.

Core Competencies · Deep technical understanding of RTDS, RSCAD, PSCAD, and real-time power system simulation. · Hands-on ability to connect simulation models with actual control hardware. · Strong project execution discipline and ability to deliver HIL systems against customer and project milestones. · Structured approach to testing, validation, issue tracking, and documentation. · Ability to simplify complex technical issues and communicate clearly with internal teams, customers, and vendors.

· Strong ownership mindset and willingness to work through urgent project issues when required. · Customer-focused approach to project delivery and technical problem solving. Success Measures · Project-specific RTDS/HIL environments are delivered on time and ready for FAT, eFAT, and customer witness testing. · RSCAD and PSCAD models accurately represent project requirements, controls behavior, and expected plant response.

· HIL testing identifies controls, communication, and integration issues before field deployment. · Test procedures, model documentation, and validation reports are complete, clear, and reusable. · Field issues can be replicated and resolved using the HIL environment. · &nbs

Source listing: workable_terabase-energy