Senior Control Systems Engineer

What we do at Verterra Energy

At Verterra Energy, we're on a mission to harness the power in the world's rivers, canals and oceans. To accomplish this, we are commercializing our first device called VOLTURNUS, a pioneering water-power technology that deploys in harmony with the current to capture baseline, zero emission electricity. Backed by top-tier investors and a multi-year contract with the Department of Defense, we are growing and looking for team members that want to join our journey and help us achieve our mission!

Candidate Profile

Verterra Energy is seeking a Automation and Mechatronics Engineer with experience in control system theory, design and hardware-based systems implementation. The ideal candidate’s background may include experience with electrical and electronic systems, software development and the use of commercial software tools and instrumentation in the context of Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, but will have an equivalent focus on hardware integration and implementation.

The ideal candidate will have a curious and thoughtful mind with a passion for engineering, robotics and computer sciences and a will thrive in a dynamic technology development environment with the ability to quickly adapt to evolving timelines and objectives. A strong applicant will have a mix of managerial and hands-on experience and will understand how to plan and execute project tasks. We are looking for individuals who want to contribute and be a part of company growth.

Verterra Energy is looking for a team member who is passionate not only about solving complex problems with their controls and automation engineering experience and skill, but is also capable of creatively solving the complex challenges related to hydrokinetic energy. The right candidate will have an inherent ‘willing to learn’ attitude that is demonstrated by embracing the philosophy of life-long learning.

The ideal candidate will have practical experience with product development processes for controls, automation and robotic systems and possess a curious and thoughtful mind with a passion for engineering, a strong “hands-on” mechanical aptitude and can quickly adapt to evolving timelines and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with other engineering team members in the definition and development of system functionalities and specifications.
• Development of automation and control system prototypes using approaches that range from industry standard to new and novel.
• Development of onboard environmental, health monitoring and performance capturing systems, including data acquisition.
• Advancing Verterra Energy’s subsea-grade sensor and control system integration capabilities in pursuit of robust, long term system operation.
• Field work for control system, sensor and data acquisition system testing and validation.
• Advancing the ability for Verterra Energy’s modular hydro power systems to produce reliable electrical power with minimal operator intervention.
• Create and maintain production prints, assembly instructions, bills of material, and other documentation related to developed products.
• Generate procedural support documents and user manuals for developed products.
• Support prototype system assembly, integration, bench and field-testing activities.
• Iteratively advance and integrate hardware and software advancements within an aggressive prototyping schedule.
• Create verification plans for component and system designs.
• Oversee vendors, suppliers or service providers in pursuit of technology development goals.
• Continuously research and evaluate “state of the art” technologies in areas relevant to renewable energy technologies, and controls and automation technologies.

Requirements

Must Haves

• Applicant must be a US citizen or US Permanent Resident.
• BS or MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Electro-Mechanical Systems, Systems Engineering, Robotics or Computer Science from an ABET accredited university.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in an engineering, R&D, or technology development position.
• Experience using mathematics software such as Matlab, Simulink, Labview or MathCAD
• Practical experience with prototyping platforms such as SciLab, Simulink or similar.
• Experience using 2D CAD applications, such as AutoCAD, for schematic and engineering drawings.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 3D CAD software applications such as Solidworks, SolidEdge, Fusion360 or similar.
• Practical experience working with sensors.
• Practical experience with electrical and electronic connectors.
• Understanding of MIL-Spec compliance and working knowledge of relevant industry and MIL-HDK standards.
• Comfortable working with outside vendors and clients.
• Hands-on practical experience working in a shop or laboratory environment.
• Understanding of design for manufacturability (high/low volume).
• Program related technical writing reporting.

Benefits

• Healthcare benefits: 
• Medical insurance with company contribution towards premiums (HSA option with monthly company contribution) 
• Dental insurance with company contribution towards premiums 
• Vision insurance with company contribution towards premiums 
• 401(k) plan with company match 
• Generous time off offering that includes: 
• 4 weeks of PTO to start 
• 2 weeks of sick and safe time 
• 11 company paid holidays 
• Optional work from home Fridays 
• Fully stocked kitchen with snacks and beverages

Why should you join Verterra Energy?

• We’re humans first. We hire dedicated people and provide them with the trust, resources and flexibility to get the job done.
• We invest in you through; career development, mentorship, social events, philanthropic activities, and competitive benefits.
• We are a fast-growing company that operates with the agility of a startup. That means a huge opportunity to create an immediate and lasting impact.
• Be a part of an industry first, creating the future of sustainable energy.

Quick Note on Job Fit

If you think you have what it takes to fulfill this opportunity, but don't necessarily check every box, please still connect with us at careers@verterraenergy.com. Feel free to send a cover letter so we can get to know you better!