RTDS Engineer

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.

·    HIL workflows improve project quality, reduce commissioning risk, and support repeatable SCADA and controls delivery.

Travel

This role may require travel to Terabase facilities, HIL labs, customer FAT locations, vendor facilities, and project sites as needed to support testing, project delivery, and commissioning activities.

Benefits

Compensation And Benefits

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. This role offers a base salary of $140,000 – $170,000. Within each posted range, individual pay is determined (and may be greater or higher), dependent on work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Terabase offers competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Generous time off and holiday policy

• Remote flexibility

• Flexible time off

• Comprehensive benefits package

• Career progression

• 401k match

• Stock options

• Home office set up allowance

• And much more!

Terabase is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit, hire, employ, train, promote, and compensate individuals based on job-related qualifications and abilities. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

We do not discriminate for any reason including race, color, sex, gender, age, religion or religious creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, military/ veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We offer a welcoming and inclusive environment in service to one another, our products, the diverse consumers we represent, and the communities we call home.

Principles only. This role is not open to receiving agency candidates, and any contingent submissions will not be considered. Terabase Energy does not utilize third-party recruitment agencies. Please contact our Recruiting team at careers@terabase.energy with any staffing-related inquiries.