Functional Lead - Power Plant Controls

Join Vestas as a Functional Lead in Power Plant Controls, guiding the lifecycle of power plant control functions and software solutions. Support projects, enhance renewable plant performance, and ensure global grid code compliance.
Ready to make an impact in renewable energy? 
Apply now and be part of the green energy revolution!

Vestas Technology & Operations > Applications, Controls & Electrical > PPC Controls
Vestas Technology & Operations is where new product ideas are developed, matured, improved, and tested. Within Vestas Technology & Operations, you'll find our department, PPC Controls, as part of Power System Integration Module.
At PPC Controls, we connect the requirements of Transmission Systems Operators (TSO) with the capabilities of our Power Plant Controller. As part of Vestas Technology & Operations, our team is responsible for designing control logic and algorithms for wind power plant controllers to meet grid code requirements. Our software solutions are primarily implemented in the Vestas Power Plant Controller (PPC).
Our diverse team of over 20 employees brings a wide range of skills, seniority levels, and cultural backgrounds. We uphold the Vestas values of Accountability, Collaboration, Simplicity, and Passion, fostering a world-class work environment.
We are a global team with engineers primarily based in Denmark and Portugal. We work closely with our department in India, which maintains and customizes our legacy product range.

Responsibilities
As a Functional Lead in PPC Control, you will be responsible for the end-to-end product lifecycle of power plant functions and their software solutions. You will have dotted line accountability for up to 10 software developers. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Create mid- to long-term functional roadmaps for your areas of responsibility
• Oversee project proposals, including technology and product projects. Understand and breakdown system-level requirements, including plant architecture, into lower-level functional and non-functional design requirements
• Propose control strategies to enhance the performance and efficiency of renewable power plants
• Take ownership of decisions made during the design process. Coordinate and oversee control design activities, ensuring grid code compliance in accordance with international standards (e.g., IEEE2800, RfG 2.0). Support design changes to meet evolving grid-code market requirements in the Vestas ISM pre-sales project phase
• Take a technical lead role on development projects by applying V-model and Agile best practices. Ensure work across projects adheres to best practices, including stage gate model (VWtM) and Technology Way to Product (TWtP) processes
• Perform code reviews and verify function designs in Simulink/C++ before merging to the master branch, including Simulink to C++ to PSCAD conversion
• Sign off on your functional area during peer review and technical review meetings. Guide junior engineers within PPC functional areas to support their development

Qualifications
Your qualifications include: 

• Bachelor or master degree in Electrical Engineering or Control Engineering. Have more than 7 years of professional experience in developing control software
• Experience with Matlab/Simulink. Have hands-on experience in designing and implementing control functions for power plant controllers in a MATLAB/Simulink environment
• Detailed understanding and technical expertise in grid stabilizing functions (e.g., Active Power Control, Reactive Power Control, and relevant dispatch strategies)
• Good knowledge of electrical grids, power systems issues, and software design implementation methods
• Experience with concepts of Optimal Control, Model-Predictive Control, and System Identification. Extensive experience designing control algorithms for complex industrial applications and validating their performance. Proficiency in Linear Control Design tools (e.g., Bode, Nyquist, Kalman, root locus)
• Good software debugging and troubleshooting skills. Experience with GIT management and software repositories. Experience developing CI/CD systems and test automation frameworks
• Knowledge of Systems Engineering according to IEC 15288 is beneficial. Familiarity with systems engineering practices, including D-FMEA, requirement management, Quality Functional Deployment (QFD), and building functional flow and context diagrams
   

Competencies

As a candidate, you should be self-motivated, professional, and committed. You should also have a good sense of quality and a can-do mentality. Additionally, you should possess the following competencies:

• Skilled at maintaining positive connections with all stakeholder groups
• Ability to comprehend complex technical systems and organize them in a structured manner
• Capability to work with minimal supervision and establish good team working relations
• A pragmatic, structured, and hands-on working style that ensures tasks are completed efficiently
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English
• Experience in working on cross-functional projects
• Good coordinating and follow-up skills. Highly developed interpersonal skills, with a natural curiosity and interest in people and motivation to lead and share knowledge with junior developers
   

What we offer
This position offers the opportunity to grow within a large multinational organization that is committed to becoming the global leader in sustainable energy solutions. As an integral part of the Power Plant Control team, you will work in an environment that values both professionalism and a casual atmosphere. Within the Power System Integration division, you will engage in a wide variety of projects, directly impacting Vestas' external representation. Your contributions will support the achievement of commercial targets and ensure Grid Code compliance on a global scale.

Additional information
Your work location will be our office in either Aarhus, Denmark or Porto, Portugal.
Up to 20 travel days per year. 
Please be advised to apply on or before 19th September 2024.
We do amend or withdraw our jobs and reserve the right to do so at any time, including prior to the advertised closing date. 
 

BEWARE – RECRUITMENT FRAUD
It has come to our attention that there are a number of fraudulent emails from people pretending to work for Vestas. Read more via this link, https://www.vestas.com/en/careers/our-recruitment-process

DEIB Statement
At Vestas, we recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion in driving innovation and success. We strongly encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, particularly those who may hesitate due to their identity or feel they do not meet every criterion. As our CEO states, "Expertise and talent come in many forms, and a diverse workforce enhances our ability to think differently and solve the complex challenges of our industry". Your unique perspective is what will help us powering the solution for a sustainable, green energy future.

About Vestas
Vestas is the energy industry’s global partner on sustainable energy solutions. We are specialised in designing, manufacturing, installing, and servicing wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. 
Across the globe, we have installed more wind power than anyone else. We consider ourselves pioneers within the industry, as we continuously aim to design new solutions and technologies to create a more sustainable future for all of us. With more than 173 GW of wind power installed worldwide and 40+ years of experience in wind energy, we have an unmatched track record demonstrating our expertise within the field. 
With 29,000 employees globally, we are a diverse team united by a common goal: to power the solution – today, tomorrow, and far into the future. 
Vestas promotes a diverse workforce which embraces all social identities and is free of any discrimination. We commit to create and sustain an environment that acknowledges and harvests different experiences, skills, and perspectives. We also aim to give everyone equal access to opportunity. 
To learn more about our company and life at Vestas, we invite you to visit our website at www.vestas.com and follow us on our social media channels. We also encourage you to join our Talent Universe to receive notifications on new and relevant postings.