Controls Software Engineer (Solar Industry)

Company Overview

Nevados is the premier solar tracker company for PV power plants built on sloped and rolling terrain. We offer innovative all-terrain trackers paired with a comprehensive software suite in an integrated technology platform that optimizes solar performance, improves plant reliability and respects the natural landscape. Headquartered in Oakland and backed by institutional capital, Nevados is transforming utility-scale PV deployment with our tracking solutions and partnership approach.

Nevados is a distributed organization with many team members working remotely, while other roles require an in office and on-site presence. Specifics of the work location, travel expectations and other role requirements are outlined in the position overview. Ideal candidates are self-motivated and able to manage their time effectively.

Position Overview:  

The Controls Software Engineer will be part of the engineering team responsible for the design, manufacturing, commissioning, and maintenance of the controls system for the Nevados All-Terrain Tracker. This role will be focused on the central nodes of the controls network: the Zone Controller (ZC). Zone Controllers communicate to Nevados trackers and weather stations on-site, aggregate information and control, and communicate back to our cloud-based dashboard or directly to our customers. As we scale, the reliability, self-healing, self-organization, performance, and observability of the control system must be improved, and the Zone Controller is a key part of the solution. Maintaining and improving the Zone Controller requires a strong expertise in embedded Linux, Python, and wired/wireless networking.

This is a hybrid position. Candidates are expected to be in office at our HQ in Oakland at least once weekly and as needed to work on hardware. This role also involves early morning on-call availability to align with east coast business hours. Ideal candidates will be able to accommodate this schedule.

• Maintaining and developing Zone Controller software 
• Maintaining and developing Yocto Linux base images 
• Maintaining and developing build scripts for site-specific Zone Controller images
• Collaborating with our software team on improvements to our dashboard 
• Testing, deploying, and automating deployment of device firmware 
• Testing and improving wireless communications
• Assisting customers and our field service team on the installation, configuration, and maintenance of Zone Controllers
• Improving systems to automate the installation, configuration, and maintenance of the controls devices
• Investigating, debugging, and troubleshooting issues in the field, on-site and remotely 

• Experience developing software for industrial controller applications 
• Experience configuring and debugging embedded Linux
• Familiarity with data encryption, firewalls, and VPNs

• Experience writing Python in embedded environments
• Familiarity with good working practices for remote, hard-to-access devices
• Familiarity with relational and time-series databases
• Experience with our technology stack: Zigbee (XBee), Single Board Computers (SBC), Yocto, Mender, MQTT, Modbus
• Experience creating and documenting command line applications for field service or customer use

Benefits & Total Compensation Package

Nevados offers competitive base salary, bonus, and stock options commensurate with qualifications and experience. Full time employees and their eligible dependents are offered medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long term disability and vol life. We also offer 401(k) participation, unlimited PTO, generous sick leave, paid company holidays and additional benefit offerings as we continue to grow.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Unless otherwise explicitly stated as a requirement of the role, candidates must be willing to travel at least 10-20% of the time for company off-sites, conferences, trade shows, site visits, and other potential events as needed.

Don't meet every qualification listed in the job posting above? Apply anyways! Nevados is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to building a more inclusive ecosystem that integrates women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups into the cleantech sector and the broader tech industry. We strongly encourage applications from qualified individuals, even if your past experience doesn't align perfectly. You might be a fit for this role or another open position.

Interview Process

At Nevados, our interview process is designed to be comprehensive and thorough to ensure the best fit for both the candidate and our team. It typically entails 3-5 conversations over the course of 3-4 weeks. This timeline and format may vary based on the role as well as availability of team members and the candidate. The process is subject to change at any time.

Phone Screen: An initial call with Recruiting to discuss your background, expectations, and interest in the role.

Discussions with Hiring Managers: In-depth calls with hiring managers/team members to assess your technical skills and fit.

Cross Functional Team Member Interviews: Meetings to gauge team dynamics and working style.

Executive Leadership Conversations: Discussions with our executive team to ensure alignment with the company's strategic goals and vision.

Professional Reference Checks: The final step before an offer involves contacting your provided professional references to verify your qualifications and past performance.

We look forward to getting to know you better and exploring the possibility of you joining our team!