Description
Power, Propulsion and Advanced Technology company, Baker Engineering, LLC (BE) core business centers around the design and development of high-tech, high-performance technologies for a variety of applications, from custom engines, to engine components, to the production of parts and mechanical assemblies for multiple industries. BE is a division of Waséyabek Development Company, LLC that is wholly owned by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, a Federally recognized Indian Tribe.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Software Controls Engineer will design, develop, and maintain software control solutions for complex systems. This role involves analyzing system requirements, developing control architectures, and programming control logic. The engineer will also conduct rigorous testing, integrate software with hardware components, and ensure seamless system functionality. Additionally, they will provide ongoing technical support, troubleshoot issues, and update system documentation to adapt to evolving requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in electric vehicle systems, high voltage (400+ VDC) power electronics, control system development, software programming, and system integration.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Key responsibilities may include:
- System Design:
- Analyzing High Voltage (400+VDC, HV) and Low Voltage (<56 VDC, LV) system requirements and developing software control architectures for EV systems, including traction inverter control, battery management, thermal management, auxiliary systems, and vehicle-level energy management.
- Designing control architectures for operating bidirectional power conversion systems — onboard chargers (OBC), traction inverters, DC-DC converters, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) interfaces — covering AC-DC and DC-AC topologies.
- Developing state machines, protection logic, fault management, and supervisory control strategies for HV systems, including HV-LV domain integration, auxiliary bus management, and isolation monitoring.
- Modeling and simulating control systems using MATLAB/Simulink and related toolchains (dSPACE, Embedded Coder) to predict behavior and optimize performance.
- Creating detailed design documentation for HV software control algorithms, logic, and architecture decisions.
- Software Development:
- Programming control logic in C/C++ and model-based design environments; familiarity with industrial automation languages (ladder logic, structured text, function block diagrams) a plus.
- Programming networking systems via communication protocols (CAN/J1939, Ethernet/IP, Modbus, UDP), and system interfaces (GUI's).
- Working closely with a software engineering team as a technical peer and subject matter expert, contributing to architecture decisions, design reviews, and development best practices.
- Testing and Validation:
- Conducting rigorous testing of HV control software in simulated environments (HIL/SIL) and on physical systems to ensure functionality, reliability, and safety compliance.
- Identifying and resolving software defects and issues related to HV control system behavior.
- Creating test plans and procedures to validate system performance against defined criteria, including applicable standards (ISO 26262 ASIL, IEC 61508 SIL, MIL-STD as applicable).
- Demonstrating ability and willingness to be hands-on through the full testing and troubleshooting process on physical HV systems.
- System Integration:
- Collaborating with hardware engineers to integrate controls software with HV/LV electrical components and power electronics hardware, ensuring seamless operation across the full system.
- Coordinating with project teams to ensure proper system integration and communication between control elements across EV and defense platforms.
- Engaging with defense customers and program stakeholders to support SOW interpretation, CDRLs, and program milestone reviews.
- Ensuring designs comply with applicable MIL-STD requirements (MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-461) and functional safety standards as required.
- Maintenance and Support:
- Providing technical support for deployed EV and microgrid control systems, including troubleshooting HV system issues and implementing software updates.
- Maintaining system documentation and updating control logic as needed to adapt to changing program requirements or field findings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. required; M.S. preferred in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Power Electronics, or closely related field
- 5-10 years of experience in controls engineering with demonstrated expertise in high voltage electrical systems
- Deep knowledge of EV HV/LV system architectures, inverter topologies, BMS, and charging systems
- Working knowledge of ESS architecture including cell balancing, SOC/SOH estimation, and pack-level protection concepts
- Strong proficiency in C/C++, model-based design (MATLAB/Simulink), and embedded systems development
- Experience with communications protocols such as J1939 CAN, UDP, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus
- Working knowledge of functional safety standards ISO 26262 (ASIL) and/or IEC 61508 (SIL) design processes
- Awareness of relevant military standards for power and vehicle systems (MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-461)
- Familiarity with electrical and mechanical systems to understand hardware interactions with software controls
- Ability and willingness to be hands-on through the testing and troubleshooting processes
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills to diagnose complex control system issues
- Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
- U.S. Citizenship required; active Secret clearance or eligibility and willingness to obtain required
- Support BE's values, principles, vision, and mission
- Ability to pass a background investigation, including but not limited to nationwide criminal record search, and other relevant background information deemed necessary by BE.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or Power Electronics
- Direct experience with U.S. Military Tactical Microgrid or defense energy programs
- Proficiency in AC-DC and DC-AC converter control, including grid-tied and islanded operation modes
PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Lift up to 50lb occasionally
- Stand/walk up to 8 hours per day
- Bend and Twist occasionally
- Reach/work above shoulders occasionally
- Fine manipulations frequently to occasionally
- Gross manipulation frequently to occasionally
- Push/pull frequently to occasionally
- Sit a desk workstation for up to 8 hours per day
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office environment
Climate controlled shop
TRAVEL
This position may require travel up to 10% of the time
POSITION TYPE
This is a salaried exempt position.
RELOCATION
Relocation expenses are not provided.
DISCLAIMER
This job description indicates in general the nature and levels of work, knowledge, skills, abilities and other essential functions (as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act) expected of an incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of an incumbent. An incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.
Native American & Veteran Hiring Preferences will be applied in accordance with Waséyabek Development Company policy. We are committed to making merit-based hiring decisions. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship, marital status, height or weight, veteran status, or any other legally protected category.
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