Summary: This role involves supporting the design, validation, testing, and deployment of advanced control and communication architectures for utility-scale renewable energy facilities. Highlights: 1. Key role in control systems engineering for renewable power plants 2. Hands-on engineering in hardware design, PCB development, and networking 3. Lead laboratory activities and manage equipment for testing **Job Description:** **Job Description:** -------------------- The Hardware \& Network Engineer – Power Systems plays a key role within Nextpower’s Control Systems Engineering organization, supporting the design, validation, testing, and deployment of advanced control and communication architectures for utility\-scale solar, storage, and hybrid generation facilities. This role requires strong hands\-on engineering capabilities in hardware design, PCB development, instrumentation testing, PLC/IPC integration, system integration, and industrial networking to support the development of robust hardware architectures, electrical schematics, communication networks, and control interfaces that ensure reliable and secure operation of renewable power plants. The engineer will lead laboratory activities, execute structured test campaigns in both controlled lab environments and the outdoor test yard, and serve as the laboratory manager responsible for maintaining equipment, instrumentation systems, supplies, and safe operating practices. The position further demands experience across R\&D workflows, solar energy applications, IoT systems, and hardware–software integration. **Key Job Responsibilities:** ----------------------------- Develop and document hardware architectures for plant\-level control systems, including controller platforms, I/O modules, PCB assemblies, sensor interfaces, and supporting electronics. Create and maintain electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and control panel documentation. **Lab \& Field Testing** * Plan, execute, and evaluate structured test campaigns for hardware, digital and wireless communication interfaces, batteries, and integrated control systems. Operate engineering test equipment, analyze performance data, diagnose failures, and prepare comprehensive test reports. Lead testing in both laboratory environments and the outdoor solar tracker test yard. **Lab Management** * Oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring instruments, tools, and supplies are maintained, calibrated, and safely used. Manage inventory, procurement, organization, and adherence to safety standards. Support, coordinate, and mentor engineering staff and technicians in lab activities. **Network \& Communication Systems** * Design, configure, and validate industrial communication networks, wired and wireless, used for control, monitoring, and SCADA interfaces. Implement addressing schemes, cybersecurity practices, and redundancy strategies. Integrate and troubleshoot industrial communication protocols across devices and controllers. **System Integration \& Deployment Support** * Collaborate with firmware, SCADA, automation, and commissioning teams to ensure seamless integration of hardware, communication networks, and control logic. Participate in simulations, validation exercises, and field commissioning activities. Review vendor documentation and support troubleshooting during deployment. **Qualifications** ------------------ * Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Controls/Automation, or related field. * 5\+ years of experience in hardware engineering, system testing, industrial communication, or control system development. * Demonstrated proficiency conducting structured lab tests, analyzing results, and generating formal test reports. * Experience managing laboratory environments, instrumentation, and engineering tools. * Strong understanding of control hardware design, PCB development, instrumentation systems, and hardware–software integration. * Expertise in industrial communication networks and SCADA integration. * Strong analytical, communication, and problem\-solving skills; proficiency in English. At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility\-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data\-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure. **We are Nextpower** ====================