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Intersect

Software Engineer, Microgrid Controls Developer

Intersect · Canada

  • Hybrid
  • Full-time
  • $195,000 / year
  • Canada

Job highlights

  • Design and deploy microgrid control software.
  • Develop real-time control algorithms.
  • Collaborate with engineers, utilities, and suppliers.
  • Ensure system safety, performance, and maintainability.
  • Advance clean energy transition through power infrastructure.

About the role

About Intersect

We’re a team of friends bound together by a mission to preserve our planet for future generations through innovative energy solutions and modern infrastructure. In December 2025, Google announced an agreement to acquire Intersect, to enable more data center and generation capacity to come online faster while accelerating energy development and innovation. After close, we’ll continue doing exactly what we were built to do - develop, construct, and operate the most ambitious power and data infrastructure in the country. Intersect’s operations will remain separate from Alphabet and Google under the Intersect brand. We’re on an aggressive growth trajectory and looking for people hungry to tackle the largest energy challenges on the planet.

Location & Team Gatherings

Intersect has been a fully flexible workplace since its founding in 2016. We’ve been very intentional about the way we do things. We are not work-from-home, hybrid, or in-office - we are any and all of those options! Deepening social connections and offering shared experiences is a cornerstone of the way we work. We connect as a team at our Team Week experiences four times a year and at our recently established Hub locations - SF Bay Area, NYC Metro Area, NY; Denver, CO; Austin, TX; Calgary, AB; and Toronto, ON. We are currently looking for candidates located within 60 miles of any of the listed hubs to foster more in-person connections while maintaining our flexible remote culture.

About This Role

As part of Intersect’s Microgrid Engineering team, you’ll help design and deploy high-performance controls software that enables reliable, grid-interactive and off-grid microgrids at unprecedented scale. This role delivers robust, well-tested real-time control algorithms that support critical infrastructure, partnering closely with controls engineers, utilities, equipment suppliers, and operations teams. Your work will directly influence system safety, performance, and long-term maintainability across development, validation, and field deployment.

Team Overview

This team plays a critical role in advancing Intersect’s mission to accelerate the clean energy transition, designing and operating systems that deliver reliable power at massive scale. The Microgrid Engineering team works cross-functionally across software, hardware, operations, and external partners to push technical boundaries while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality, and long-term performance. Joining this team offers the opportunity to solve complex, real-world problems while growing alongside experienced engineers working at the forefront of distributed energy systems.

What You’ll Do

  • Design and Implement Real-Time Control Algorithms
    • Design and implement algorithms for real-time control of microgrid components.
    • Collaborate with partner teams and equipment suppliers.
    • Translate system requirements and specifications into efficient, safe, and maintainable embedded controls code
  • Ensure Compliance and System Validation
    • Define and execute validation procedures to ensure controller compliance with utility interconnection agreements and ancillary market requirements when grid-connected.
    • Support controller verification through simulation, testing, and field validation.
  • Build and Maintain the Software Platform
    • Set up and maintain code repositories, build tools, and CI/CD workflows
    • Implement unit tests integration tests, and hardware abstraction layers to support scalable development
  • Support Quality, Documentation, and Field Performance
    • Contribute to clear documentation of software behavior, interfaces, and design assumptions.
    • Participate in code reviews to improve reliability, safety, and overall software quality.
    • Support debugging of unexpected controller behavior before and after deployment, including field data analysis and log review.

What You’ll Bring

  • B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • 3-6+ years of experience in real-time or embedded software development, industrial controls, or SCADA/automation environments.
  • Proficiency in industrial control and embedded languages such as C++, IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, SEL RTAC logic, CODESYS, Lua, Rust, or C.
  • Experience controlling generation assets and power equipment using industrial protocols such as Modbus or DNP3.
  • Familiarity with simulation tools such as Simulink or Modelica.
  • Experience with modern development practices including version control, automated testing, and validation pipelines.
  • A collaborative work style and the ability to translate cross-functional requirements into reliable real-time control software.
  • Attention to detail, strong documentation habits, and a mindset focused on safety and long-term system performance.

Total Rewards

At Intersect, we care about your well-being, growth, and balance. Here’s how we support you:

  • Total Compensation: USD$185,000 - $195,000 (total compensation includes base salary + bonus)
  • Health & wellness: 100% premium coverage for you and your dependents on medical, dental, and vision
  • Time to recharge: Unlimited PTO, plus two company-wide breaks (Fourth of July & end of year)
  • Family support: Up to 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave, plus 6 additional weeks for birth parents; access to family planning and family care support through Carrot and Maven
  • Mental health: Free access to Spring Health, including 5 free therapy and psychiatry sessions, plus a Headspace account for mindfulness and meditation through our physical health vendor, Wellhub+
  • Perks & extras: $150 monthly food stipend, $150 monthly reimbursement for cell phone and internet, pet insurance allowance, full home office setup, free access to UrbanSitter with $625 in quarterly company-paid credits, ActiveHero, and One Medical

Ready to build control systems that power critical infrastructure at unprecedented scale? Apply now and help shape the future of microgrid technology while growing your leadership impact.

Intersect maintains a work environment free from discrimination, one where all employees are treated with dignity and respect. All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling Intersect's commitment to equal employment opportunity. Intersect does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by and consistent with applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, compensation, promotion, benefits, social and recreational programs, and discipline. We sometimes use AI-powered note taking tools during interviews to support our team. They're used only for documentation and don't replace human judgment.

Key skills/competency

  • Software Engineering
  • Microgrid Controls
  • Real-time Algorithms
  • Embedded Software Development
  • Industrial Controls
  • SCADA/Automation
  • C++
  • IEC 61131-3
  • Modbus
  • DNP3

Skills & topics

  • Software Engineer
  • Microgrid Controls
  • Real-time Software
  • Embedded Systems
  • Energy Solutions
  • C++
  • Industrial Automation
  • SCADA
  • Grid-interactive Microgrids
  • Clean Energy

How to get hired

  • Tailor your resume: Highlight experience in real-time/embedded development, industrial controls, and protocols like Modbus/DNP3.
  • Showcase programming skills: Emphasize proficiency in C++, IEC 61131-3, SEL RTAC, CODESYS, Lua, or Rust.
  • Demonstrate understanding of protocols: Detail experience with Modbus, DNP3, and controlling generation assets.
  • Prepare for technical questions: Be ready to discuss simulation tools (Simulink, Modelica) and modern development practices.
  • Highlight collaborative spirit: Show how you translate requirements into reliable control software.

Technical preparation

Master C++ and embedded development for real-time systems.,Study industrial control protocols like Modbus and DNP3.,Practice with simulation tools such as Simulink.,Build CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.

Behavioral questions

Describe a complex control system you designed.,How do you ensure system safety and reliability?,Explain translating requirements into code.,How do you handle debugging in production?

Frequently asked questions

What is the work arrangement for a Software Engineer, Microgrid Controls at Intersect?
Intersect offers a fully flexible workplace. While they encourage in-person connections through hubs and team weeks, the role is designed to accommodate remote work within 60 miles of listed hubs (SF Bay Area, NYC Metro Area, Denver, Austin, Calgary, Toronto).
What is the salary range for the Software Engineer, Microgrid Controls position?
The total compensation for this role is between USD $185,000 - $195,000, which includes base salary and bonus. This is a competitive offering for experienced engineers in this field.
What programming languages and tools are important for the Software Engineer, Microgrid Controls role?
Proficiency in C++, IEC 61131-3 Structured Text, SEL RTAC logic, CODESYS, Lua, or Rust is required. Experience with industrial protocols like Modbus or DNP3, and simulation tools like Simulink or Modelica, is also highly valued.
What is the acquisition of Intersect by Google?
Google announced an agreement to acquire Intersect in December 2025. Intersect will continue to operate as a separate brand, focusing on developing, constructing, and operating power and data infrastructure, now with accelerated energy development and innovation capabilities.
What are the benefits of joining the Microgrid Engineering team at Intersect?
Joining this team means accelerating the clean energy transition by designing and operating large-scale power systems. You'll solve complex real-world problems, work at the forefront of distributed energy systems, and grow alongside experienced engineers.
How does Intersect support employee well-being and growth?
Intersect offers comprehensive support including full premium coverage for health, unlimited PTO, generous parental leave, mental health resources, food stipends, home office setups, and access to various other perks and benefits.
What is the required education and experience for the Software Engineer, Microgrid Controls position?
A B.S. or M.S. in Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field is required. Candidates should have 3-6+ years of experience in real-time or embedded software development, industrial controls, or SCADA/automation environments.