Director of Power Systems Engineering - Microgrids

About Nscale

At Nscale, we are building the infrastructure for the AI revolution. Nscale is developing cutting-edge, sovereign generative AI solutions powered by a new generation of high-performance, sustainable data centres and GPUs built specifically for AI workloads.

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented global demand for compute and GPU infrastructure. Positioned at the heart of this transformation, Nscale is delivering the platforms that will enable the next decade of innovation.

Working closely with the world's most advanced AI technology providers — including Microsoft and NVIDIA — Nscale integrates next-generation compute hardware and GPU clusters across both partner and self-delivered facilities. This is a unique opportunity to join Nscale's journey, play a pivotal role in delivering transformative AI infrastructure, and help shape a company designed to scale rapidly across North America, Europe, and beyond.

About the Role

We are seeking a Director of Power Systems Engineering – Microgrids to lead as the senior technical authority for microgrid design within Nscale Energy and Power, where we are developing behind-the-meter and islanded microgrid generation assets for provision of prime power to world-scale, mission-critical AI infrastructure.

Working closely with industry-leading partners like Caterpillar and NVIDIA on projects like our +2 GW Monarch Compute Campus, you will lead the basis of design development, drive protection and controls strategy, and own the hardware-in-the-loop and commissioning programs that prove the system architecture will provide the reliability needed to anchor AI workloads.

This role reports to the SVP Technology (Power) and will build and lead the power systems engineering function within Nscale Energy and Power as the business matures.

What You'll be Doing

Microgrid Architecture & Basis of Design

• Own the power systems basis of design and technology selection across generation, energy storage, medium- and low-voltage distribution, protection, and controls.
• Define topology, redundancy, and sectionalizing strategy for a fully islanded microgrid serving hyperscale AI workloads with significant transient characteristics.
• Lead key studies for block sizing, BESS sizing and placement, grid interconnection strategy, and NERC CIP.
• Drive technical alignment between suppliers, EPCs, and owner's engineering teams.

Protection and Controls

• Own the protection philosophy, coordination, and settings strategy across generator, energy storage, transformer, bus, and feeder zones.
• Lead the technical relationship with controls suppliers for systems from generator controls to microgrid-level controllers.
• Direct protection coordination, arc flash, and short-circuit studies.
• Define controls hierarchy, droop and load-sharing schemes, black-start sequencing, and transient response strategy for GPU load transients.

Energy Storage and Load Smoothing

• Select the optimal energy storage/load smoothing solution for the application (BESS, UPS, capacitor integration, etc.).
• Own the technical interface with the energy storage system OEM.
• Drive dynamic performance studies for load smoothing, ramp-rate management, and contingency response.
• Define the dispatch and energy management strategy that balances reliability, heat rate, and operations/maintenance costs.

Hardware-in-the-Loop & Commissioning Readiness

• Own the HIL testing program from system model development through integrated controller testing.
• Define commissioning test plans, acceptance criteria, and the path from HIL through factory acceptance, site acceptance, and integrated systems testing.
• Partner with the O&M organization on operating procedures, switching orders, and operator training derived from the validated model.
• Lead technical resolution of issues uncovered in commissioning and early operations.

Leadership & Customer Engagement

• Serve as the senior power systems technical voice with hyperscale customers, providing technical assurance on availability, resilience, and architecture.
• Represent Nscale in technical reviews with regulators and utilities where applicable.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of power systems engineers, including hiring, mentoring, performance management, and career development.
• Partner cross-functionally with Mechanical Engineering, Construction, Commissioning, Operations, Procurement, and Permitting.
• Capture lessons learned from commissioning and early operations to improve power systems design, protection settings, and controls strategy across the portfolio.

About You

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related discipline.
• 15+ years of experience in power systems engineering, with deep expertise in generation, protection and controls, and dynamic power system performance.
• PE license (Electrical) preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with behind-the-meter or islanded power generation systems.
• Deep experience with modeling tools such as ETAP, PSSE, PSCAD, EMTP-RV, RSCAD/RTDS, and/or OPAL-RT.
• Hands-on experience implementing HIL testing programs.
• Working knowledge of IEEE 1547, IEEE C37 protection series, IEEE 2030.7/2030.8 microgrid standards, and NERC CIP.
• Demonstrated ability to manage the technical execution of third-party design firms and suppliers.
• Willingness to travel and support project sites (e.g., Mason County, West Virginia), Nscale offices (e.g., Houston, Texas), and supplier offices.

Why This Role Matters

AI infrastructure at hyperscale is redefining what's possible — and power is the foundation it runs on. As Director of Power Systems Engineering, you will set the technical bar for how Nscale designs, proves, and operates microgrid systems powering some of the most demanding compute workloads on the planet. The decisions made in this role will directly influence the reliability and performance of data centers that are shaping the future of AI.

What We Can Offer You

At Nscale, you'll find a collaborative, supportive, and innovative environment where your contributions spark real impact. We're building something extraordinary, and our people are driving it.

• Competitive base salary with annual reviews
• Performance bonus and long-term incentive eligibility
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Generous PTO plus US federal holidays
• A career-defining opportunity to be an early member of one of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure companies in the world
• A human-first approach: We treat you as humans first. Our flexible workplace trusts Nscalers to deliver, giving you the autonomy needed to get the job done.
• The chance to push boundaries on cutting-edge AI infrastructure — these data centers aren't just storage for your spam emails, they're changing the industry, and the world, as we've known it.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Nscale, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable workplace. We believe that a variety of perspectives enriches our work environment, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. If there's anything we can do to accommodate your specific situation, please let us know.

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