System Validation Engineer (Grid Compliance)

Open to entry level candidates!

Job Title: System Validation Engineer

Job Description

As a System Validation Engineer, you will play a key role in bringing advanced residential, industrial, and utility-scale energy storage solutions to the grid. You will focus on system-level firmware validation for grid-tied products such as residential battery systems, solar PV integrations, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies. Your work will help ensure that grid-connected devices operate safely, reliably, and in full compliance with global grid standards, supporting the broader mission of accelerating the transition to sustainable energy.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level firmware validation for residential energy storage systems, solar PV, and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology across multiple grid standards and international markets.
• Design, build, and maintain advanced test setups and infrastructure to enable robust system-level firmware validation of grid-connected products.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans to validate grid support functions, overall performance, safety, and interoperability requirements.
• Perform firmware integration testing of grid support functions and identify firmware defects early in the development cycle to improve product quality and reliability.
• Develop, implement, and maintain automated test suites to enable continuous regression testing and rapid iteration of firmware updates.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional stakeholders to deepen understanding of system behavior, grid requirements, and market-specific needs.
• Apply creativity and engineering leadership to navigate unpaved technical paths, including new grid codes, emerging markets, and future unannounced products.

Essential Skills

• Strong electrical engineering fundamentals with a solid understanding of power electronics and control systems.
• Experience in grid-connected power electronics compliance testing, hardware/firmware integration, or power systems validation.
• Experience working with power electronics devices such as battery storage systems, solar inverters, EV charging equipment, or drive inverters.
• Understanding of grid compliance specifications and the behavior of grid-tied devices in relation to voltage, frequency, power, and other critical parameters.
• Familiarity with grid compliance standards (e.g., IEEE, UL, EN) and regional grid codes.
• Proficiency with specialized test equipment, including power analyzers, grid simulators, oscilloscopes, power supplies, electronic loads, and CAN tools.
• Ability to design and execute comprehensive test plans and interpret complex test results.
• Comfort diving into new codebases and systems, with a pragmatic approach to problem solving.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with diverse engineering stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Preferred: Programming familiarity in Python for test automation and development of automated test suites.
• Preferred: International grid compliance experience in markets such as Europe, Australia, and Japan.
• Experience validating grid support and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) functionality.
• Demonstrated engineering leadership, including the ability to influence test strategy and validation methodologies.
• Eagerness to learn new grid standards, technologies, and tools as the product portfolio and markets evolve.
• Strong analytical mindset and attention to detail when diagnosing firmware integration issues and system-level behaviors.

Work Environment

You will work in a technically advanced environment focused on grid-tied energy storage, solar PV, and V2X technologies. The role involves extensive hands-on interaction with power electronics hardware, system prototypes, and specialized test equipment such as oscilloscopes, grid simulators, power analyzers, power supplies, electronic loads, and CAN tools. You will collaborate closely with firmware, hardware, and systems engineers in a fast-paced, innovation-driven setting where products evolve rapidly and new markets continually emerge. The position emphasizes rigorous testing, automation, and continuous improvement, with frequent opportunities to engage with international grid standards and real-world grid conditions. Dress expectations are typical of an engineering lab and office environment, balancing safety requirements in test areas with comfort suitable for focused technical work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Palo Alto, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Palo Alto,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.