About Serenity Power
Serenity Power is developing compact solid oxide fuel cell systems for on-site power. Our work brings together cell materials, stack design, fuel handling and controls, with prototype development and planned field testing in Alberta.
We are a small, hands-on team. Every team member completes safety orientation and role-specific training before working in the lab or shop.
The Role
We are looking for a Systems Engineering co-op student who wants to see their code and wiring control real energy hardware. You will work where control logic, electronics and physical systems meet: programming PLCs and microcontrollers, integrating sensors and actuators, testing complete SOFC systems, and turning test data into decisions.
You will be paired with a Serenity engineer who acts as your mentor and day-to-day supervisor, and you will work as a full member of the systems and controls team. An 8- to 16-month term gives you time to own a defined subsystem or test campaign and see it through to results the team will use.
Key Responsibilities
Controls & Automation
- Program PLCs in Structured Text and Function Block Diagram within industrial automation environments such as Beckhoff TwinCAT
- Implement control loops, safety interlocks and sequences for system and process hardware
Embedded Systems & Electronics
- Develop firmware in C/C++ and scripts in Python to interface with microcontrollers, sensor arrays and actuators
- Help finalize I/O and communications design to reduce controls cost
- Prototype, wire and test hardware from electrical schematics, and support PCB design
Systems Integration & Testing
- Support requirements, subsystem interfaces and system documentation such as P&IDs, PFDs and single-line diagrams
- Commission new control hardware, and troubleshoot communication buses (Modbus, I²C, SPI, UART) and software
- Help plan and run system tests aimed at cost reduction, miniaturization, reducing parasitic electrical and thermal losses, reliability, and CSA/CE certification
Data Analysis
- Analyze test data and produce performance summaries and graphs that communicate findings clearly
Safety & Documentation
- Complete Serenity's safety orientation and role-specific training, and follow SOPs, hazard assessments, lockout and PPE requirements
- Keep clean technical documentation, code, wiring records and test data
Collaboration & Communication
- Participate in R&D meetings and report project progress, results and problems clearly
- Handle confidential information responsibly, and raise new ideas or potential inventions with your mentor so Serenity's IP is protected
- Present your work to the technical team at the end of your term
Qualifications
Required
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Electrical, Computer, Mechatronics, Systems Design, Software or Automation Engineering or a closely related program, and eligible for a co-op work term through your institution
- Foundational knowledge in at least some of: electronics and schematics, circuit analysis, feedback control, embedded systems and microcontrollers
- Programming experience in C/C++ or Python
- Comfortable with hands-on wiring, hardware debugging and lab work
- Available for an 8-, 12- or 16-month term
Nice to Have
- Previous co-op or student design team experience (robotics, Formula, solar car, aerospace and similar)
- PLC programming, especially Structured Text or Beckhoff TwinCAT
- Experience with communication protocols such as Modbus, CAN, I²C, SPI or UART
- PCB design (Altium, KiCad), oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
- Familiarity with P&IDs, instrumentation or data acquisition systems
- Interest in clean energy and decarbonizing off-grid and industrial power
What We Offer
- Competitive co-op compensation
- One-to-one mentorship from a Serenity engineer
- Hands-on experience controlling and testing first-of-a-kind fuel cell systems on real hardware
- A small, mission-driven team where your work is seen and used
- A chance to make a measurable impact on clean, reliable power
Great candidates don't always check every box. If you are excited about this role and Serenity's mission, we would love to hear from you.
How to Apply
Submit your resume, a short cover letter and a project portfolio (if you have one) to contact@serenitypower.ca. In your cover letter, tell us about a hands-on technical project (academic, personal, design team or professional) you are proud of.
Serenity Power is an equal opportunity employer committed to accommodating candidates throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know of any accommodation needs.