Staff Software Engineer (Python)

Description POSITION DESCRIPTION We are seeking a highly skilledStaff Software Engineer (Python)to join our Grid & Energy Services division at our Santa Clara, CA headquarters. This is a senior technical leadership role focused on architecting, building, and scaling cloud-native software systems that power next-generation energy management platforms for data centers and industrial environments. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in Python development, distributed systems, and Microsoft Azure. This role will contribute to building scalable, real-time systems that ingest, process, and act on operational and energy data at scale. You will also drive technical direction for our real-time gird and energy platforms. This position requires strong technical judgment, hands-on engineering capability, and the ability to deliver production-grade services in modern cloud environments. The role will also help shape the organization's AI-enabled platform strategy, including the integration of agentic systems, AI orchestration frameworks, and intelligent automation into operational workflows. LOCATION & WORK ARRANGEMENT This role is remote; however, the candidate(s) will be expected to relocate at their own expense to our onsite Houston location by Q1 in 2027* • Q1 2027 is an approximate timeframe and is subject to change at any time Responsibilities • Design, develop, and scale production-grade Python applications for energy and grid management systems, ensuring high performance, reliability, and maintainability. • Architect and deploy cloud-native solutions on Microsoft Azure, including serverless services, storage, messaging, and monitoring, while supporting containerized applications across Docker and Kubernetes environments. • Build and maintain event-driven architectures using Azure Event Hubs and related technologies, while contributing to AI-enabled systems leveraging Azure Foundry agents and agentic orchestration patterns. • Lead technical design efforts, conduct code reviews, and establish best practices, while also owning production support, troubleshooting, and continuous improvements in observability and incident response. • Apply modern AI-assisted development approaches (e.g., vibe coding, spec-driven development) to improve engineering productivity and accelerate delivery. Required Qualifications • 8+ years of experience in energy systems architecture, grid infrastructure, or AI-enabled industrial platforms. • Equivalent work experience and a proven track record of technical mastery may be considered in lieu of specific degrees • Demonstrated success building and operating production-grade software/platforms in regulated or mission-critical environments. • Advanced proficiency in DevOps, CI/CD, and Agile development. • Travel may be required up to 10%, nationally and internationally. Preferred Qualifications • Experience serving as a Staff Engineer, Principal Engineer, or technical lead for large-scale distributed systems or energy platforms. • Expertise in BESS, DERs, renewables, utility operations. • Expertise with cloud-native infrastructure automation, distributed orchestration systems, and scalable data/streaming architectures. • Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric, time-series databases, analytical platforms, and real-time telemetry processing systems. • Exposure to AI/ML systems, LLM-enabled applications, agentic architectures, and AI-assisted engineering workflows. • Experience developing software platforms connected to physical infrastructure, industrial systems, or operational technology (OT) environments. Hanwha Q CELLS Technologies, Inc. a subsidiary of Hanwha Q CELLS, one of the world´s largest and most recognized photovoltaic manufacturers for its high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules. It is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) Talheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ) and Santa Clara, CA, USA (HW and SW Product Development HQ). Through its growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East, the company provides excellent services and long-term partnerships to its customers in the utility, commercial, government, and residential markets. Hanwha Q CELLS is a flagship company of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 firm and a Top 7 business enterprise in South Korea. PHYSICAL, MENTAL & ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. Mobility Standing 20% of time Sitting 70% of time Walking 10% of time Strength Pulling up to 10 Pounds Pushing up to 10 Pounds Carrying up to 10 Pounds Lifting up to 10 Pounds Dexterity(F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Nev