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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · 2 weeks ago

Principal Research Engineer – Grid Modeling

Richland, WA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

$173K/yr - $274K/yr

5+ years exp

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution focused on addressing significant energy and environmental challenges. They are seeking a Principal Research Engineer with expertise in power system modeling to lead R&D efforts that bridge transmission and distribution domains, enhance grid performance, and mentor junior researchers.

Biomass EnergyEnergyGovernmentProduct ResearchSecurity

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct innovative R&D in power system modeling, simulation, and resilience for both bulk and distribution systems

Develop, validate, and apply multi-domain modeling frameworks (e.g., GridLAB-D, HELICS, DCAT, EGRASS, OpenDSS, or similar) for grid planning, analysis, and control

Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or Task Lead for Department of Energy (DOE), Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), and other sponsored projects advancing grid reliability and national energy abundance

Build and guide multidisciplinary research teams, integrating expertise in modeling, data analytics, cybersecurity, and controls

Mentor early- and mid-career researchers to cultivate technical excellence and leadership across the Power System Modeling Group

Engage with external collaborators, including utilities, ISOs/RTOs, academia, and national laboratories, to shape the research agenda and accelerate technology transition

Publish peer-reviewed research, present findings at technical conferences, and represent PNNL as a thought leader in power system modeling and resilience

Qualification

Power system modelingSimulation toolsGrid dynamicsInterdisciplinary R&D leadershipData analyticsCybersecurityGrid resilienceTechnical project managementHELICSGridLAB-DCommunication skillsMentoringCollaboration

Required

BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-

PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience

U.S. Citizenship

Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B

Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP)

Preferred

Proven expertise in both transmission and distribution systems, including their dynamic, operational, and planning aspects

Demonstrated record of leading interdisciplinary R&D teams and managing complex technical projects

Experience serving as PI or technical lead on federally funded research projects

Deep understanding of grid dynamics, stability, and resilience modeling

Experience integrating suites of tools in co-simulation environments, model exchanges, or analytic workflows such as HELICS, GridLAB-D, or equivalent tools

Familiarity with distributed energy resources (DERs), transactive energy, or grid-edge technologies

Knowledge of DOE programs (e.g., OE, CESER, EERE) and related sponsor engagement

Proven record of securing competitive research funding and producing high-impact publications

Leadership experience or active participation in IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) or related professional organizations

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences