Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Principal Research Engineer – Grid Modeling
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Principal Research Engineer – Grid Modeling
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Overview PNNL’s Science & Technology directorates support the Department of Energy (DOE) in modernizing the nation’s power grid and advancing renewable energy, resilience, and security.
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EI&BD) focuses on transforming markets and shaping energy policy.
Within EI&BD, the Power System Modeling Group (PSMG) develops simulation, analysis, and optimization tools to enhance grid performance from the bulk energy system to the distribution level.
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, etc.) for grid planning, analysis, and control.
Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or Task Lead for DOE, ARPA‑E, and other federally 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 – 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.
Minimum Qualifications
BS/BA with 9+ years of relevant work experience
MS/MA with 7+ years of relevant work experience
PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications
Proven expertise in both transmission and distribution systems, including 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 or analytic workflows such as HELICS, GridLAB‑D, or equivalents
Familiarity with distributed energy resources, 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
Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and will be subject to a background investigation and drug testing.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Requirements
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 Designated Positions, requiring pre‑employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with federal law.
Security Clearance Applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and undergo a comprehensive background investigation covering employment, education, financial, criminal history, and foreign connections.
The investigation also examines drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Location & Work Environment Position is based in Portland, OR; Richland, WA; or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.
Compensation Minimum Salary: USD $169,600.00 per year Maximum Salary: USD $268,100.00 per year
Equal Employment Opportunity PNNL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a drug‑free workplace, reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and non‑discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic.
PNNL complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding hiring practices.
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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)
Overview PNNL’s Science & Technology directorates support the Department of Energy (DOE) in modernizing the nation’s power grid and advancing renewable energy, resilience, and security.
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EI&BD) focuses on transforming markets and shaping energy policy.
Within EI&BD, the Power System Modeling Group (PSMG) develops simulation, analysis, and optimization tools to enhance grid performance from the bulk energy system to the distribution level.
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, etc.) for grid planning, analysis, and control.
Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or Task Lead for DOE, ARPA‑E, and other federally 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 – 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.
Minimum Qualifications
BS/BA with 9+ years of relevant work experience
MS/MA with 7+ years of relevant work experience
PhD with 5+ years of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications
Proven expertise in both transmission and distribution systems, including 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 or analytic workflows such as HELICS, GridLAB‑D, or equivalents
Familiarity with distributed energy resources, 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
Additional Information This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and will be subject to a background investigation and drug testing.
All applicants must be U.S. citizens.
Requirements
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 Designated Positions, requiring pre‑employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with federal law.
Security Clearance Applicants will be required to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance and undergo a comprehensive background investigation covering employment, education, financial, criminal history, and foreign connections.
The investigation also examines drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Location & Work Environment Position is based in Portland, OR; Richland, WA; or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.
Compensation Minimum Salary: USD $169,600.00 per year Maximum Salary: USD $268,100.00 per year
Equal Employment Opportunity PNNL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a drug‑free workplace, reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, and non‑discrimination on the basis of any protected characteristic.
PNNL complies with all federal, state, and local laws regarding hiring practices.
#J-18808-Ljbffr