Power Systems Research Engineer III – Inverter Resource; IBR

Overview

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), the Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EIBD), part of that Directorate, accelerates the transition to a resilient, secure, and efficient energy system through basic and applied research in power and energy systems, advanced data analytics, and system integration.

Location:

On‑site in Richland or Seattle, WA is strongly preferred; remote work may be considered.

The EIBD’s mission is to deliver transparent, reproducible, and unbiased research that supports national‑scale improvements to the safety, security, flexibility, and resilience of the grid. The Energy Systems Resilience Group focuses on advancing modeling, simulation, and integration of emerging power system technologies—including inverter‑based resources (IBRs), power electronics, advanced grid controls, and distributed energy systems.

The successful candidate will:

• Demonstrate technical knowledge in power system dynamics, inverter‑based resource (I ) behavior, and electromagnetic transient analysis.
• Model and simulate dynamic and transient interactions involving IBRs, including resource controls, system stability, and converter‑driven interactions.
• Support modeling of renewable energy and storage systems in WECC‑aligned planning tools such as PSSE, PSLF, Power World, and related environments.
• Contribute to applied research involving I  integration, grid forming/grid following control strategies, and I  impacts on bulk and distribution networks.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to develop innovative, technically rigorous solutions to emerging grid challenges.
• Assist with business development by contributing to technical concepts, proposals, and team capability growth.
• Communicate progress and results clearly to project teams, sponsors, and management to ensure on‑time, on‑budget delivery.
• Apply theory to develop new analysis tools, algorithms, and modeling frameworks.
• Publish research outcomes in peer‑reviewed journals and conferences.
• Represent PNNL in professional settings such as IEEE, CIGRE, WECC, and relevant technical workshops.
• Mentor and guide junior staff as appropriate for a Level 3 research engineer.

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience, or
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience, or
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience.

• Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• Experience with power systems modeling and simulation software (PSSE, PSLF, Power World Simulator).
• Knowledge of inverter‑based resources (IBRs) and associated control strategies, including grid‑forming and grid‑following technologies.
• Experience using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation tools such as PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS, or ETAP.
• Experience with WECC modeling practices or development of WECC‑compliant power system models.
• Coursework and/or professional experience in utility‑scale power systems and renewable or distributed energy resource (DER) integration.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks, manage assigned work, and communicate project results.

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an equal‑opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need assistance due to a disability, contact careers.

Applicants must comply with DOE policies regarding foreign government affiliation and national security obligations.

Minimum Salary: USD $ per year.

Maximum Salary: USD $ per year.