Principal Research Scientist – AI and ML Electrical Grid

Overview

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), we are solving some of the nation’s greatest energy challenges by delivering transformative research and scalable innovations.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.

We are seeking a forward-thinking Principal Research Scientist with a power systems background who is a thought leader in applying Artificial Intelligence (AI), including Large Language Models (LLMs) and agentic programming, to challenges in grid operations, planning, and resilience.

In this position, you will lead cutting-edge research initiatives, shape programmatic efforts, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to leverage advanced AI and machine learning (ML) approaches for the electricity sector. Your domain expertise will make you a key resource for projects across the lab as they utilize these new techniques to address real world energy infrastructure challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead pioneering research efforts to apply AI, including generative AI and agent-based approaches, to improve the operation, automation, resilience, and security of the electrical grid.
• Lead PNNL’s research agenda on AI for the grid by contributing to strategic planning and securing funding opportunities.
• Operationalizing AI research and development for the purposes of ensuring national and economic security especially as it relates to Defense Critical Electric Infrastructure.
• Develop and drive innovative concepts for real-world applications of ML in areas such as energy forecasting, grid disturbance detection, anomaly detection, and human-in-the-loop decision-making for grid operators.
• Serve as the principal investigator (PI) on complex, multi-disciplinary research projects funded by DOE, ARPA-E, utilities, and other stakeholders. Define project vision, build teams, and oversee successful execution.
• Collaborate across different components of the organization supplying domain expertise to AI/ML experts in other areas.
• Mentor and coach junior, mid-career, and senior scientists in the AI and grid research space, fostering a culture of innovation, growth, and excellence within the team.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including universities, grid operators, utilities, ISO/RTOs, national labs, and solution providers, to identify emerging needs and develop solutions that scale to the real world.
• Publish high-impact peer-reviewed papers, present research findings at conferences, and represent PNNL as a leader in the AI-for-energy community.

This position is based in either Richland, WA or Seattle, WA and requires an onsite presence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Deep understanding and experience applying machine learning and agentic approaches to the grid domain.
• Expertise in energy systems, power systems, or grid operations, with a strong understanding of the technical and operational challenges facing modern and future grids.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale, interdisciplinary research teams and securing competitive research funding.
• Knowledge of U.S. energy infrastructure, regulatory landscape, and the role of AI/ML in supporting grid modernization goals.
• Experience integrating AI models, including Agentic approaches, into planning or real-time operations engineering workflows for electric utilities or ISOs/RTOs.
• Demonstrated thought leadership in emerging AI applications, particularly around explainable AI, ethical AI, and AI for critical infrastructure.
• Strong communication and technical writing skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including technical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Established professional network within AI, ML, DOE, or energy industry communities.
• Must be able to acquire and maintain a national security clearance, Q/SCI.

Not applicable.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance. A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation:
  Applicants selected will be…