Senior Research Engineer - Power Systems

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.

Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.

The Energy and Environment Directoratedeliversscience and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system;

and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to a n 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

The successful candidate will l lead and contribute to research, design, modeling, integration, and field validation of power system technologies. This role requires strong analytical skills under uncertainty and the ability to synthesize sparse or incomplete data.

Responsibilities:

• Analyze power systems, including protection, stability, reliability, and operational characteristics.

• Develop algorithms and platforms for time synchronized measurements in power systems

• Select components and equipment based on technical specifications, reliability, and system-level requirements.

• Contribute to secure and reliable architectures that incorporate communications systems and grid cybersecurity considerations.

• Plan and execute hands‑on installation of novel devices in laboratory and field testbeds; maintain documentation and safety/compliance practices.

• Analyze inverter-based resources and power-electronics interactions at an awareness level sufficient to inform system design and testing.

• Collaborate across multi‑disciplinary teams; communicate progress to sponsors and stakeholders; publish and present research outcomes where appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience
  -OR-

• MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience
  -OR-

• PhD with 3+ year of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Field experience with deployment of time synchronized measurement application platforms.

• Knowledge of SCADA and grid communications systems; familiarity with cybersecurity implications.

• Awareness of inverter-based resources, power electronics, and grid-forming/grid-following control concepts.

• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to lead tasks and mentor junior staff.

“Referr Eligible”

This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world‑class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity,…