Community Energy Systems Electrical Engineer

Overview

At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), research is organized into Directorates in which teams focus on a specific area of scientific research or other function.

The Energy and Environment Directorate,a part of the Coastal Sciences Division, delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. The Division’s mission includes modernizing the U.S. power grid, developing renewable energy and efficiency technologies, and addressing nuclear sciences and environmental management.

The Coastal Sciences Division is headquartered at PNNL-Sequim on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula and is the only marine research laboratory in the Department of Energy. It focuses on marine and coastal resources, environmental chemistry, water resources modeling, marine engineering, environmental modeling and monitoring, and national security.

Key focus areas:

• Enabling sustainable development of ocean energy
• Understanding and mitigating long‑term impacts of human activities, including climate change, on marine resources
• Protecting coastal environments from security threats

The position will primarily support community‑driven design for coastal and remote communities planning their energy future. Candidates will collaborate with laboratory researchers and community partners, applying tools and research methods to help communities reach their energy goals. This role requires strong judgment and communication skills, the ability to succeed in high‑ambiguity environments, and the capability to evaluate technical pathways quickly while building trust with partners.

The role is focused on providing technical assistance through two programs: the Energy Technology Innovation Partnership Project (ETIPP) and Energy to Communities (E2C).

• Analyze electrical and energy system data from communities
• Work directly with coastal communities to define energy priorities and develop implementation plans
• Understand state, regional, and federal policy trends that impact community partners
• Review and synthesize literature, case studies, and tools
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary research team at PNNL and other national laboratories to advance modeling approaches for community‑driven energy planning
• Lead and contribute to scientific, peer‑reviewed publications
• Manage independent work assigned by team members
• Network with other professionals in the organization
• Contribute to publications and proposals

Minimum qualifications:

• BS/BA or higher

Preferred qualifications:

• Degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, energy planning, technology policy, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Deep knowledge of one or more of the following systems from both a technological and social perspective: electric transmission and distribution, hydropower, port and maritime facilities, seafood processing, building energy efficiency
• Ability to create and deliver effective presentations on technical topics to public and scientific audiences
• Familiarity with analyzing electrical load data for communities, buildings, and municipalities
• Experience applying a variety of social scientific research methodologies
• Experience creating tools for energy planning, electric utility operations, evaluation of energy use, energy technology evaluation, or related topics
• Ability to quickly explore and assess different methods of answering applied research questions with limited data
• Ability to develop and apply decision‑making frameworks
• Detail‑oriented, self‑starter

Employees and their families receive comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and robust telehealth care options. Benefits also include mental health support, wellness coaching, health savings and flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance, travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation support, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, fertility support, a company‑funded pension plan, and a 401(k) savings plan with company match.

Vacation accrual and paid holidays are also provided.

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, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. Contact careers for assistance or accommodation requests.

USD $80,500.00 / Yr.

USD $ / Yr.