Power Systems Research Engineer – Energy Infrastructure Modeling

Overview

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.

The Energy and Environment Directorate (EED) delivers science 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 the nation’s power grid, researching renewable energy and efficiency technologies, and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EI&BD), part of EED, accelerates the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. The Power System Modeling Group (PSMG) develops advanced simulation, analysis, and optimization tools to understand and enhance grid performance across all levels.

PNNL seeks a creative and inter-disciplinary power system engineer to develop model enhancements for conventional power system models and to represent changing system constraints and dependencies imposed by the rapid growth of our nation’s energy system. The selected candidate will participate in science‑based, mission‑focused research to develop complex solutions integrating a wide range of power system tools to enhance the security of our nation’s energy system.

• Provide subject matter expertise within multi‑disciplinary teams focusing on power system optimization, resource adequacy, and reliable capacity expansion.
• Lead model enhancements, design simulation experiments, and evaluate technology performance.
• Apply theory to develop new tools, including applications, algorithms, models, and visualization.
• Publish research results in peer‑reviewed journals and reports.
• Build strong teams for project execution and mentor junior staff.
• Travel to execute projects, build relationships, and grow leadership in the field.
• Manage individual tasks or projects, ensuring milestones are met and communicating with senior management.
• Ensure safe operating practices are followed.
• Communicate engineering challenges and solutions to a wide range of audiences.
• Handle ambiguity and work under changing conditions.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5 years of relevant production cost and expansion planning model work experience – OR –
• MS/MA and 3 years of relevant production cost and expansion planning model work experience – OR –
• PhD with 1 year of relevant production cost and expansion planning model experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with large‑scale power system optimization models, commercial or open‑source tools.
• Understanding of power grid operations, transmission, and resource planning.
• Knowledge of utility industry economics and business processes.
• Apply systems engineering principles to new tool development.
• Experience in grid applications, software development, or participation in national and international forums.
• Experience with stochastic optimization and dynamic programming.
• Fluency in at least one programming or scripting language (e.g., GAMS, Julia, Perl, Python).
• Experience working in an inter‑disciplinary team.
• Demonstrated success in publishing research in top‑tier journals.

This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and employment.

PNNL is committed to a drug‑free workplace supported by the Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.