Principal Research Engineer – Grid Modeling

Principal Research Engineer

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 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 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 (EI&BD), part of EED, 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.

Within this division, the Power System Modeling Group (PSMG) develops advanced simulation, analysis, and optimization tools to understand and enhance grid performance across all levels, from the bulk energy system to the distribution grid.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a Principal Research Engineer with deep expertise in power system modeling, simulation, and resilience. This individual will provide technical leadership for R&D that bridges the transmission and distribution domains, driving innovation in grid modeling, analysis, and operational resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and conduct innovative R&D in power system modeling, simulation, and resilience for both bulk and distribution systems.
• Develop, validate, and apply multi-domain modeling frameworks (e.g., GridLAB-D, HELICS, DCAT, EGRASS, OpenDSS, or similar) for grid planning, analysis, and control.
• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or Task Lead for Department of Energy (DOE), Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E), and other sponsored projects advancing grid reliability and national energy abundance.
• Build and guide multidisciplinary research teams, integrating expertise in modeling, data analytics, cybersecurity, and controls.
• Mentor early- and mid-career researchers to cultivate technical excellence and leadership across the Power System Modeling Group.
• Engage with external collaborators, including utilities, ISOs/RTOs, academia, and national laboratories, to shape the research agenda and accelerate technology transition.
• Publish peer-reviewed research, present findings at technical conferences, and represent PNNL as a thought leader in power system modeling and resilience.

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

Qualifications

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:

• Proven expertise in both transmission and distribution systems, including their dynamic, operational, and planning aspects.
• Demonstrated record of leading interdisciplinary R&D teams and managing complex technical projects.
• Experience serving as PI or technical lead on federally funded research projects.
• Deep understanding of grid dynamics, stability, and resilience modeling.
• Experience integrating suites of tools in co-simulation environments, model exchanges, or analytic workflows such as HELICS, GridLAB-D, or equivalent tools.
• Familiarity with distributed energy resources (DERs), transactive energy, or grid-edge technologies.
• Knowledge of DOE programs (e.g., OE, CESER, EERE) and related sponsor engagement.
• Proven record of securing competitive research funding and producing high-impact publications.
• Leadership experience or active participation in IEEE Power & Energy Society (PES) or related professional organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment

Not applicable.

Additional Information

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 subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP). Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.

About PNNL

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, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!

At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.

Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity

Our laboratory is 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 an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.

Drug Free Workplace

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

If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements

As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The