Electrical Engineer III - Power Systems

Power System 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 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, 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.

Responsibilities

The Electricity Security Resilience Group is currently looking for a Power System Research Engineer with a strong background in power system analysis, transient system modeling and studies, relay settings, and modern software development practices to join our resilience team. The position will focus on leading the development of cutting-edge mitigation against abnormal events and evaluating the impact of new technologies on bulk power system operations. This role will directly support the development of real-world applications for improving the performance, efficiency, flexibility, and resilience of our nation's power system. The desired candidate will:

• Work with colleagues and external collaborators to develop innovative solutions to emerging challenges facing the power industry.
• Demonstrate relevant technical domain knowledge with a focus on power system models, algorithms, optimization, and/or controls for power system planning and operations.
• Lead project teams to perform analysis of the resilience of electrical power system with changing generation mix, evolving load growth, increasing hazards.
• Develop resilient mitigations to newly discovered hazards to secure energy operations.
• Contribute to the development of technical strategies.
• Effectively communicate with senior engineers to ensure high-quality delivery of research projects on budget and on time.
• Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, etc.
• Mentor and direct junior staff in various projects.
• Present and promote PNNL research agenda and products in professional communities, e.g., IEEE, CIGRE, industry workshops, etc.
• Demonstrate the utmost professional integrity.

This position is based at the PNNL main campus in Richland, WA and requires onsite work.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science or Computer Engineering (or closely related discipline and experience).
• Experience developing large-scale research proposals and an extensive professional network within the power systems engineering community.
• Experienced in grid applications, software development and/or active participation in related national and international forums for power systems.
• Degree in electrical engineering or mechanical engineering with emphasis in power engineering.
• Proficient in modern software languages, such as C++, Python, Java, etc.
• Excellent communication skills in framing and delivering key messages internally and externally.
• Solid understanding of power grid operations, planning, and software development techniques including experience with mature methods for software development.
• Technical knowledge in power system modeling and real-time simulation, analysis, dynamics, and/or control.
• Experience in developing relay settings.
• Work with system modeling software programs (ASPEN, CAPE, CYME, ETAP, SKM).
• Experience in modeling power system dynamics, using a combination of:
• Transient dynamics in PSSE, PSLF, or PowerWorld (or similar),
• Transient dynamics in CYMDIST, Synergy, GridLAB-D, or OpenDSS (or similar), and/or
• Electromagnetic transients in PSCAD, EMTDC, or ETAP (or similar).
• Demonstrated success publishing research journals or presenting at conferences.

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.

Testing Designated Position

This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.

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