Principal Research Engineer – Grid Modeling

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution focused on addressing the nation’s energy and environmental challenges. The Principal Research Engineer will lead innovative R&D in power system modeling and resilience, providing technical leadership and mentoring researchers while engaging with external collaborators to advance grid reliability and national energy abundance.

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

Requirements:

• BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 5+ year of relevant experience
• 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)
• 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