[Hiring] Principal Research Engineer – Grid Modeling @Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Role Description

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.

• 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.

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.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Robust telehealth care options.
• Several mental health benefits.
• Free wellness coaching.
• Health savings account.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Basic life insurance.
• Disability insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Business travel insurance.
• Tuition assistance.
• Relocation.
• Backup childcare.
• Legal benefits.
• Supplemental parental bonding leave.
• Surrogacy and adoption assistance.
• Fertility support.
• Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan.
• Employees may enroll in our 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year.
• Employees may receive ten paid holidays per year.