Power Grid Dynamics Engineer - Lead

LLNL•Livermore, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is seeking an experienced Power Grid Dynamics Engineer Lead to spearhead research in electrical power grid infrastructure analysis, with a strong emphasis on grid resilience. This role involves active participation in business development for the Cyber and Infrastructure Resilience (CIR) program within the Global Security (GS) Principal Associate Directorate. The position requires collaboration with and travel to DOE headquarters and various institutions, including national labs, utilities, and vendors, to support the expanding research portfolio in electric grid infrastructure for the Department of Energy (DOE)’s Grid Modernization Initiative and the Department of Defense (DoD). This role is situated within the Computational Engineering Division (CED) of the Engineering Directorate. Depending on the assignment, this position may offer a hybrid work schedule, allowing for a blend of in-person and virtual work, with potential flexibility for remote work days. The role may be filled at either a standard or advanced level, contingent upon the candidate's assessed knowledge and experience. Additional responsibilities will be assigned for the higher-level position.

Requirements

Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
Master’s degree in Engineering or Computer Science, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience with at least one power grid dynamics simulation software, such as PowerWorld, PSS/E, PSCAD, PowerFactory, GridDyn.
Advanced record of technical achievements in power systems engineering, demonstrated through peer-reviewed technical publications or successful project leadership.
Ability to use standard programming languages to support dynamic modeling, analysis, and visualization of transmission grids and their components and control systems.
Advanced verbal and written communication skills for effective team collaboration, technical presentation, documentation, proposal writing, research paper preparation, and advising management.
Ability to travel off-site, including potentially internationally, for sponsor and customer interaction.
Highly advanced experience in one or more of the following areas: power grid dynamics modeling, transient stability, electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation (SES.4 level).
Subject matter expert knowledge and significant experience as a project manager or principal investigator of projects with differing priorities, loosely defined deliverables, and high visibility (SES.4 level).
Expert communication, facilitation, and collaboration skills necessary to present, explain, and advise senior management and/or external sponsors (SES.4 level).

Nice To Haves

PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
Experience working with the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of War (DoW), and other relevant federal and state government agencies.

Responsibilities

Lead research in power grid dynamics modeling, transient stability, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
Lead and support complex research projects with competing priorities.
Implement advanced research concepts in a multidisciplinary team environment.
Partner with other LLNL scientists and engineers to translate research results into practical applications for LLNL Global Security programs.
Collaborate closely with other CIR program area leads to develop the CIR program research roadmap.
Develop internal and external collaborations and contribute to securing funding for program goals.
Co-author refereed scientific papers and reports.
Deliver presentations to both internal and external audiences.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Balance multiple projects/tasks and priorities of customers and partners to ensure deadlines are met (SES.4 level).
Lead various highly complex projects, effectively leveraging team members' skills (SES.4 level).
Serve as a mentor for other staff and assist in recruiting efforts (SES.4 level).
Serve as a primary technical point of contact with sponsors and partners and participate in new program business development (SES.4 level).