Power Systems Research Engineer III – Inverter Based Resource (IBR)

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory•Seattle, OH

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EIBD) is one of PNNL’s most innovative research organizations, bringing together interdisciplinary scientists, engineers, analysts, and technical staff to address some of America’s toughest energy challenges. Our mission is to deliver transparent, reproducible, and unbiased research that supports national‑scale improvements to the safety, security, flexibility, and resilience of the grid. We take a systems perspective that integrates technological, economic, regulatory, and market considerations from generation to end‑use. The Energy Systems Resilience Group (ESRG) focuses on advancing the modeling, simulation, and integration of emerging power system technologies—including inverter‑based resources (IBRs), power electronics, advanced grid controls, and distributed energy systems. ESRG’s capabilities span transmission and distribution modeling, electromagnetic transient studies, dynamic and stability analysis, and systems engineering to support the reliability and resilience of an increasingly converter‑dominated grid. We are seeking a Power Systems Research Engineer III with strong technical expertise in power system dynamics, IBR modeling, WECC‑aligned studies, and planning‑tool integration. This role contributes directly to modeling the dynamic behavior of renewable energy, storage, and other inverter‑based resources in both transmission and distribution systems. The Power Electronics Modeling Team conducts research in IBR modeling, power electronics, grid protection and controls, T&D co-simulation, and system integration. We support DOE, WECC, industry partners, and utilities through rigorous analysis, advanced modeling tools, and high-impact research that strengthens the resilience and reliability of the electric grid.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
Experience with power systems modeling and simulation software (e.g.,., PSSE, PSLF, or PowerWorld Simulator).
Knowledge of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and associated control strategies, including grid-forming, and grid- following technologies.
Experience using electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation tools such as PSCAD/EMTDC, RTDS, or ETAP.
Experience with WECC modeling practices or development of WECC-compliant power system models.
Coursework and/or professional experience in utility-scale power systems and renewable or distributed energy resource (DER) integration.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical tasks, manage assigned work, and communicate project results.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate technical knowledge in power system dynamics, inverter-based resource (IBR) behavior, and electromagnetic transient analysis.
Model and simulate dynamic and transient interactions involving IBRs, including resource controls, system stability, and converter-driven interactions.
Support modeling of renewable energy and storage systems in WECC-aligned planning tools such as PSSE, PSLF, PowerWorld, and related environments.
Contribute to applied research involving IBR integration, grid forming/grid following control strategies, and IRB/IBR impacts on bulk and distribution networks.
Collaborate with colleagues and external partners to develop innovative, technically rigorous solutions to emerging grid challenges.
Assist with business development by contributing to technical concepts, proposals, and team capability growth.
Communicate progress and results clearly to project teams, sponsors, and management to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
Apply theory to develop new analysis tools, algorithms, and modeling frameworks.
Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Represent PNNL in professional settings such as IEEE, CIGRE, WECC, and relevant technical workshops.
Mentor and guide junior staff as appropriate for a Level 3 research engineer.