Power Grid Dynamics Engineer

About the Role

We have multiple openings for a Power Grid Dynamics Engineer to conduct research in power system modeling and simulation, analysis, planning, operation, resilience, lab testing of devices and integrated systems, and field pilots. You will support LLNL’s Cyber and Infrastructure Resilience (CIR) program’s growing research portfolio in electric grid infrastructure and participate in collaborative research projects funded by the Department of Energy, the State of California, and private sectors.

These positions are in the Computational Engineering Division (CED), within the Engineering Directorate. Depending on your assignment, these positions may offer a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence, with flexibility to work from home one or more days per week. These positions will be filled at either level based on knowledge and related experience.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research in power grid dynamics modeling, transient stability, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulation.
• Present formal and informal overviews of research progress at group meetings.
• Pursue independent (but complementary) research interests and interact with a broad spectrum of scientists internal and external to the Laboratory.
• Contribute to grant proposals and collaborate in a multidisciplinary team environment to accomplish research goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities at the SES.2 Level

• Support complex research projects with competing priorities and implement advanced research concepts in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Publish research results in external peer-reviewed scientific journals and participate in conferences and workshops.
• Engage directly with sponsors and partners and participate in the development of new program business.

Requirements

• Ability to secure and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science, or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience with at least one power grid dynamics simulation software, such as PowerWorld, PSS/E, PSCAD, PowerFactory, or GridDyn.
• Experience developing software in languages such as Python, C++, or Matlab/Simulink for prototyping power grid algorithms and visualization.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills necessary to craft creative solutions to independently solve complex problems.
• Sufficient verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, and document work.
• Ability to travel off-site for conference presentations and sponsor and customer interactions.

Additional Qualifications at the SES.2 Level

• Comprehensive knowledge and broad experience in the application and development of power grid dynamics modeling and simulation.
• Power grid industry experience in practical power grid infrastructure resilience applications.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present technical information.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master’s degree or PhD in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science, or related field.
• Power grid industry experience in practical power grid infrastructure resilience applications with the Department of Energy (DOE) and other relevant federal and state government agencies.

Pay

Pay range: $121,830 - $185,544 annually.

• $121,830 - $154,500 annually for the SES.1 level.
• $146,340 - $185,544 annually for the SES.2 level.

This is the lowest to highest salary we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. Pay will not be below any applicable local minimum wage. An employee’s position within the salary range will be based on factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits

• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)

Additional Information

This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.

Security clearance: This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. You must have the ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. If selected, a Federal background investigation will be initiated to determine eligibility for access to classified information. All L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.

External applicants selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test, including testing for marijuana use as Federal Law applies.

Depending on job duties, you may be required to work in Limited Areas where personal and/or laboratory mobile devices are not permitted, including cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, and wireless headphones. Medical devices that pair with mobile devices must comply with these restrictions.