Power Systems Research Engineer

About the Role

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Power Systems Research Engineer to work in our Power and Energy Systems Department within the Energy and Environment Science & Technology (EES&T) Directorate. This will be a senior or staff level position based on experience. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Energy Systems Laboratory in Idaho Falls with every other Friday off.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support power systems research projects involving emerging hardware, software, controls, models, and analytical tools.
• Develop and execute test plans, validation methods, performance metrics, and technical approaches for pre-commercial power system technologies.
• Apply electric utility standards, guides, and recommended practices, including IEEE and CIGRE guidance, to project planning, testing, validation, and reporting.
• Perform power system modeling and simulation, including dynamic, transient, protection, control, and stability studies.
• Use laboratory, simulation, and hardware-in-the-loop environments to evaluate advanced power system technologies.
• Collaborate with utilities, vendors, government agencies, universities, standards organizations, and industry partners.
• Prepare technical reports, validation reports, publications, proposals, presentations, and sponsor deliverables.
• Support proposal development and business development for new research opportunities.
• Contribute to standards, working groups, technical committees, and industry forums as appropriate.
• Mentor junior staff and provide technical direction to project teams.

Minimum Requirements

Level 3: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution and 5 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree/PhD in engineering or directly related field and 2 years of relevant experience.

Level 4: Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or directly related field from an ABET-accredited institution and 9 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree in engineering or directly related field and 6 years of relevant experience; or PhD in engineering or directly related field and 4 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Experience

• Electric power systems engineering experience in transmission, distribution, protection, controls, planning, operations, stability, or grid modernization.
• Experience testing or validating power system hardware, software, controls, models, algorithms, or analytical tools.
• Experience applying IEEE, CIGRE, NERC, IEC, ANSI, NEMA, or other utility standards and technical guidance.
• Experience with digital real-time simulation, controller hardware-in-the-loop, or power hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Experience with utility operations, protection coordination, interconnection, distributed energy resources, inverter-based resources, power quality, resilience, or advanced grid technologies.
• Experience participating in standards committees, technical working groups, or industry forums.
• Ability to translate research concepts into practical, validated, utility-relevant engineering solutions.

Pay

Level 3: $95,256 - $195,288 / Level 4: $114,360 - $234,336. Compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials. This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match (regular positions) or self-contribute access (postdoctoral positions)
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance for eligible positions)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package

Schedule

9x80 schedule with every other Friday off.