Jobs · Engineering · Virginia

Senior Power Systems Engineer

Wärtsilä · Herndon, VA · 4 days ago
EngineeringFull-time

Role Summary

We are seeking a Senior Power Systems Engineer to lead dynamic model development and validation for our energy storage and hybrid renewable systems. This role is a key member of the Power Systems team, with a primary focus on creating and maintaining high-fidelity dynamic models of inverter-based resources (IBR) such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar PV, and hybrid plants.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead hands-on development, validation, and maintenance of detailed dynamic simulation models for Wartsila BESS, renewable energy systems, inverter-based resources, and power plant controllers in tools such as PSCAD, PSS®E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and other industry platforms.

  • Build and refine models from first principles, ensuring accurate representation of control algorithms, protection schemes, and plant-level behavior (not limited to running simulation studies).

  • Optimize model parameters for grid stability, voltage/frequency response, and dynamic performance of standalone BESS as well as hybrid BESS + solar PV (or wind) plants.

  • Translate complex simulation algorithms into practical software modules (Python, Fortran, or similar) to enable automated modeling workflows and faster project delivery.

  • Perform integration studies and dynamic assessments for hybrid renewable plants, focusing on real-world model-to-field correlation and continuous model improvement.

  • Serve as a technical modeling expert supporting project developers, utilities, and grid operators.

  • Collaborate with business development and project teams during pre-sales, proposals, and execution phases to deliver accurate dynamic models and technical solutions.

  • Provide model-related support during design, commissioning, and operations, including troubleshooting model performance issues and ensuring seamless handover.

  • Deliver training and knowledge transfer to customers and internal teams on model assumptions, usage, and best practices for dynamic studies.

  • Continuous Improvement

    • Enhance internal modeling tools, libraries, and automation scripts to increase accuracy, speed, and standardization across projects.

    • Capture lessons learned from projects and contribute to updates in modeling guidelines, best practices, and template libraries.

    • Stay current with evolving grid requirements for inverter-based resources and renewable integration.

Qualifications

  • Master’s or Ph.D. in Power Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

  • 3–5 years of relevant experience with a strong emphasis on hands-on dynamic model development (not just simulation studies).

  • Demonstrated expertise in developing and validating models for inverter-based resources, renewable energy systems (BESS, solar PV, hybrid plants), and power plant controllers.

  • Proficiency in PSCAD, PSS®E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and at least one scripting language (Python, MATLAB, or Fortran).

  • Solid understanding of power system dynamics, control theory, and grid integration of inverter-based resources.

  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

At Wärtsilä

We value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities.

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