OverviewAt PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have anEnvironmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division,part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.
Within this division, the Power System Modeling Group (PSMG) develops advanced simulation, analysis, and optimization tools to understand and enhance grid performance across all levels, from the bulk energy system to the distribution grid.
PNNL seeks a creative and interdisciplinary Power Systems Research Engineer to conduct advanced research in distribution system planning and operations, with a focus on enabling reliable and resilient integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) and grid-edge technologies. This role involves leveraging power systems expertise alongside advanced analytical methods to design, develop, and apply innovative software tools and algorithms for grid analysis and decision-making.
The successful candidate will contribute to the conception, development, and deployment of scalable, research-grade software solutions to model, simulate, and optimize power system behavior. Work will include integrating domain knowledge in power systems with applied mathematics, including optimization and machine learning, to address complex challenges in modern energy systems.
Staff in this role will work on nationally-significant problems related to energy systems transformation; analyze large and complex datasets; develop and implement advanced algorithms and models; and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and technical reports.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and apply advanced methodologies for power system planning, operations, and control, including optimization, machine learning, and data-driven approaches.
- Design, implement, and maintain software tools and simulation frameworks for power system analysis, including integration across multiple modeling environments.
- Develop algorithms and models to support DER coordination, grid-edge device management, and distributed system optimization.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams spanning power systems, data science, and software engineering to deliver impactful research outcomes.
- Translate research concepts into practical tools and applications for internal and external stakeholders.
- Publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports.
- Contribute to proposal development and the advancement of new research directions aligned with DOE and PNNL mission areas.
- Work effectively in a team environment while demonstrating the ability to independently manage tasks or lead components of research projects.
- Mentor junior staff and collaborate with senior researchers to support knowledge transfer and team development.
- Ensure compliance with operational, safety, and project management requirements while delivering work on time and within scope.
QualificationsMinimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
- MS/MA -OR-
- PhD
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong foundation in power systems engineering, with demonstrated experience in distribution system analysis, planning, or operations.
- Experience applying advanced analytical methods such as optimization, machine learning (e.g., deep learning, reinforcement learning), or probabilistic modeling to power systems problems.
- Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Python, C++, Julia, or similar, with experience in object-oriented software development.
- Experience developing or contributing to software tools, simulation platforms, or open-source projects related to power systems or energy systems modeling.
- Familiarity with industry-standard power system simulation tools (e.g., OpenDSS, GridLAB-D, PSCAD, or similar platforms).
- Knowledge of distributed energy resources, inverter-based resources, and grid-edge technologies and their impact on system operations and planning.
- Experience working with large-scale datasets and developing data-driven solutions for engineering applications.
- Demonstrated ability to publish research in peer-reviewed journals or conferences.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly present technical concepts to diverse audiences, including engineers, researchers, and stakeholders.
- Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and contributing to collaborative research environments.
- Familiarity with power system economics, planning processes, or utility operations is a plus.
Hazardous Working Conditions/EnvironmentNot Applicable.
Additional InformationNot Applicable.
Testing Designated PositionThis is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNLPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment OpportunityOur laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free WorkplacePNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility RequirementsAs a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory RequirementsPlease be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar RewardsEmployees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
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Notice to ApplicantsPNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum SalaryUSD $100,100.00/Yr.
Maximum SalaryUSD $150,200.00/Yr.
