DER Integration Engineer - Staff IV

Job Title:
DER Integration Engineer - Staff IV

Location:
California Home Office, EI - Canada Home Office, EI - Canada Office, Knoxville, TN, Palo Alto, CA

Job Summary and Description:

The EPRI DER Integration team leads collaborative research to integrate distributed energy resources into distribution circuits without compromising safety, reliability, cost, and power quality. This position will offer technical expertise and leadership in solar PV, energy storage, and electric vehicle (EV) power electronics. It will also involve electromagnetic transient (EMT) modeling and analysis of grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) inverters, as well as testing distributed energy resource (DER) technologies in both laboratory and field settings. The position will be responsible for identifying research needs, developing research proposals, and communicating research results to EPRI members and industry.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Developing grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) inverter EMT models and performing transient analysis to address DER interconnection challenges.
• Performing laboratory and field testing of DER technologies and analyzing test data to validate and improve models.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and applications through analytical and field-based studies.
• Authoring technical reports/papers and presenting research findings to internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of AI-enabled tools and analytics.

Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrated proficiency in power converters (Inverters and generators) and other power system components (e.g. motors, transformers, nonlinear loads, protection devices, etc.) EMT model development, controller design, and hardware-in-loop testing.
• Proven experience with one or more industry modeling and simulation tools such as PSCAD, EMTP-RV, PowerFactory, Python, OpenDSS, CYME, Synergi
• Ability to perform laboratory testing including developing test plan, building test setup, executing tests, analyzing data, and producing technical reports.
• Grid-forming inverter research experience will be a plus.
• Clear understanding of DER technologies, interconnection standards, and challenges of higher penetration.
• Experience applying AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics techniques to power system applications.
• Programming skills in Python, Matlab, and more (e.g. JavaScript, HTML) are desirable.
• Experience with digital simulators (Typhoon HIL and RTDS) will be a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality reports, technical papers, and presentations summarizing research objectives, approach, and findings.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in industry, utility, or research organization in a relevant field. For candidates with advanced degrees, the experience requirement may be reduced. Candidates with more relevant experience may be considered for a higher-level position.

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience required.
• Preferred MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with Power Electronics emphasis.

Location:

• The role is based on EPRI Knoxville, TN office. Remote work within the United States or Canada will also be considered for the right candidate.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 USD to $113,000 USD annually.

This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.

This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).

EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.

EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled

Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.