Power Systems Research Engineer

Hybrid role - 3 days Onsite and 2 days Remote

Job Description:

• This position supports the Schatz Grid Visualization and Analytics Center (SGVAC) within client's Research & Development organization.
• The SGVAC is an innovation center that facilitates the research, development, assessment, demonstration, and pre-operational evaluation of advanced technologies for electric transmission and distribution systems.
• Areas of focus include synchrophasor technology, grid digital twins, next-generation control center capabilities, cyber-physical security testing, advanced visualization, distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS), artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, data analytics, and power system modeling and simulation.
• The SGVAC includes state-of-the-art simulation and testing environments, including Real Time Digital Simulator (RTDS) platforms with hardware-in-the-loop capabilities, to support the evaluation and validation of emerging grid technologies.

Summary of Position Duties:

• This position supports the Grid Operations and Planning Research area within client's Research & Development organization.
• A primary responsibility of this position is the development, maintenance, and application of power system digital twins to support grid planning, operations, technology evaluation, technology demonstration, training, and decision support.
• The engineer will support and, over time, lead research projects involving power system modeling and simulation, digital twin development, advanced analytics, visualization, and emerging grid technologies.
• The position requires collaboration with utilities, research organizations, universities, national laboratories, and technology vendors to advance grid modernization initiatives and develop innovative solutions for the future electric grid.

Education Requirements:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university required.
• Concentration in Power Systems, Electric Energy Systems, Controls, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline preferred.

Job Responsibilities:

• Develop, maintain, and apply power system digital twins to support grid planning, operations, technology evaluation, technology demonstration, training, and decision support.
• Build, validate, and enhance transmission and distribution system models using industrystandard power system software tools.
• Conduct steady-state, dynamic, electromagnetic transient (EMT), and real-time simulation studies.
• Utilize PSS®E, PSCADTM, and RTDS® and/or OPAL-RT® platforms to develop, validate, and apply digital twins, real-time simulations, and hardware-in-the-loop testing environments.
• Integrate operational, planning, asset, and measurement data into digital twin environments and analytical applications.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and develop technical recommendations for utility applications.
• Support research projects, pilot deployments, technology demonstrations, and industry collaborations.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, publications, and project documentation.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Technical)

Required:

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited college or university.
• Strong knowledge of electric power system analysis, modeling, simulation, and operation.
• Demonstrated experience developing and applying power system digital twins, including proficiency with PSS®E and PSCADTM, and experience utilizing RTDS® and/or OPAL-RT® platforms for real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Experience conducting steady-state, dynamic, electromagnetic transient (EMT), and real-time simulation studies.
• Experience integrating operational, planning, asset, and measurement data into modeling, simulation, and analytical environments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred:

• Experience with synchrophasor technologies, PMUs, SCADA systems, EMS applications, DERMS platforms, or digital substations.
• Experience with Python, MATLAB, C#, Java, or similar programming languages.
• Familiarity with databases, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning applications.
• Experience working with electric utilities, research organizations, national laboratories, universities, or technology vendors.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure.

Professional Skills & Competencies:

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong analytical thinking skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently, manage work schedules, and deliver results with limited supervision.
• Self-motivated with a strong sense of initiative, ownership, and accountability.
• Ability to prepare and deliver technical reports, presentations, and recommendations to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with utilities, research organizations, universities, national laboratories, and technology vendors.

Work Location/Arrangement:

• Primary work location is in the Alabama Power Company (APC) Headquarters Building, 600 North 18 Street, Birmingham, AL, 35203.
• Candidate will work in a hybrid work arrangement reporting in-person/in-office at least 3 days per week (12 days a month).

About us:
At our organization, we take our mission and values to heart! We are on a mission to offer more and better jobs all over the world! Our goal is to care for you while you care for our clients and get you paid the highest pay possible. All our associates working with us are expected to embrace our RACE values: R - Results Matter, A- Approachable, C - Care, and E - Emergency i.e. work with a sense of urgency.

For more relevant job opportunities please visit our website: Denken Solutions Careers