DER Integration Engineer - Staff IV

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); Remote; USD 100,000 - 113,000; Full time

Job summary

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. in Knoxville, TN, offers a role as DER Integration Engineer. You will develop EMT models for grid-following and grid-forming inverters and perform transient analyses to support DER interconnection.

The job includes laboratory and field testing, data analysis, and reporting to stakeholders. The ideal candidate has 3–5 years of related experience with proficiency in power electronics, EMT tools, and programming.

Qualifications

• EMT model development and controller design for grid-following and grid-forming inverters.
• Laboratory and field testing of DER technologies with data analysis and reporting.
• Evaluation of emerging DER technologies through analytical and field studies.
• Authoring technical reports and presenting findings to stakeholders.
• Experience applying AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics to power systems.
• Programming skills in Python, Matlab; other languages desirable.
• Familiarity with digital simulators such as Typhoon HIL and RTDS.
• Strong ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations.
• 3–5 years of relevant experience; higher level possible with advanced degrees.

Responsibilities

• Develop EMT models for GFL and GFM inverters and perform transient analysis.
• Conduct lab and field testing of DER technologies and validate models with test data.
• Assess new technologies through analytical and field-based studies.
• Author technical reports and present results to internal and external audiences.
• Contribute to AI-enabled tools and analytics for DER research.

Skills

EMT modeling

GFL/GFM inverters

PSCAD

Python

OpenDSS

PowerFactory

Typhoon HIL

RTDS

AI/ML

Lab testing

Field testing

Reports writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with Power Electronics emphasis

Tools

PSCAD

OpenDSS

CYME

Synergi

EMTP-RV

MATLAB

Typhoon HIL

RTDS

Job description

# **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/DisabledTogether . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.www.epri.com