DER Integration Engineer - Staff IV

EPRI; United States; Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

Medical benefits

401k plan

Paid time off

Job summary

EPRI is seeking an experienced DER Integration professional to advance solar PV, energy storage, and EV power electronics. You will model GFL and GFM inverters, run EMT analyses, and test DER tech in labs and field settings, delivering technical results to stakeholders.

The role requires strong power electronics knowledge, proficiency with PSCAD/EMTP-RV/Python, and experience in AI-enabled analytics. Based in Knoxville with possible regional remote work, joining a leading energy research team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field with relevant experience.
• Strong understanding of DER interconnection and grid-forming/inverter EMT concepts.
• Experience with AI or ML in power systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop grid-following and grid-forming inverter EMT models and perform transient analysis.
• Conduct laboratory and field testing of DER technologies and analyze results.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and publish technical reports.
• Develop and evaluate AI-enabled tools and analytics for DER applications.
• Present research findings to stakeholders and contribute to proposals.

Skills

Power converters EMT modeling

Inverter testing

AI analytics for power systems

EMT modeling tools

Laboratory testing

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics)

Tools

PSCAD

EMTP-RV

PowerFactory

Python

OpenDSS

CYME

Synergi

Job 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.

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.

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.
• 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.

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.