DER Integration Engineer - Staff IV

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.; United States; Remote; USD 100,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI) is seeking a DER Integration Engineer - Staff IV to drive inverter-based DER integration across distribution networks in North America. The role involves EMT modeling of grid-following and grid-forming inverters, laboratory and field testing, data analysis, and reporting to stakeholders.

You will contribute to AI-enabled tools and analytics while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to advance safe, reliable, and economical DER deployment.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in power converters, EMT model development, and hardware-in-loop testing.
• Familiar with DER technologies, interconnection standards, and grid challenges.
• Experience applying AI/ML to power systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) inverter EMT models and perform transient analysis.
• Conduct laboratory and field testing of DER technologies and analyze data to validate models.
• Evaluate emerging technologies through analytical and field studies.
• Author technical reports/papers and present findings to stakeholders.
• Contribute to AI-enabled tools and analytics development.

Skills

Power converters

EMT modeling

PSCAD/EMTP-RV

PowerFactory

Python

OpenDSS

Typhoon HIL/RTDS

AI/ML analytics

Report writing

3–5 years experience

Education

B.S. in Electrical Engineering

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Electronics)

Tools

Python

Matlab

JavaScript/HTML

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.

Position 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.

Salary

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.

Incentive Program

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.

Benefits

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).

Security and Verification

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.

Equal Opportunity

EPRI is an equal opportunity employer.

EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.

Contact

www.epri.com

Together Shaping the Future of Energy

About EPRI

EPRI provides thought leadership, industry expertise, and collaborative value to help the electricity sector identify issues, technology gaps, and broader needs that can be addressed through effective research and development programs for the benefit of society.