Distribution Grid Modeling and Analytics - Engineer Staff III

EPRI; Knoxville (TN); Hybrid; USD 92,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual incentive program

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401k and paid time off

Job summary

EPRI in Knoxville, TN seeks an Engineer Staff III for Distribution Grid Modeling and Analytics. You’ll develop advanced power system models, integrate data-driven methods, and apply AI to planning and operations. The role blends research with practical tool development for electric utilities.

Ideal candidates have a strong foundation in distribution engineering, experience with OpenDSS/CYME/Synergi, and programming in Python or C#/Java. Remote work is considered for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of power system fundamentals, specifically distribution systems.
• Experience building software tools and analytical apps in Python, C#, Delphi, or Java.
• Experience with distribution system model development, validation, and verification.
• Experience cleaning and using utility measurement data (AMI/SCADA) for analytics.
• Proven ability to conduct power systems studies focused on distribution modeling and simulation.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to advanced modeling, simulation, and analytics projects.
• Conduct independent research and develop new tools and approaches.
• Evaluate emerging technologies through analytical and field studies.
• Publish papers, webinars, and conference talks; support proposal development.

Skills

Power systems fundamentals

Python

C#

Delphi

Java

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power System)

Tools

OpenDSS

CYME

Synergi

Milsoft

PowerFactory

EMTP

PSCAD

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-Learn

Job description

About Us

Together Shaping the Future of Energy

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.

Job Title:

Distribution Grid Modeling and Analytics - Engineer Staff III

Location:

Knoxville, TN

Job Summary and Description:

Utilities around the world are transforming their distribution systems to support electrification, distributed energy resources (DER), resilience, decarbonization, and growing operational complexity. As planning and operations become increasingly data-driven, utilities need advanced analytics, high-fidelity modeling, artificial intelligence, and trusted data to maintain a reliable, resilient, and efficient grid.

The EPRI Distribution Operations and Planning team leads collaborative research that advances the state of the art in distribution system planning and operations. Through the development of innovative methodologies, simulation tools, analytics, and field-validated solutions, the team addresses challenges spanning grid modernization, DER integration, protection, resilience, operations, and emerging technologies.

This position conducts research in advanced power system modeling, simulation, AI, machine learning, and measurement-based analytics. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced analytical methods that combine power system models with data-driven approaches, leveraging utility data to improve planning, operations, and protection while translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions for the electric utility industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Makes significant contributions to advanced modeling, simulation, and analytics projects
• Conducts independent research activities with guidance and contributes to development of new tools, methodologies, and research approaches to address industry challenges
• Evaluate emerging technologies and applications through analytical and field-based studies
• Contribute to technical publications, conference papers, webinars, and industry presentations
• Support proposal development and strategic research planning activities
• Engage with utility members to identify challenges, transfer research outcomes, and support technology adoption
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of AI-enabled tools and analytics applications for utility planning and operations
• Develop and apply repeatable processes for measurement data cleaning, quality assessment, and integration
• Conduct model verification and validation activities using utility measurement data
• Assess the applicability, limitations, and performance of emerging AI technologies within utility environments

Ideal candidate:

• Strong knowledge of power system fundamentals, specifically distribution systems
• Demonstrated experience developing software tools and analytical applications using Python, C#, Delphi, Java, or similar languages
• Experience with distribution system model development, validation, and verification
• Experience cleaning and utilizing utility measurement data from AMI, SCADA, and other field sources
• Proven ability to conduct power systems analytical studies, with an emphasis on distribution modeling and simulation
• Demonstrated experience with one or more industry modeling and simulation tools such as OpenDSS, CYME, Synergi, Milsoft, PowerFactory, EMTP, PSCAD
• Experience applying AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics techniques to power system applications
• Familiarity with modern AI and data science frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, LLM-based systems, agentic workflows, or related technologies is desirable
• Experience modeling high penetrations of DER, inverter-based resources, electrification technologies, and flexible loads

Preferred Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent experience
• Preferred MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with Power System emphasis
• Minimum 2-3 years of engineering, utility, consulting, research, or equivalent experience preferred.

Location:

• This role is based out of our Knoxville, TN office. Remote work considered for the right candidate.

The salary range for this position is $92,000 USD to $101,000 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.www.epri.com