Electrical Engineer – Hydropower & Field Modernization

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; United States; On-site; USD 122,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a mid-career Electrical Engineer to support hydropower and power‑systems modernization. The role focuses on field construction, installation, commissioning, and integrating new technologies within utility-scale environments, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and project managers.

Travel to sites may be required. The candidate should have strong hands‑on experience in electrical power systems or industrial control systems, with a track

Qualifications

• BS/BA with 5+ years Hydropower experience or MS with 3+ years
• PhD with 1+ year Hydropower experience
• US citizenship and relevant security requirements are preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead on-site assessments of hydropower assets (generation, P&C, switchgear) to improve reliability and resilience
• Provide field support during construction, upgrades, retrofits, and commissioning
• Develop modernization roadmaps and technical requirements for aging electrical/control assets
• Ensure compatibility of new tech with safety logic and plant processes
• Produce technical deliverables: field reports, specs, test plans, publications
• Collaborate with scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and engineers across projects
• Support proposal preparation and project planning aligned with sponsor priorities
• Coordinate technical activities, schedules, and stakeholder communications
• Oversee subcontractors and partners supporting project activities

Skills

Electrical power systems

Industrial Control Systems (ICS)

Field construction experience

Commissioning and field testing

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering

PhD in a related field

Tools

Protective relays (SEL/GE/ABB)

SCADA/PLCs

DNP3 / IEC 61850 / Modbus

P&IDs / wiring diagrams

Job description

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) seeks a mid-career Electrical Engineer to support hydropower and power‑systems modernization. The role focuses on field construction, installation, commissioning, and integrating new technologies within utility-scale environments, collaborating with scientists, engineers, and project managers.

Travel to sites may be required. The candidate should have strong hands‑on experience in electrical power systems or industrial control systems, with a track