Grid Modeling Research Scientist - Reliability & Renewables

TOTAL Deutschland GmbH; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Medical, dental & vision care

401(k) plan with employer match

Job summary

A leading energy company in Boston is seeking a Power Systems Modeling Research Scientist to focus on transmission analysis and grid reliability. In this crucial role, you will develop power flow models and analyze congestion patterns to inform renewable energy deployment. The ideal candidate holds a degree in Electrical Engineering, has experience with tools like PSS®E and PowerWorld, and possesses strong analytical skills. This position offers a dynamic work environment and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3+ years working with nodal electricity markets, LMPs, and congestion pricing.
• Strong understanding of U.S. ISOs/RTOs (ERCOT, PJM, CAISO, etc.) and grid operations.
• Ability to analyze large technical datasets and communicate complex results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain detailed AC and DC power flow models.
• Analyze congestion patterns and evaluate system reliability.
• Develop algorithms for modeling automation.

Skills

Power Systems Modeling

Transmission analysis

Congestion modeling

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PSS®E

PowerWorld

PLEXOS

Python

Job description

Empresa empleadora TotalEnergies E&P Research & Technology USA, Inc.

Dominio Operations

You’ll help shape some of the most important questions in the energy transition:

• How will the grid evolve as renewable penetration grows?
• Where will future congestion emerge—and why?
• How can transmission planning, market design, and new technologies improve reliability?

Your work will directly inform strategic investments, renewable deployment, and long‑term asset optimization. You won’t just be running models—you’ll be influencing the future of the U.S. power system.

🌍 Shape the Future of Grid Reliability & Renewable Integration

TotalEnergies is accelerating the energy transition—and advanced power system modeling is at the center of it. We are seeking a Power Systems Modeling Research Scientist who is passionate about transmission analysis, congestion modeling, and grid reliability. In this high‑impact role, you’ll develop and run sophisticated power flow models to help us understand grid constraints, inform renewable deployment, and support long‑term asset strategy.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of engineering, data, and energy markets—translating grid physics into actionable insights that shape the future of clean power.

💼 What You’ll Do

Advanced Grid Modeling & Analysis

• Build and maintain detailed AC and DC power flow models using tools like PSS®E, PowerWorld, and PLEXOS.
• Analyze congestion patterns, constraint utilization, and nodal impacts across U.S. transmission systems.
• Evaluate system reliability through contingency analysis (N‑1, N‑k, N‑1‑1).

Data, Topology & System Insights

• Develop and manage datasets for grid topology, outages, ratings, and operational assumptions.
• Study network configurations to identify grid bottlenecks, fault risks, and root causes of congestion.
• Estimate congestion costs and analyze impacts of renewable integration, load growth, and dispatch patterns.
• Assess how congestion changes under evolving scenarios: generation mix shifts, transmission upgrades, retirements, and electrification.
• Interface power flow models with production cost or capacity expansion models to support broader market studies.
• Serve as an internal expert on transmission behavior and congestion mechanisms.
• Develop algorithms and code for modeling automation.
• Partner with internal commercial teams, external consultants, national labs, and universities on advanced grid research.
• Present results through clear, compelling visualizations, summaries, and stakeholder presentations.

🎓 What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, or related field.
• Experience modeling transmission networks with tools like PowerWorld or PSS®E.
• 3+ years working with nodal electricity markets, LMPs, and congestion pricing.
• Strong understanding of U.S. ISOs/RTOs (ERCOT, PJM, CAISO, etc.) and grid operations.
• Knowledge of transmission system physics (voltage, thermal limits, stability).
• Ability to analyze large technical datasets and communicate complex results clearly.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree (M.S./Ph.D.) in Power Systems or similar discipline.
• Experience linking power flow to production cost or capacity expansion modeling.
• Programming experience (Python preferred) for model automation and analytics.
• Familiarity with contingency datasets, congestion forecasting, and market bidding strategies.
• Understanding of how congestion and curtailment affect utility‑scale renewable assets.
• French language skills are a plus.

Working at TotalEnergies

At TotalEnergies we are committed to balancing flexibility while fostering strong relationships among our team members. Our office-based employees work together from dynamic workspaces 3 days per week to build teamwork through collaboration while also having the flexibility to work from home 2 days per week. TotalEnergies Renewables USA currently has offices in San Francisco, Boston, Austin, Houston, and NYC.

What We Provide

TotalEnergies offers a robust comprehensive benefits package available to employees on the first day of hire. These benefits include but are not limited to generous PTO, medical, dental & vision care, HSA with company contributions, health FSA, commuter benefits or paid parking, 401(k) plan with employer match, life & accident insurances, generous parental leave, education assistance, fitness subsidy and more.

International Consideration

TotalEnergies regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas or consider individuals on time-limited visa status for this position.