Principal Engineer – Planning R&D

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO); Eagan (MN); On-site; USD 146,000 - 171,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

401(k)

Vacation and sick time

Job summary

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) seeks a Principal Engineer – Planning R&D to evaluate technologies and system changes transforming the electric grid. You will combine power system acumen with industry insight to assess impacts on planning, reliability, and markets across large-scale operations.

You will lead development of novel analytical methods, prototype workflows, and planning processes, while translating R&D insights into updated standards and guidance for MISO's planning

Qualifications

• 10 years of relevant experience in electric energy industry required.
• Experience with power system modeling and analysis, especially power flow and dynamic stability.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills to handle complex scenarios.

Responsibilities

• Develop novel analytical methods for R&D workflows beyond traditional phasor tools.
• Create designs, test benches, and prototype workflows for stability evaluations.
• Define planning timeframe processes integrating stability into long range studies and interconnection workflows.
• Establish monitoring and validation processes linking planning to operations.
• Drive process changes and clarify roles between MISO and Transmission Owners.
• Translate R&D insights into updated planning standards and guidance.

Skills

Power system modeling

Power flow analysis

Dynamic stability studies

Analytical problem solving

Education

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Master's in Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology

Master's in Electrical & Computer Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering Technology

Master's in Computer Engineering

Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSCAD

ETRAN+

SSR/SSAT

Job description

Description

Location: Carmel, IN or Eagan, MN

As a Principal Engineer – Planning R&D , you’ll help MISO evaluate the technologies, resources, and system changes transforming the electric grid. You’ll combine technical expertise with a strong understanding of the energy industry to assess emerging trends, identify potential impacts to MISO’s existing processes and systems, and develop solutions that help prepare the grid for the future.

This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll work across disciplines, bringing together production cost modeling, power flow analysis, dynamic stability, resource adequacy, market dynamics, and other perspectives to answer complex questions about the evolving power system.

How You’ll Make An Impact

In this role, you will:

• Develop novel analytical methods that complement traditional phasor domain tools, including approaches that reduce modeling intensity and simulation runtime for R&D workflows.
• Create conceptual designs, test benches, and prototype workflows (e.g., PSCAD, ETRAN+, SSR/SSAT) to support applied R&D evaluation of emerging stability challenges.
• Establish new planning timeframe processes for integrating stability considerations into long range studies, operational planning assessments, and interconnection/retirement workflows.
• Define and institutionalize monitoring and validation processes (e.g., PMU based disturbance checks, screening to study pipelines) that connect planning analysis with operational needs.
• Drive process changes based on R&D findings, including clarifying roles between MISO and Transmission Owners for voltage stability responsibilities and integrating multiple stability metrics into decision workflows.
• Translate emerging R&D insights (e.g., oscillations, system strength, large load impacts) into updated planning standards, guidance documents, and process improvements.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who brings strong power systems fundamentals, curiosity about where the industry is headed, and the ability to connect detailed technical analysis to the bigger picture.

You’ll Need

• Master’s degree, or higher, in electrical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering technology, electrical and computer engineering, electrical and electronic engineering or electronics and computer engineering technology
• At least ten (10) years of relevant experience.
• Previous experience within the electric energy industry.
• Experience with power system modeling and analysis, particularly power flow, and dynamic stability studies.

While not required, it would be great if you had any of the following:

• An understanding of how emerging technologies and changes in the generation fleet may impact RTO/ISO operations, planning, markets, and existing processes.
• Familiarity with NERC and FERC regulatory and compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to work through complex scenarios, analyze data, and draw sound conclusions.

Appropriate level will be determined based on the successful candidate’s experience and knowledge.

Why This Role Matters

The generation fleet is changing, new technologies are entering the system, electricity demand is evolving, and the questions facing the grid are becoming increasingly interconnected.

This role sits at the center of that change.

Your analysis will help MISO understand not only what is changing, but what those changes mean for reliability, markets, planning, and the future of the power system—and what MISO can do today to prepare for what comes next.

At MISO, your work helps ensure the reliable operation and continued evolution of one of the world’s largest and most complex electric grids. In this role, you'll have an opportunity to help shape how MISO responds to rapidly growing large-load demand while strengthening the connection between where the grid is headed and what it needs to reliably deliver today.

The base salary compensation range being offered for this role is $146,000-$171,000 USD annually. Base salary range for this position is included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, and qualifications/experience.

Position is also eligible for an annual bonus if individual performance and company objectives are met. At MISO we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including 401k, vacation, sick and safe time, available on your first day of employment.

Transformative innovation is happening in the electric industry, from digitalizing homes and distributed resources to renewable energy and an ever-changing grid. MISO manages the electricity superhighway in the Central U.S. Using groundbreaking research and sophisticated technology, our highly skilled employees ensure power flows reliably to 47 million people throughout North America. Operating the electricity grid, running a robust energy market, and planning for a bright future – it’s what our immensely hard‑working and dedicated team does every day.

MISO, The Work We Do (https://vimeo.com/935124142/5c8d23402d)

#DiscoverMISO #MISOCareers #TeamMISO #WeAreMISO

Qualifications

Education

Required

• Masters or better in Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
• Masters or better in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Masters or better in Electrical & Computer Engineering
• Masters or better in Electrical Engineering Technology
• Masters or better in Computer Engineering
• Masters or better in Electrical Engineering

Experience

Required

• Experience with power system modeling and analysis, particularly power flow, and dynamic stability studies.
• Previous experience within the electric energy industry.
• 10 years: Relevant, job‑related experience.

Preferred

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including the ability to work through complex scenarios, analyze data, and draw sound conclusions.
• Familiarity with NERC and FERC regulatory and compliance requirements.
• An understanding of how emerging technologies and changes in the generation fleet may impact RTO/ISO operations, planning, markets, and existing processes.

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.

Job Category: Engineering

Full-Time