Principal Engineer – Planning R&D

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

Job summary

Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) is seeking a Principal Engineer – Planning R&D in the US Midwest. The role focuses on evaluating technologies and system changes to strengthen grid reliability, combining deep power systems knowledge with industry insights to inform planning and operations.

You'll lead cross-disciplinary efforts across modeling, stability, and market dynamics, translating R&D findings into planning standards and practical workflows for future grid scenarios.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop novel analytical methods for R&D workflows.
• Create test benches and prototypes (PSCAD, ETRAN+) to support R&D.
• Define monitoring and validation processes linking planning analysis to operations.
• Translate R&D insights into updated planning standards and guidance.

Skills

Power system modeling

Power flow analysis

Dynamic stability analysis

Analytical mindset

Education

Masters in Electrical Engineering

Masters in Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology

Masters in Computer Engineering

Masters in Electrical & Computer 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

• 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.

Qualifications

Education

• 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