Principal Grid Studies Engineer

Progressive; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialist Staffing Group leads a pivotal Grid Integration & Power Systems Studies Engineer search for North America, focusing on wind energy interconnection and utility-scale projects. You will drive dynamic modeling, EMT studies, and grid integration activities across multiple ISOs and utilities.

The role emphasizes wind turbine dynamics, EMT studies, and collaboration with global teams to advance renewable energy integration while ensuring compliance with reliability standards and grid codes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in renewable energy development, power systems engineering, transmission planning, and grid interconnection.
• Hands-on experience with power system simulation and dynamic studies.
• Experience supporting renewable generation interconnection projects.
• Strong understanding of transmission networks, reliability standards, and grid compliance requirements.
• Excellent technical communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead utility-scale renewable energy interconnection activities across North America.
• Manage interactions with ISOs, utilities, consultants, and project stakeholders.
• Perform and review power system studies using PSCAD, PSS®E, TSAT, and DIgSILENT PowerFactory.
• Conduct dynamic model validation, tuning, and performance analysis.
• Evaluate compliance with NERC standards and regional grid codes.
• Support commissioning, plant testing, and model verification efforts.
• Collaborate with global engineering teams on renewable energy initiatives.

Skills

Power systems engineering

Transmission planning

Grid interconnection

Power system simulation

Renewable energy development

Stakeholder management

Technical communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSCAD

PSS®E

TSAT

DIgSILENT PowerFactory

Job description

Renewable Energy | Wind Generation | Transmission Interconnection

Are you passionate about accelerating the transition to renewable energy? We're partnering with a leading clean energy technology organization seeking a Grid Integration & Power Systems Studies Engineer to support utility-scale renewable generation projects throughout North America.

This is a highly visible engineering role focused on grid interconnection, dynamic modeling, power system studies, and renewable energy integration, with a strong emphasis on wind turbine dynamics and electromagnetic transient studies.

What You'll Do

As a key member of the Grid Integration team, you will lead technical efforts supporting projects from interconnection application through commissioning, ensuring compliance with utility, ISO, and reliability requirements.

Responsibilities include

• Leading utility‑scale renewable energy interconnection activities throughout North America
• Managing interactions with ISOs, utilities, consultants, and project stakeholders
• Performing and reviewing power system studies using tools such as:
  • PSCAD
  • PSS®E
  • TSAT
  • DIgSILENT PowerFactory
• Conducting dynamic model validation, tuning, and performance analysis
• Evaluating compliance with NERC reliability standards and regional grid codes
• Supporting commissioning activities, plant testing, and model verification efforts
• Collaborating closely with global engineering teams to support growing renewable energy initiatives

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems preferred)
• 5+ years of experience in:
  • Renewable energy development
  • Power systems engineering
  • Transmission planning
  • Grid interconnection
• Hands‑on experience with power system simulation and dynamic studies
• Experience supporting renewable generation interconnection projects
• Strong understanding of transmission networks, reliability standards, and grid compliance requirements
• Excellent technical communication and stakeholder management skills

Highly Desired Experience

• Wind turbine dynamic modeling experience
• Electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies
• PSCAD expertise
• Utility‑scale wind project experience
• Experience working with ERCOT, CAISO, AESO, Hydro‑Québec, SaskPower, or other North American ISOs
• Advanced knowledge of renewable generation controls and inverter-based resources
• PhD in Power Electronics, Power Systems, or related field

Why This Opportunity?

• Work on some of the most advanced renewable energy projects in North America
• Influence project success from development through commissioning
• Collaborate with industry-leading grid integration experts
• Direct exposure to utilities, ISOs, and transmission operators
• Competitive compensation and bonus structure
• Opportunity for hybrid or remote flexibility for exceptional candidates

This opportunity does NOT offer VISA Transfer/Sponsorship

EOE Statement: Specialist Staffing Group is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

In addition to base pay, direct-hire employees may be eligible for client offered benefits such as medical, dental, and vision coverage, and paid leave where required by applicable law. Eligibility may vary based on factors such as location and hire date and is subject to change.