Research & Development Engineer II

Electric Power Engineers; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO and holidays

Employee ownership (MyShare)

401K with match

Job summary

Electric Power Engineers seeks an experienced R&D Engineer III to design, develop, and validate research-driven modeling frameworks for next‑gen grid planning, control, and reliability. You’ll work with power systems engineers, software developers, and researchers to translate cutting-edge research into deployable tools.

The role emphasizes ML, adaptive control, simulation-based modeling, and collaboration on client engagements to deliver robust energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master’s in Electrical Engineering with focus on power systems, controls, or applied machine learning.
• Demonstrated research experience in power systems stability analysis, control, or ML in energy systems.
• Deep understanding of power systems fundamentals, including transmission and distribution planning, grid dynamics, and stability analysis.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and scientific computing libraries.
• Strong presentation and technical writing skills, able to explain complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Familiarity with software development and testing practices to ensure robust research tools.
• Excellent problem-solving skills in simulation-based or data-driven power system models.

Responsibilities

• Research & Model Development: design, develop, and validate advanced modeling techniques (ML surrogate models, digital twins, stability methods) for planning and control.
• Automation & Programming: use Python to automate research workflows, build adaptive control tools, advanced generator/load models and simulations.
• Technical Demonstration & Dissemination: communicate findings via internal reports and presentations; support demonstrations for teams and clients.
• Collaboration: partner with engineers, software developers, and researchers to integrate modeling approaches into products.
• Client & Stakeholder Support: translate research capabilities into tailored solutions for client engagements.
• Validation & Troubleshooting: test and validate research software to ensure accuracy and reliability in real-world contexts.

Skills

Python programming

Machine learning

Power systems knowledge

Communication

Presentation skills

Research experience

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

PSS/E

PSCAD

PSLF

Aspen

TARA

TensorFlow/PyTorch

Job description

Overview

We are designing the grid of the future!

We are seeking an experienced R&D Engineer III to join our EPEResearch and Developmentteam. This role combines expertise in power systems engineering with advanced computational research — including machine learning, adaptive control, and simulation-based modeling — to develop next-generation models that support grid planning, control, and reliability. The primary responsibility is to design, develop, and validate research-driven solutions and modeling frameworks that address emerging challenges in modern power systems, including data center interconnection and large-scale system stability. You will work closely with power system engineers, software developers, and research scientists to translate cutting‑edge research into practical, deployable models and tools.

Responsibilities

How you can make an impact

• Research & Model Development:Design, develop, and validate advanced modeling techniques — including machine learning‑based surrogate models, digital twins, and stability certification methods — to support power systems planning and control applications.
• Automation & Programming:Work with Python and other relevant languages to automate research workflows, build adaptive control tools, advanced generator/load models, and streamline power system simulations and analysis.
• Technical Demonstration & Dissemination:Communicate research findings and technical model capabilities through internal presentations, technical reports, and peer‑reviewed publications; support technical demonstrations for internal teams and clients as needed.
• Collaboration:Partner with power system engineers, software developers, and cross‑functional research teams to integrate novel modeling approaches into EPE's engineering and software offerings.
• Client & Stakeholder Support:Serve as a technical resource for translating research capabilities into tailored solutions for client engagements and internal product development.
• Validation & Troubleshooting:Test, validate, and troubleshoot research software and models to ensure accuracy, reliability, and performance in real‑world power system contexts.

Qualifications

Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems, controls, or applied machine learning; a Ph.D. is strongly preferred given the research‑intensive nature of this role.
• Demonstrated research experience (through publications, thesis work, or applied projects) in power systems stability analysis, control systems, or machine learning applications in energy systems.
• Deep understanding of power systems fundamentals, including transmission and distribution planning, grid dynamics, and stability analysis.
• Strong programming skills in Python, with experience using deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and scientific computing libraries.
• Strong presentation and technical writing skills — capable of explaining complex research concepts to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Familiarity with software development and testing practices to ensure robust, reliable research tools.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, particularly in diagnosing and resolving issues in simulation‑based or data‑driven power system models.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in power system simulation software such as PSS/E, PSCAD, PSLF, Aspen, or TARA.
• Experience conducting power system studies such as Steady State, Short Circuit, or Dynamic and Transient Stability analysis.
• Experience with model predictive control (MPC), meta‑learning, or in‑context learning methods applied to dynamical or physical systems.
• Experience developing digital twins or surrogate models for grid‑connected assets (e.g., data centers, BESS, renewable generation).
• Familiarity with cloud‑based software development and integration of power system models.
• Knowledge of AI‑driven or large language model (LLM)‑based applications in power systems.
• Track record of peer‑reviewed publications and/or peer review service for IEEE or related technical venues.
• Experience mentoring junior researchers, interns, or students.

Be a part of an innovative team shaping the grid of the future through advanced energy intelligence. For more than half a century, Electric Power Engineers (EPE) has partnered with power and energy clients across the globe, providing consulting expertise and energy intelligence software solutions for complex engineering and grid modeling challenges. As leaders in the renewables space, we are focused on building a modern, secure, and resilient grid. Join us in making an impact on the communities we serve and the environment in which we live. Together we can transform the future of energy.

How we support you

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision with 100% premium coverage foryou
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• MyShare Employee Ownership Program
• Work with industry leaders
• 401K, up to a 4% match (100% vested from day 1)

Location

This position will be located in City, State

Travel

Occasional travel may be needed (10% or less)

EPE is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster, and its supplement are available using the following links:EEOC is the Law Poster