Research Scientist - Power System Operation

Hitachi Energy; Isle Forest (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Hitachi Energy is seeking a Research Scientist in Power System Operation to advance grid reliability, control, and optimization. Based in Raleigh, NC, you will join a multidisciplinary team working on real-time control, predictive modeling, and next-generation grid solutions.

You will collaborate with cybersecurity, ML, and automation teams to push the boundaries of power system operation, engage with universities and national labs, and publish results while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master's with extensive power systems background.
• Experience in transmission/distribution control room operations valued.
• Knowledge of SCADA/EMS/DMS and substation automation technologies preferred.
• Familiarity with NERC standards or ISO operational guidelines preferred.

Responsibilities

• Propose, contribute to, and lead R&D projects in power system operation.
• Collaborate across Hitachi Energy Research and business units to solve real-world challenges.
• Collaborate with external partners (universities, labs, startups) on research.
• Disseminate results via publications, patents, and reports.
• Ensure compliance with external and internal regulations and guidelines.

Skills

Power system modeling

Power system dynamics

Control theory

Research experience

Education

Ph.D. in electrical engineering (power systems)

Master's degree with equivalent industrial experience

Familiarity with NERC/ISO standards

Tools

SCADA

EMS

DMS

Substation automation

Job description

Research Scientist - Power System Operation

The Opportunity

Hitachi Energy is driving the transformation of the global power grid-and we're looking for bold thinkers to help us lead the way. As a Research Scientist in Power System Operation, you'll be part of a global research community working to solve real-world challenges in grid reliability, control, and optimization.

This role is based in our Raleigh, North Carolina research center, where you'll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams across cybersecurity, machine learning, and automation to develop next-generation solutions for grid operations. You'll have the opportunity to shape technologies that support the energy transition, from real-time control systems to predictive modeling tools.

Whether you've worked in a control room, developed SCADA systems, or modeled transmission networks, your expertise will help us build smarter, more resilient infrastructure. You'll also engage with external partners-universities, national labs, startups-to push the boundaries of what's possible in power system operation.

If you're passionate about innovation, eager to work on high-impact projects, and ready to contribute to a sustainable energy future, this is your chance to make a difference with a global leader in grid integration.

How You'll Make an Impact

• Propose, contribute to, and lead R&D projects in the field of power system operation and related fields.
• Collaborate with a diverse team of researchers and engineers across Hitachi Energy Research and Hitachi Energy business units to identify and solve real-world challenges for our customers.
• Collaborate and support all business units and ensure successful execution of research projects.
• Serve as the power systems expert in interdisciplinary teams spanning machine learning, cybersecurity, human-technology interaction, etc.
• Identify technology gaps that address present and future business needs in the field of power system operation technologies.
• Propose and work on novel ideas and concepts for power system control at timescales ranging from 1-second to intra-day, for next stages of the energy transition.
• Collaborate with external partners including universities, national labs, startups, and vendors.
• Disseminate results in scientific publications, patent applications, and technical reports.
• Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.

Your Background

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems, or Master's with equivalent industrial experience.
• Industrial experience in transmission or distribution control room operations is highly valued.
• Experience with SCADA, EMS, DMS, or substation automation technologies is desired.
• Familiarity with NERC standards or ISO operational guidelines is preferred.
• Knowledge in power system modeling, dynamics, operation, control, or planning.
• Candidate must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for Hitachi Energy in the United States.

More About Us

We pride ourselves on offering a holistic range of competitive benefits to support your financial, physical, and mental wellbeing and personal development. We want you to truly thrive with us, in work and out.

For this role, depending on grade and experience, we offer the following employee benefits (subject to the respective plan rules):

• Health Care: medical (PPO, CDHP with HSA HMO), dental, and vision.
• Financial Wellbeing: Employer sponsored pension - 401(k) Program with generous company match and contribution, Life/AD&D Insurance, disability insurance.
• Family Care: Life and Family (Legal, pet, auto, home, identity theft, etc.), special needs support, and adoption assistance.
• Work-Life: Enhanced leave programs (FMLA, Military Service Leave, Maternal, Paternal, adoption, vacation, and holiday).
• Employee Engagement and Development: Employee Resource Groups (depending on location), tuition reimbursement program, on-demand learning platforms.