Research Scientist – Power System Operation

Hitachi Automotive Systems Americas, Inc.; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Pension plan

Family care

Work-life balance

Learning programs

Job summary

HITACHI ENERGY USA INC. is seeking a Research Scientist in Power System Operation to join our Raleigh-based research center. You will collaborate with teams across cybersecurity, machine learning, and automation to develop next-generation grid solutions.

The role focuses on real-time control, predictive modeling, and advancing energy-transition technologies within a global research community.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering with a focus on power systems.
• Master's degree with equivalent industrial experience acceptable.
• Experience with SCADA, EMS, DMS, or substation automation preferred.
• Familiarity with NERC or ISO operational guidelines preferred.
• Work authorization to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Lead R&D projects in power system operation and related fields.
• Collaborate with researchers and engineers across multiple disciplines.
• Contribute to research execution and successful project outcomes.
• Disseminate results via publications, patents, and technical reports.

Skills

Power systems operation

Grid reliability

Research leadership

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Master's degree with equivalent industrial experience

Tools

SCADA

EMS

DMS

Substation automation

Job description

Location: Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

Job ID: R0111900

Date Posted: 2025-11-05

Company Name: HITACHI ENERGY USA INC

Profession (Job Category): Engineering & Science

Job Schedule: Full time

Remote: No

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. This is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.

Hitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges. Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe. From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference. Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting.

To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons. E-mail us for data privacy inquiries or technical support.