Job Title:

Senior Researcher – DER Interconnection and Power Electronics

Location:

Knoxville, TN, Remote/Home Based

Job Summary and Description:

This position will provide technical expertise and leadership for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy storage (ES), and electric vehicle (EV) power converter technologies, electromagnetic transient (EMT) modeling and analysis of grid-following (GFL) and grid-forming (GFM) inverters, and distributed energy resource (DER) protection, grounding, and power quality issues. The position will have responsibility of identifying research needs, developing research proposals, managing projects, and communicating research results to EPRI members and industry.

Key Responsibilities and Requirements:

• Developing power converter EMT models and performing dynamic/transient analysis to provide solutions to DER interconnection challenges.

• Identifying research needs, generating ideas, and developing proposals to secure research funding.

• Leading multiple research projects in parallel with limited/minimal supervision.

• Analyzing laboratory and field test data to validate and improve GFL and GFM inverter models.

• Authoring technical reports/papers and presenting findings to internal and external stakeholders.

Education:

• PhD in Electrical Engineering with focus on power systems and/or power electronics is preferred

The Ideal Candidate:

• Ten years of utility, industry, or research organization experience in relevant field. Advance degree requirement might be relaxed for individuals with longer relevant work experience

• Demonstrated proficiency in power electronics EMT model development and grid interconnection analysis

• Proven extensive development experience in PSCAD, Python, and similar tools

• Solid understanding of distribution power system including protection, grounding, fault restoration, and voltage management

• Clear understanding of DER technologies, interconnection standards, and challenges of higher penetration

• Proven record of developing research proposals and leading medium to large projects

• Demonstrated ability to produce high quality reports, white papers, papers, and presentations that summarize research objectives, approach, and findings

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Power converter hardware and or larger scale DER plant design, development, testing, commissioning, and/or certification experience will be a plus

• Experience with digital simulators (Typhoon HIL, RTDS and/or OpalRT) will be a plus.

Candidates in Knoxville, TN are preferred but open to other EPRI offices or remote/home based locations.

The salary range for this position is $129,200 USD to $149,100 USD annually.

This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.

This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

This role is eligible to participate in EPRI’s standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).

EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.

EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled

Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.

www.epri.com