Principal Grid Research Engineer

MISO is hiring a Principal Grid Research Engineer in Eagan, MN, with a salary range of $147,000 - $168,000 plus bonuses. The role involves leading research on grid reliability, integrating Inverter-Based Resources and Distributed Energy Resources, and providing technical expertise. Candidates should have 8+ years of experience in the energy sector, preferably with a Master's or Ph.D. in relevant fields, and skills in power flow analysis and grid modeling.
Starting Salary Range: $147,000 - $168,000 - position is also eligible for an annual bonus if individual performance and company objectives are met.

MISO is seeking a Principal Grid Research Engineer to lead the advancement of innovative solutions that support reliable operations of the future grid. As we integrate Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs), Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), large loads, and emerging transmission technologies, this role will provide critical technical expertise, drive applied research initiatives, and collaborate across internal teams and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge in current and emerging power flow engineering, grid modeling, and dynamic stability techniques, with a passion for solving complex grid reliability challenges.

What You’ll Do as our Principal Grid Research Engineer:
• Lead engineering studies and pilots that advance grid reliability functions such as voltage/frequency stability, congestion management, and control room technologies.
• Provide thought leadership on IBRs, DERs, and other emerging grid technologies, leveraging your technical expertise in advising, framing, and delivering business impact-driven research.
• Utilize advanced power flow engineering techniques to generate and analyze options, visualize possibilities, formulate new approaches, and make recommendations.
• Analyze and recommend solutions using advanced power flow and dynamic stability modeling tools (e.g., PSS/E, VSAT, etc.).
• Collaborate with Operations and R&D teams to evaluate technologies and develop actionable insights from grid data.
• Advise industry working groups, task forces, and stakeholder committees with technical expertise, research findings, and insights.
• Support projects such as Large Load Integration, Grid Enhancing Technologies, DERs, and other related issues impacting reliable grid operations.

What You’ll Bring:
• 8+ years of experience in the energy industry, preferably with utilities, RTOs/ISOs, or grid operations.
• Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology
• Ph.D. preferred
• Power flow analysis and dynamic modeling and simulation of bulk power grid
• Background in applied electric power-focused research in industry, academia, or lab settings.
• Proficiency in tools and methods for power flow analysis, system modeling, and energy management systems.
• Subject matter expertise with IBRs, DERs, microgrids, and emerging transmission technology
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks (e.g., NERC, FERC), and skills in scripting languages (SQL, PL/SQL).
• Comfort working across platforms (UNIX, Windows, Linux) and with advanced analytics or machine learning approaches.

Success In the First Year Looks Like:
• Staying up to date on emerging grid technologies—such as Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs), large loads, Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), and advanced transmission technologies—to evaluate their operational impacts and help define key research questions.
• Building familiarity with MISO’s reliability tools and systems, including the Energy Management System, power flow modeling, and dynamic stability modeling techniques to support high-quality research.
• Collaborating with Operations teams to define research needs related to large load integration and supporting the development of a research agenda and the implementation of pilot or demonstration projects.

Appropriate level will be determined based upon experience and knowledge.

Transformative innovation is happening in the electric industry, from digitalizing homes and distributed resources to renewable energy and an ever-changing grid. MISO manages the electricity superhighway in the Central U.S. and through use of groundbreaking research and advanced technology, our highly skilled employees ensure power flows reliably to 45 million Americans. Operating the electricity grid, running a robust energy market, planning for a bright future – it’s what our immensely hardworking and dedicated team does every day.

At MISO we offer a hybrid work environment and a comprehensive benefits package, including 401K available on your first day of employment.

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