Grid Research Principal Engineer

MISO is seeking a Grid Research Principal 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 Grid Research Principal Engineer:

- Apply your expertise in Energy Management Systems (EMS) and advanced power flow engineering to evaluate options, visualize potential outcomes, develop innovative approaches, and provide well-informed recommendations.

- Analyze and recommend solutions using advanced power flow and dynamic stability modeling tools (e.g., PSS/E, VSAT, etc.).

- 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.

- 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 real world/applied experience in the electric power industry, preferably with utilities, RTOs/ISOs, or control room grid operations.

- Proven experience applying electric power research in industry, academic, or lab settings, with a track record of delivering practical solutions that create measurable business or industry value.

- Experience with power flow analysis and bulk power grid dynamic modeling and simulation – required.

- Experience with real-time grid operations technology including Energy Management Systems (EMS); (SCADA, state estimator, real-time contingency analysis) – required.

- Experience with phasor measurement unit data and wide-area measurement (WAMs) applications.

- Subject matter expertise with IBRs, DERs, and emerging transmission technology such as power flow controls, dynamic line ratings, and topology optimization.

- Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics & Computer Engineering Technology.

- PhD preferred, but not required.

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 (EMS), 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.

The base salary compensation range being offered for this role is $152,000 - $173,000 USD annually. Base salary range for this position is included in accordance with requirements of various state/local pay transparency legislation. Please note that salaries may vary for different individuals in the same role based on several factors, including but not limited to location of the role, individual competencies, education/professional certifications, and qualifications/experience.

Position is also eligible for an annual bonus if individual performance and company objectives are met. At MISO we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including 401k, vacation, sick and safe time, available on your first day of employment.

#DiscoverMISO #MISOCareers #weareMISO

MISO, What We Do