Staff Level III - Distribution Grid Modelling and Analytics
Dublin, Ireland, EEU - Ireland Home Office
Job Summary and Description:
Utilities around the world are transforming their distribution systems to support electrification, distributed energy resources (DER), resilience, decarbonisation, and growing operational complexity. As planning and operations become increasingly data-driven, utilities need advanced analytics, high-fidelity modelling, artificial intelligence, and trusted data to maintain a reliable, resilient, and efficient grid.
The EPRI Distribution Operations and Planning team leads collaborative research that advances the state of the art in distribution system planning and operations. Through the development of innovative methodologies, simulation tools, analytics, and field-validated solutions, the team addresses challenges spanning grid modernisation, DER integration, protection, resilience, operations, and emerging technologies.
This position conducts research in advanced power system modelling, simulation, AI, machine learning, and measurement-based analytics. The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced analytical methods that combine power system models with data-driven approaches, leveraging utility data to improve planning, operations, and protection while translating cutting-edge research into practical solutions for the electric utility industry.
Research areas include:
- Advanced distribution system planning and operations
- Integrating DER into planning and operations
- Designing non-wires alternatives and other flexible solutions
- Hosting capacity, electrification, and grid readiness assessments
- Grid modernisation technology deployment and optimisation
- Distribution automation and advanced control strategies
- Reliability and resilience analytics
- AI-enabled distribution planning, operations and decision support
- Advanced power system analytics, AI, and machine learning applications
- Digital twins and model-driven analytics
- Data-driven model development, verification, and validation
- Measurement data quality and analytics
- Development of next-generation planning and operational tools
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience required
- Preferred MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering with Power System emphasis
- Minimum 2-3 years of engineering, utility, consulting, research, or equivalent experience preferred. For advanced degree holders, job experience requirement might be relaxed.
- Demonstrated ability to independently contribute to multiple projects simultaneously
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
Ideal candidate:
- Strong knowledge of power system fundamentals, specifically distribution systems
- Demonstrated experience developing software tools and analytical applications using Python, C#, Delphi, Java, or similar languages
- Experience with distribution system model development, validation, calibration, and quality assurance.
- Experience utilising utility measurement data from AMI, SCADA, and other field sources
- Proven ability to conduct power systems analytical studies, with an emphasis on distribution modelling and simulation
- Demonstrated experience with one or more industry modelling and simulation tools such as OpenDSS, CYME, Synergi, Milsoft, PowerFactory, EMTP, PSCAD
- Experience with data cleaning, data quality assessment, and data integration
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics techniques to power system applications
- Familiarity with modern AI and data science frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, LLM-based systems, agentic workflows, or related technologies is desirable
- Experience performing steady-state, dynamic, and electromagnetic transient studies
- Experience modelling high penetrations of DER, inverter-based resources, electrification technologies, and flexible loads
- Must be able to exercise judgment, diligence, and attention to detail and demonstrate an aptitude for carrying out responsible technical assignments
- Passion for solving emerging utility challenges through advanced analytics and research
Key Responsibilities and Requirements:
Performs complex engineering and scientific research with limited supervision. Collaborates directly with utilities, technology vendors, industry stakeholders, and EPRI researchers. Key responsibilities include:
- Makes significant contributions to advanced modelling, simulation, and analytics projects
- Conducts independent research activities with guidance and contributes to development of new tools, methodologies, and research approaches to address industry challenges
- Evaluate emerging technologies and applications through analytical and field-based studies
- Contribute to technical publications, conference papers, webinars, and industry presentations
- Support proposal development and strategic research planning activities
- Engage with utility members to identify challenges, transfer research outcomes, and support technology adoption
- Contribute to the development and evaluation of AI-enabled tools and analytics applications for utility planning and operations
- Develop and apply repeatable processes for measurement data cleaning, quality assessment, and integration
- Conduct model verification and validation activities using utility measurement data
- Assess the applicability, limitations, and performance of emerging AI technologies within utility environments
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must have 2-3 years experience in power system modelling, simulation, analytics, or related disciplines
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate and present research effectively to technical and industry audiences
- Ability to independently conduct research and solve complex technical problems with limited supervision
- Ability to understand how work fits across technical areas
- Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and intellectual curiosity
- Works across multiple projects, technical disciplines and multi-disciplinary teams
- Works closely with contractors or staff to complete project research
- Demonstrates initiative through technical excellence, innovation, and collaboration
EPRI is committed to complying with the regulatory framework governing export control, consisting of international treaties, U.S. laws, regulations and trade sanctions, and where applicable, foreign laws governing export control. These include the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Part 810 nuclear export regulations, and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). It is a critical requirement of this role that the successful candidate will have to work with export-controlled technology / information. As a result, prior to applying for this role, please ensure you satisfy yourself as to your ability to access such export-controlled technology / information without further authorization from government.
