Principal Power Systems Engineer

Job Description

We are looking for a Principal Power Systems Engineer with hands-on interconnection study experience and a passion for improving the grid integration process through AI and automation. In this role, you will lead in-depth technical analyses, build out our dynamics and short-circuit duty study capability, analyze results, and present study findings directly to utilities and customers. You will serve as a technical subject-matter expert for the engineering team, and help lead the plan that connects planning-side capacity assessment to how utilities implement it in operations. You will work with utilities, developers, and regulators to accelerate interconnection timelines. This is a unique opportunity to combine deep power systems expertise and stakeholder engagement, with cutting-edge AI solutions to modernize how studies are performed.

Responsibilities

• Perform and lead load and generation interconnection studies, including steady-state, short-circuit, or dynamic analysis with widely accepted commercial tools.

• Build out GridCARE's approach to dynamics and short-circuit duty studies — defining the methodology and selecting cost-effective tooling so we can run these studies when they are required.

• Develop power flow and stability models to evaluate system impact for new interconnections, including data centers and renewable generation (inverter-based resources).

• Serve as a technical subject-matter expert for the engineering team, advising on study methodology and interconnection process questions.

• Help lead the plan that bridges planning and operations — translating capacity assessment and qualification into an approach utilities can actually implement in the operations plane.

• Collaborate directly with utilities, developers, and regulators to understand their needs and facilitate smooth interconnection processes and compliance with standards.

• Present study results, recommendations, and process findings directly to utility planners, project managers, and customer stakeholders.

• Evaluate interconnection options, system upgrades, and Grid-Enhancing Technologies (GETs), providing clear recommendations to stakeholders.

• Partner with AI and automation teams to streamline study processes and improve accuracy.

• Stay engaged with the latest interconnection news, standards, and emerging solutions in power systems, including the DOE i2X forum and ESIG modeling task force.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems focus) or a related field. Master's or PhD preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in power system studies, transmission planning, or interconnection, at a utility or a consulting firm.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience running interconnection studies specifically — a minimum of two years.

• Proficiency with commercial power system tools (e.g., PSSE, PSLF, PowerWorld, PSCAD, PowerGEM TARA, ASPEN).

• Strong understanding of FERC, NERC, and ISO/RTO interconnection processes.

• Experience working with or for a utility transmission planning or interconnection team.

• Knowledge of steady-state and dynamic load modeling requirements.

• A creative, forward-looking approach to problem solving — someone who finds paths forward rather than stopping at the bottlenecks in current planning practice — with a bias toward action.

• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills in a fast-paced startup environment, with a focus on client interaction.
  

Preferred

• Interconnection process experience across multiple regions, particularly ERCOT/Texas, the Midwest, or the Southeast.

• Proficiency in Python or equivalent, including use of power system tool APIs (psspy, simauto, pypowergem).

• Experience in applying machine-learning and AI applications to power system studies.

• Able to leverage AI code development tools such as Cursor, Copilot and Claude Code to accelerate development.

• Experience deploying power system applications in the cloud.

• Familiarity with version control (git) and basic software engineering practices.

• Ability to write well-documented, tested, and maintainable code.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and equity.

• Comprehensive benefits package.

• Hybrid work environment with catered lunches and snacks.

• The chance to work at the intersection of AI, automation, and power systems alongside experienced engineers and leading researchers.

• A mission-driven team focused on shaping the future of the energy transition.

Location

• Redwood City preferred, open to remote

Salary Range

$250,000-$350,000 Total

Join us in tackling one of the most important infrastructure challenges of our time — enabling the energy foundation for the age of AI.