Principal Power Systems Engineer

Title: Principal Power Systems Engineer Basic Function As part of the Grid Integration Team, the Principal Power Systems Engineer will provide technical leadership in the modeling, simulation, and validation of power-system solutions supporting hyperscale data centers. The role will focus primarily on electromagnetic transient studies, grid-performance and compliance assessments, and dynamic analysis of onsite generation, energy storage, and mission-critical electrical systems. The position will support the full project lifecycle, including concept development, system modeling, utility interconnection studies, wide-area transmission and point-to-point transfer assessments, design validation, commissioning support, and operational readiness. The engineer will develop and execute advanced simulations using PSCAD/EMTDC, PowerWorld, PSS®E, and other applicable tools to assess system performance and support compliance with utility, regional reliability, and ISO/RTO requirements, including those applicable in WECC, ERCOT, SPP, PJM, MISO, and CAISO. The role will help ensure that power systems serving hyperscale data centers are designed to achieve the required levels of reliability, stability, scalability, and operational performance. Responsibilities: • Develop and maintain in-house power system models for hyperscale data center power systems, including onsite generation, utility interconnections, microgrids, and hybrid energy systems. • Lead EMT modeling and transient studies using PSCAD/EMT tools to evaluate dynamic performance of data center generation systems, including gas engines, gas turbines, BESS, Fuel Cells, UPS systems, and hybrid power architectures. • Perform power system studies using PSCAD, Powerworld, TARA, PSS®E, Power Factory, ETAP, or similar tools to validate system performance and compliance with utility and ISO requirements. • PSCAD Automation Library or equivalent scripting and Python-based batch simulation • Develop fit-for-purpose system-level and generic models; integrate, test, troubleshoot, and validate detailed OEM models; and develop simplified screening models where appropriate. • Perform grid compliance studies for ERCOT, PJM, MISO, WECC, SPP, and other utility/ISO requirements, including Load smoothing, LVRT, HVRT, frequency ride-through, reactive power capability, voltage regulation, frequency response, load ramp rate limitations, and large load step response. • Analyze the interaction between hyperscale data center loads and the electrical grid, including AI workload fluctuations, large load ramps, transient events, and generation response requirements. • Develop and execute dynamic simulation cases to evaluate generator transient response, voltage and frequency stability, load acceptance, load rejection, black start capability, islanded operation, microgrid operation, and grid-connected scenarios. • Support optimization of onsite generation systems by evaluating generator sizing, controls, redundancy strategies, energy storage integration, and overall system performance. • Perform utility interconnection studies and support technical discussions with utilities, ISOs, consultants, and equipment suppliers. • Conduct screening-level transmission transfer-capability and deliverability assessments using PowerWorld or PSSE, including contingency analysis, injection and withdrawal sensitivities, interface-flow analysis, voltage assessment, and identification of transfer-limiting elements. • Review and validate vendor models and simulation results for generators, turbines, BESS, UPS systems, protection systems, and plant controllers. • Support commissioning and field validation activities by comparing simulation results with actual plant performance and tuning models as required. • Develop technical reports, study documentation, and compliance packages demonstrating that power systems meet utility, ISO, and customer reliability requirements. • Support innovation and pilot projects at the SBE's innovation center, including development of power system models, validation of simulation results, and testing of advanced power solutions for hyperscale data centers. • Support testing and evaluation of BESS, MV/LV UPS, and hybrid energy storage solutions through simulation and field validation, including dynamic response, load smoothing, power quality improvement, and microgrid/islanded operation performance. Qualifications/Requirements: Must-Have Qualifications • Bachelor's degree with 7+ years, master's degree with 5+ years, or PhD with 4+ years of relevant experience, including substantial hands-on experience developing, executing, troubleshooting, and validating PSCAD/EMTDC models and studies. • Strong background in power-system analysis, including generation, transmission, grid integration, and utility interconnection requirements. • Demonstrated experience developing and executing electromagnetic transient studies using PSCAD/EMTDC or a comparable EMTP platform. • Experience performing steady-state and RMS dynamic simulations using PowerWorld, PSS®E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, ETAP, or an equivalent power-system analysis tool. • Experience using Python to automate simulations, parameter sweeps, sensitivity analyses, results processing, and repeatable study workflows. • Strong understanding of power-system stability, including transient, voltage, frequency, and control-system performance. • Strong understanding of synchronous generators, gas turbines, gas engines, excitation systems, governors, plant controllers, transformers, and protection systems. • Experience developing fit-for-purpose dynamic models and integrating, testing, troubleshooting, and validating OEM-provided models. • Experience performing grid-performance and compliance studies, including LVRT, HVRT, frequency ride-through, frequency response, reactive-power capability, voltage regulation, fault response, and transient stability. • Ability to independently develop models, define and execute study cases, assess the technical validity of results, and communicate findings to internal engineering teams, utilities, consultants, and equipment suppliers. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with North American utility and ISO/RTO interconnection requirements, including ERCOT, WECC, SPP, PJM, MISO, CAISO, AEP, or similar organizations. • Experience supporting utility interconnection applications, model submissions, grid-compliance testing, commissioning, or field validation. • Experience modeling hyperscale data center electrical systems, AI workload fluctuations, large load ramps, UPS systems, and mission-critical power architectures. • Experience modeling large-scale onsite generation facilities, including gas engines, gas turbines, fuel cells, BESS, or hybrid generation systems. • PSCAD model-development experience involving inverter-based resources, BESS, STATCOMs, UPS systems, microgrids, and plant-level controls. • Experience analyzing islanded operation, black start, load acceptance and rejection, microgrid operation, renewable integration, and N+1 or N+N reliability configurations. • Knowledge of protection coordination, short-circuit analysis, generator protection, SCADA, communications, and plant control systems. • Familiarity with applicable IEEE, NERC, FERC, ISO/RTO, and utility-specific technical requirements. • Experience using version control, model libraries, standardized simulation test benches, and automated technical-reporting workflows. • Professional Engineer license preferred. Travel Requirements : The position requires up to 20% domestic and international travels. Base Pay - $160,000 - $190000 Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, such as skill set, experience, certifications, specific work location, and other non-discriminatory factors permitted by law. Base pay may vary per location due to differences in the cost of living. The total compensation package for this position may also include an annual discretionary bonus, full Health & Wellness Benefits package, generous Long Term Incentive plan designed with our partnership mentality in mind, and other applicable incentive perks as outlined in any formal offer made. The final compensation package will be discussed with the candidate during the final stages of the hiring process. Our Health & Wellness Benefits SB Energy's Benefits programs are designed to support our team members and their families while keeping their well-being, happiness, and varying needs in mind. SB Energy employees may enroll in our benefits programs and take advantage of customized perks and offerings, including those designed to support families, however defined. We offer the following benefits to all team members: • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance: 100% premium covered by the company, for employees and dependents. • Long-Term Disability (LTD), Life Insurance, AD&D and Voluntary Legal Insurance Plan • Competitive Retirement Benefits with 401(k) company match • Generous Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Company Holidays • Flexible working arrangements • 12 weeks fully paid Parental Leave • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) - Medical & Dependent FSA; Transit & Commuter FSA with employer contributions • Mental Health Wellness Offerings • Discounted Physical Wellness plan & Pet Insurance • Monthly reimbursement for Phone/Internet/Data • Phone Equipment Purchase Benefits • Thoughtful Hybrid Workplace Set-up Benefits Promote Sustainability with a Purpose - At SB Energy, you may choose to become a part of our 'Just Renewables' Committee and work along with team members who share a belief in pursuing our mission in such a way that empowers a diverse and inclusive workforce that advances social justice and equity for our employees as well as partners and communities!