Principal Power Systems Engineer

About the role

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