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