Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Earth Systems Science Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, provides leadership and solutions that advance Earth system opportunities for energy systems and national security. We are a multidisciplinary division connected by a shared commitment to innovate and collaborate towards solving complex problems in the dynamic Earth system.
Responsibilities
The Operational Systems Engineering group within the Earth Systems Science Division seeks a mid-career Electrical Engineer to support research, development, and deployment activities focused on power generation, hydropower, and pumped storage technologies. This position supports projects sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower and Hydrokinetics Office, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command, and other federal and state stakeholders. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with engineers, scientists, project managers, and external partners to address the complex technical and operational challenges facing electrical power systems in critical utility infrastructure.
We are looking for a versatile engineer with strong foundational experience in either electrical power systems or industrial control systems (ICS), paired with hands-on experience in field construction, installation, commissioning, or plant modernization. You do not need to be an expert in every domain; rather, we value adaptable problem-solvers who understand how electrical and control systems are actually built, wired, tested, and operated in the field, and who are eager to collaborate across disciplines.
This position offers a diverse range of technical and project-oriented responsibilities. The successful applicant will need to be adaptable, collaborative, and capable of balancing multiple priorities across research and applied engineering efforts.
Duties include:
- Support or lead on-site engineering assessments of hydropower and utility electrical/control assets - such as generation and excitation systems, protection and control (P&C) schemes, switchgear, plant-level automation, PLCs, or turbine governors - to improve performance, reliability, and resilience.
- Provide practical technical support and oversight in the field during facility construction, system upgrades, retrofits, and commissioning. Coordinate directly with construction crews, facility operators, subcontractors, and vendors to review drawings/submittals, verify installations, and ensure modernizations are implemented safely and without disrupting plant operations.
- Develop practical engineering modernization roadmaps and technical requirements for aging electrical or control assets, addressing hardware lifecycles, constructability, system integration, and operational longevity.
- Provide engineering guidance to ensure that new technologies, equipment upgrades, and security architectures are compatible with physical plant processes, safety logic, and operational requirements.
- Author and present clear, high-quality technical deliverables - including field assessment reports, engineering specifications, test plans, and technical publications - to communicate findings to sponsors and partners.
- Collaborate with scientists, cybersecurity specialists, and fellow engineers across early-stage R&D and applied field demonstration projects.
- Support research and engineering activities spanning early-stage research and development through applied science and technology demonstration projects.
- Contribute to the preparation of competitive research proposals and strategic project planning activities aligned with sponsor priorities and national energy objectives.
- Manage or support research project execution, including coordination of technical activities, schedules, deliverables, and stakeholder communications.
- Provide oversight and technical coordination for subcontractors and research partners supporting project activities and deliverables.
Some travel (for fieldwork, scientific conferences, and client networking) may be necessary depending on evolving project/programmatic needs and candidate interest.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant hydropower systems experience -OR-
- MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant hydropower systems experience -OR-
- PhD with 1+ year of relevant hydropower systems experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Based on project and client requirements, US citizenship is required.
- Preferred degree in Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- Practical experience in any combination of the following technical areas (depth in some, not all, is expected):
- Design, maintenance, or testing of low-, medium-, or high-voltage power distribution, generators, switchgear, or excitation systems.
- Protective relays (e.g., SEL, GE, ABB) and protection & control (P&C) schemes or substation equipment.
- Industrial Control Systems (ICS), including PLCs, RTUs, DCS, or HMIs from major vendors (e.g., Rockwell/Allen-
- Bradley, Siemens, Schneider Electric, Emerson).
- Turbine governors, plant-level automation, or balance-of-plant control systems.
- Reading, redlining, or drafting electrical schematics, one-line/three-line diagrams, P&IDs, and wiring diagrams.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience working in industrial, utility, or construction environments - such as supporting electrical/controls installation, point-to-point checkout, factory/site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), startup/commissioning, or construction management/oversight alongside trade crews and contractors.
- Experience in hydropower, water/wastewater utilities, power generation, heavy industrial manufacturing, or federal infrastructure (e.g., USACE, Bureau of Reclamation, NAVFAC).
- Knowledge of industrial/utility operational technology (OT) communication protocols (e.g., Modbus, DNP3, IEC 61850, EtherNet/IP) and an interest in collaborating with cybersecurity engineers to secure plant assets.
- A Professional Engineer (PE) license is considered a plus.
- Formal project management experience or certification is beneficial but not required.
- Experience with data-oriented programming/scripting languages (e.g., Python, R) is considered a plus.
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable.
Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship
- Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
- Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.
Testing Designated Position
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State - the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov .
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
- Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $122,100.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $193,000.00/Yr.