Software Power Systems Engineer

Overview

We are designing the grid of the future!

ENER-i is a cutting-edge software solution from Electric Power Engineers (EPE) helping utility clients plan for the rapidly evolving electric grid and achieve their planning and operational goals through innovative digitalization. Backed by the collective expertise of EPE, ENER-i brings decades of industry engineering experience to the world of cloud-based, enterprise computing software. ENER-i's goal is to create a shared, secure, curated data platform, providing engineers with the means for intelligent data aggregation, insightful engineering analytics engines, GIS, network connectivity models, machine learning & augmented intelligence. Our mission is to close the gap between planning and operations; transmission and distribution and merge the interests of the government, the public, and private industry.

Responsibilities

Join us in leading the change!

The Software Power Systems Engineer will work as a core member of the ENER-i software development team, owning the power systems engineering behind the platform's analysis modules from algorithm design through production code. This involves designing, developing, testing, and validating scalable engines and workflows for distribution system analysis. Such analyses include but are not limited to: quasi-static time-series (QSTS) unbalanced power flow, hosting capacity and DER interconnection screening, automated thermal and voltage violation mitigation, value of DER and non-wires alternatives analysis, flexible interconnection, reliability analyses, resiliency analyses, and DERMS operational planning, and long-term capacity and investment planning.

The level of the role (Engineer III, Senior, Principal, or Senior Principal) will be aligned to the candidate's depth of experience. Principal-level engineers are expected to set technical direction for the platform's powerflow analysis architecture and lead cross-team initiatives.

• The Software Power Systems Engineer will also engage with the ENER-i product, engineering, and client delivery teams for tasks such as:
• Distribution model conversion, validation, and onboarding (e.g., CYME, Synergi, WindMil, OpenDSS)
• Translating utility planning practices and criteria into technical specifications
• Technical design reviews and architecture decisions for analysis engines
• Validation of platform results against commercial tools and field data
• Performance benchmarking and scale testing on utility-sized models
• Client technical workshops, demonstrations, and user training
• Perform and deliver ENER-i based distribution planning studies when needed

How you can make an impact:

• Design and implement production-grade Python libraries and services for distribution analysis, power flow orchestration, and optimization within the ENER-i platform.

• Scale simulations across thousands of feeders and full-year time-series through parallelization, cloud batch processing, and performance tuning - including compiled languages (e.g., Rust, C++) where it matters.

• Build and maintain distribution data models and model converters that bring utility network models (CYME, Synergi, WindMil, OpenDSS, GIS) into a common, validated representation.

• Develop algorithms for automated mitigation, hosting capacity, DER valuation, and grid planning using optimization (LP/MILP), heuristics, and data-driven methods.

• Establish test automation, validation suites, and engineering benchmarks that keep platform results accurate and trustworthy.

• Serve as a distribution subject matter expert to developers, product owners, and product managers; review requirements and user stories for engineering correctness.

• Propose and prototype new ENER-i modules and help shape the technical roadmap with product management.

• Mentor engineers and developers, contribute to code and design reviews, and raise the bar on engineering practices across the team.

• Represent EPE through publications, open-source contributions, and industry working groups where appropriate.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a power systems focus, or a Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience.

• 3+ years (Engineer III) or 7+ years (Principal) of combined experience in distribution system analysis and software development; national laboratory, research, utility, and vendor experience all count.

• Expert understanding of three-phase, unbalanced distribution systems, power flow formulations, and distribution planning practices.

• Hands-on experience with at least one distribution modeling tool (e.g., OpenDSS, CYME, Synergi, WindMil, or GridLAB-D), including its APIs or automation interfaces.

• Strong Python software engineering skills beyond scripting: packaging, typing, automated testing, Git, code review, and CI/CD. OpenDSS experience is a plus.

• A track record of building tools that other people use: libraries, applications, or open-source projects with real users.

• Experience applying numerical methods and optimization (e.g., Pyomo, JuMP, Gurobi, HiGHS) to power systems problems.

• Experience working with large data sets (time-series, AMI, SCADA) using tools such as pandas/Polars, SQL, or Parquet.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, particularly with respect to explaining complex technical matters.

• Proven team player skills with ability to build and maintain internal and external relationships.

• Familiarity with Agile software development methodologies (e.g., Scrum).

Beneficial Experience:

• Proficiency in a compiled or high-performance language such as Rust, C++, Julia, or Java.

• Contributions to open-source power systems tools (e.g., OpenDSS/AltDSS, DiTTo, GridLAB-D, PowerModelsDistribution, pandapower).

• Experience with cloud-native development, containers, and distributed or high-performance computing (e.g., AWS, Docker, Kubernetes).

• Experience with DER integration topics such as hosting capacity, IEEE 1547, DERMS, flexible interconnection, non-wires alternatives, and electrification load forecasting.

• Breadth across transmission, controls, or T&D co-simulation.

• Familiarity with GIS tools (preferably Esri) and utility network data models.

• Experience leveraging machine learning and AI tools responsibly to improve engineering quality and productivity.

• Publications or participation in IEEE PES or similar industry working groups.

Be a part of an innovative team shaping the grid of the future through advanced energy intelligence. For more than half a century, Electric Power Engineers (EPE) has partnered with power and energy clients across the globe, providing consulting expertise and energy intelligence software solutions for complex engineering and grid modeling challenges. As leaders in the renewables space, we are focused on building a modern, secure, and resilient grid. Join us in making an impact on the communities we serve and the environment in which we live. Together we can transform the future of energy.

How we support you:

• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision with 100% premium coverage for you
• Generous PTO and paid holidays
• MyShare Employee Ownership Program
• Work with industry leaders
• 401K, up to a 4% match (100% vested from day 1)

Location: This position is open to remote for highly qualified candidates

Travel: Occasional travel may be needed (10% or less)

EPE is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster, and its supplement are available using the following links: EEOC is the Law Poster

Third-Party Recruiting Notification

EPE does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to EPE via our career page or to any of our managers or employees will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency. EPE will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency without a previously signed third-party agreement and has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Talent Acquisition team.