Elevate Energy Consulting · 1 hour ago
Lead/Principal Engineer Renewables and Data Center Modeling
United States
Full-time
Remote
Lead/Staff
8+ years expElevate Energy Consulting is focused on supporting clients in the electricity ecosystem towards a clean energy future. The Lead/Principal Engineer will play a key role in leading modeling and studies projects related to inverter-based resources and data center modeling, ensuring reliability and compliance within the power system.
Utilities
Hiring Manager
Cristina Conway
Responsibilities
Lead and conduct advanced power system studies, including powerflow, dynamics, EMT, and short-circuit analyses—focused on the reliability of integrating inverter-based resources (IBRs) and datacenter loads into the bulk power system
Develop detailed power system models for both IBRs (grid following and grid forming) and datacenters, ensuring high-fidelity representation of control systems, load profiles, and system architectures; perform rigorous model quality checks and validation within interconnected grid environments
Drive the development and use of advanced automation scripts and tools in-house to effectively conduct reliability studies at-scale, and help build systems and tools to drive business efficiencies in this area
Collaborate with clients on targeted projects to enhance modeling tools, refine processes, and clarify requirements related to evolving datacenter topologies, grid code compliance, and the integration of renewable resources within modern energy systems
Provide deep subject matter expertise in datacenter and IBR modeling to internal teams and external stakeholders—including transmission service providers, planners, system operators, renewable project developers, generator owners, and regulatory bodies across North America
Lead transmission planning reliability studies to support utilities and planners in evaluating future scenarios and grid impacts resulting from increased datacenter loads and high-penetration IBRs; projects may range from local to interconnection-wide analyses
Apply first principles and engineering fundamentals to develop best practices addressing emerging reliability risks in datacenter operations and IBR integration, including system oscillations, protection and control, and advanced inverter technologies
Analyze the evolving resource mix and its effects on bulk power system reliability, focusing on low system strength conditions, grid-forming inverter technology, datacenter-induced oscillations, impacts to protection and control systems, frequency response, voltage stability, and control interactions
Lead the preparation of comprehensive modeling and study reports, technical documentation, and project deliverables that clearly communicate findings and recommendations for both datacenter and IBR integration projects
Deliver high-impact technical presentations to clients and industry audiences, sharing insights on datacenter modeling, IBR controls, and reliability best practices; actively contribute to thought leadership and professional development within the electricity sector
Consistently deliver exceptional value to clients through expert analysis, the achievement of key project milestones, and the successful completion of deliverables related to datacenter and IBR modeling
Establish and nurture relationships with industry leaders, executives, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance best practices and foster collaboration around datacenter and IBR integration challenges
Engage with clients virtually and in-person to understand their specific needs, and communicate complex technical concepts in both verbal and written formats tailored to datacenter and IBR modeling contexts
Qualification
Required
A Master's or PhD degree in electrical engineering with a specialization in power systems engineering (or closely related field) from an accredited college or university
Specialized experience focused on grid reliability, inverter-based resources, renewable energy interconnections, modeling, power system studies, protection and control systems, etc
Demonstrated in-depth expertise in IBRs, with the ability to thoroughly explain and accurately model the detailed operation of IBR control systems. This includes advanced understanding of control structures such as inverter switching mechanisms, dq-frame current control strategies, outer loop control structures, power plant controllers, and the nuances of control parameter tuning
Possesses strong proficiency in identifying and modeling each electrical component of an IBR within industry-standard simulation tools such as PSCAD EMT and PSS/E and how to build these models from data provided by Clients
Well-versed in the implementation and technical requirements of grid-following control strategies, and brings additional value through hands-on experience with grid-forming controls, which are increasingly critical for modern power systems with high renewable penetration. Capable of translating complex IBR control concepts into practical simulation models and effectively communicating these principles to clients and industry stakeholders
Demonstrated expertise in datacenter modeling with a comprehensive understanding of data center topology and the system architecture. Understands key operational challenges such as system oscillations present in datacenter loads and is well-versed in industry grid code requirements. Deep knowledge on existing standard mitigation strategies possess project experience executing robust datacenter modeling studies
At least 8+ years of deep technical experience in renewable energy resource and power system modeling and planning areas
Extensive expertise conducting powerflow, dynamics, short-circuit, and EMT simulations, including the modeling and representation of renewable energy resources
Extensive experience using multiple power system analysis tools such as PSS/E, TSAT, PSCAD, and strong automation and programming skills such as using Python. Experience in real-time simulation is considered a plus
Excellent communications skills including both written and verbal communication, and examples of successfully leveraging these skills across the industry
Strong interpersonal skills, compelling presentation skills, and the ability to establish strategic relationships
A highly-motivated self-starter and driven individual with the ability to work independently and in the face of uncertainty
Company
Elevate Energy Consulting
Elevate Energy Consulting is dedicated to elevating the electricity sector through the clean energy transition.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase