Principal Research Scientist – Vehicle-Grid Integration

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy. The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is seeking an experienced technical leader to advance research and strategy development at the intersection of transportation electrification and the electric power grid. This leadership role will play a critical part in setting the technical direction for a muti-disciplinary team of researchers focused on understanding and managing how rapidly evolving transportation systems interact with grid infrastructure. As electrification of the nation’s transportation sector accelerates, important questions must be addressed: What will be the impact of widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption on the power grid? How can vehicles provide grid services and flexible load management to support growing electricity demand across the United States? PNNL researchers are developing advanced planning tools and strategies that enable engineers to determine when and where upgrades to grid and local electrical distribution systems are needed. These capabilities support decision-making for consumers, utilities, aggregators, and local and regional governments as they prepare for anticipated growth in large electricity loads, including data centers, commercial fleets of medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, and residential charging demand.

Requirements

BS/BA and 9+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
MS/MA and 7+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
PhD with 5+ year of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

Expertise in vehicle charging infrastructure, including technologies, policies, and large-scale deployment strategies.
Established professional network across DOE, utilities, grid operators, and transportation sector stakeholders.
Demonstrated success engaging with DOE programs, utilities, and industry consortiums to deliver scientific and stakeholder-aligned solutions.
Background with utility systems, aggregators, and strategic collaboration to enhance grid flexibility and resilience.
Understanding of DOE structure, programs, and how those collaborate with the national laboratory system.
Strong systems-level perspective on load management challenges posed by transportation electrification (e.g., VGI applications and managing large loads across the distribution and transmission system).
Strong communication and technical writing skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable insights for diverse audiences, including technical experts, policymakers, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate a multi-sponsor portfolio of VGI projects
Engage regularly with DOE program leaders and other stakeholders to align PNNL efforts with national priorities in vehicle electrification and grid integration.
Guide and advise the research of other principle investigators to increase the scope, impact, and funding of the portfolio
Lead and participate in large, multi-laboratory research initiatives.
Represent PNNL in the vehicle-grid integration space, serving as a thought leader among peers within PNNL, other national labs, DOE programs (e.g., Vehicle Technologies Office, Strategic Policy Office), utilities, and consortium partners.
Leverage existing and create new partnerships with utilities, aggregators, researchers, and industry stakeholders.
Drive cutting-edge research into VGI activities, including vehicle-to-grid technologies, vehicle-to-home solutions, and broader vehicle-load management strategies.
Address large-scale load management challenges from a utility systems perspective, developing models, tools, and frameworks that fill knowledge gaps and support practical implementation.
Represent PNNL at conferences, workshops, and meetings, showcasing recognized technical expertise in VGI, policy alignment, and programmatic contributions.
Build and mentor a team of researchers, engineers, and technical staff by fostering innovation and excellence within PNNL's vehicle-grid research programs.
On-site in Richland, WA is strongly preferred; remote work may be considered.

Benefits

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.

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