Power Systems Engineer - EMT Modeling/Simulation & Test Validation

Job description

Exowatt is revolutionizing the energy landscape for the AI era with our groundbreaking P3 system that captures solar energy, stores it as heat, and generates electricity on demand. Founded in 2023 and backed by leading investors including Andreessen Horowitz, Sam Altman, and Felicis, we're committed to providing clean, modular, and scalable power that meets the rapidly growing demands of AI infrastructure. Our mission is to make sustainable renewable energy always available and almost free, enabling technological advancement while protecting our planet. We are looking for a technically curious Power Systems Electrical Engineer to join our systems study team. You will be responsible for developing, maintaining, and analyzing complex power system models, as well as designing and executing test and validation strategies for advanced power conversion systems. Whether you are a seasoned expert or a recent graduate with a strong academic foundation in power electronics and transients, you will play a key role in simulating the "invisible" dynamics of the modern electrical grid and validating real-world hardware behavior against those models. This position is based in Miami, FL preferred, however an alternate location of Austin, TX is possible for the right candidate. If hired for this role, relocation to one of these sites is required. We provide relocation assistance. ### Key Responsibilities **Simulation & Modeling** - Build and execute system-level power system simulations using PSCAD/EMTDC or MATLAB/Simulink to analyze transient, steady-state, and dynamic phenomena - Perform impact studies for Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs) such as generators, solar, and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) - Conduct Sub-Synchronous Oscillation (SSO) studies, Control Interaction (CI) analysis, and Transient Overvoltage (TOV) assessments - Develop and maintain simulation environments for power electronics, energy storage, power conversion, and grid-interactive systems **Test & Validation** - Create and execute test plans, test procedures, and validation protocols for electrical and power system components and integrated systems - Perform model-in-the-loop (MIL), software-in-the-loop (SIL), hardware-in-the-loop (HIL), and lab-based power converter testing as appropriate - Validate simulation results against experimental and field data; improve model fidelity over time - Analyze transient, fault, thermal, and dynamic behavior of power systems under normal and off-nominal conditions - Investigate root causes of test failures and performance gaps; drive corrective actions with cross-functional teams - Design and automate test infrastructure, data collection workflows, and post-processing and analysis tools **Cross-Functional Contribution** - Support controls and firmware teams by evaluating system response, protections, edge cases, and failure modes - Translate complex simulation and test data into clear, actionable technical reports for clients, utilities, or internal stakeholders - Contribute to design reviews, risk assessments, and engineering decision-making throughout product development ### Technical Requirements | | | | --- | --- | | **Area** | **Description** | | Primary Simulation Software | Proficiency or academic experience in PSCAD/PSSE and/or MATLAB/Simulink, PLECS | | Secondary Tools | Exposure to LabVIEW, RTDS, LTspice is highly preferred | | Lab Instrumentation | Familiarity with oscilloscopes, power analyzers, DAQs, microcontrollers, PLCs, and programmable power supplies or load banks | | Core Theory | Deep understanding of Power System Transients, Control Theory, and Power Electronics | | Scripting & Analysis | Proficiency in Python or MATLAB for post-processing simulation and test data | | Grid Codes & Standards | Familiarity with IEEE 1547, NERC PRC/MOD, FERC requirements, or relevant IEC/UL standards, even at an academic level | ### Qualifications - B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems, Power Electronics, or Controls - Open to both experienced professionals (3+ years preferred) and recent university graduates who can demonstrate significant project work or a thesis involving EMT simulation, hardware testing, or power converter validation - Strong mathematical aptitude in differential equations, phasor analysis, and system dynamics - Experience designing and executing laboratory tests for electrical systems and interpreting measured data - Ability to debug complex multidisciplinary systems and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences ### The "New Grad" Success Profile If you are applying as a recent graduate, we are looking for: 1. A capstone project or internship focused on power system modeling. 2. A high level of comfort with **Python or MATLAB** for post-processing simulation data. 3. A "builder" mindset—someone who enjoys digging into a black-box model to understand how the underlying code affects the grid.