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Phd Solar Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Phd Solar Engineer information

What is the difference between Phd Solar Engineer vs Solar Project Engineer?

AspectPhd Solar EngineerSolar Project Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Renewable Energy, Solar Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Renewable Energy, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, R&D departmentsConstruction sites, project management offices, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, advanced R&D divisions of solar companiesSolar installation companies, project development firms, EPC contractors

The main difference between a Phd Solar Engineer and a Solar Project Engineer lies in their focus and work environment. A Phd Solar Engineer typically engages in research, development, and advanced analysis within academic or R&D settings, requiring a doctoral degree. In contrast, a Solar Project Engineer is more involved in the planning, execution, and management of solar installation projects, often working in the field or on-site. Both roles are essential in the solar industry but serve different stages of solar technology development and deployment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a PhD solar engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a PhD Solar Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in photovoltaic systems, materials science, and energy engineering, typically supported by a doctoral degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software (like MATLAB or PVsyst), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is essential, along with published research or patents. Strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills help you excel in both research and interdisciplinary team environments. These competencies enable innovation, effective project execution, and advancement in solar technology and renewable energy solutions.

What are some unique challenges faced by PhD solar engineers in research and development teams?

PhD Solar Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating cutting-edge research into practical, scalable solar technologies and balancing time between experimental work and data analysis. Collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including material scientists and electrical engineers, is essential to address technical hurdles and optimize system performance. Additionally, these engineers must stay updated on evolving industry standards and funding opportunities while effectively communicating complex findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What does a PhD solar engineer do?

A PhD Solar Engineer is a specialized professional who conducts advanced research and development in solar energy technologies. They work on designing, testing, and improving solar panels, photovoltaic systems, and other renewable energy solutions. Their work often involves publishing scientific papers, leading research teams, and collaborating with industry partners to innovate and implement sustainable solar solutions. With a doctoral degree, they typically focus on solving complex technical challenges and advancing the field of solar engineering.
What are popular job titles related to Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Phd Solar Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Phd Solar Engineer jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Phd Solar Engineer job openings:
Phd Solar Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Phd Solar Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Transmission System Analysis & EMT Modeling Staff/Level III

Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.

Knoxville, TN • On-site

$92K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title:Transmission System Analysis & EMT Modeling Staff/Level IIILocation:Knoxville, TNJob Summary and Description:

This is a Staff Level III position for an Engineer to support R&D projects related to grid modeling and stability analysis with high levels of inverter based renewable resources and load analysis.

The candidate will conduct research in complex, high impact technical or scientific fields.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The candidate must be familiar with the following:

  • Electrical engineering with emphasis on power systems

  • Strong experience with control system theory and analysis

  • Strong experience with power system stability analysis, especially small signal stability analysis and frequency spectrum analysis

  • Familiarity with wind/solar inverter modeling, both in EMT domain and RMS domain,

  • Familiarity with generic models of inverters and loads

  • Strong experience with electromagnetic transients simulation tools (preferably PSCAD and EMTP)

  • Strong experience with electromechanical dynamics simulation tools (preferably PSS/E and PSLF)

  • Strong programming skills (preferably in Python and C)

  • Strong technical writing skills and works on technical activities with limited direct supervision.

  • Conducts technical searches and analyzes information in support of the project team.

  • Demonstrates responsibility for highly specialized technical objectives or problems where the relationships between cause and effect are difficult to establish and little or no precedence exists, and the use of creative and imaginative thinking is required.

  • Applies technical expertise, and has full knowledge of other related disciplines.

  • Develops technical solutions to complex problems which require the regular use of ingenuity and creativity.

  • Have the potential to lead research initiatives in electromagnetics transient phenomena, focusing on renewables such as wind and solar energy systems and load.

Qualifications:

  • Almost completing/ completed a PhD in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Ideal Candidate:

  • Electrical engineer with PhD degree with emphasis on power systems

  • Strong experience with control system theory and analysis

  • Familiarity with wind/solar inverter modeling and simulation will be considered a plus

  • Strong experience with electromagnetic transient simulation tools (preferably PSCAD and EMTP)

  • Strong experience with electromechanical dynamics simulation tools (preferably PSS/E and PSLF)

  • Strong programming skills (preferably in Python and Matlab)

  • Strong technical writing and presentation skills

The salary range for this position is $92,500 USD to $100,000 USD annually.This salary range is an estimate, and the actual salary may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The salary may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's annual incentive program. The amount of incentive varies and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.This role is eligible to participate in EPRI's standard employee benefit programs, which currently include the following: medical, dental, vision, 401k, STD/LTD and paid family leave, life and accident insurance, paid time off (flexible vacation, sick leave, and holiday pay).EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/DisabledTogether . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.www.epri.com

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