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Power Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Electric Power Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

The Analysis Solutions Business Area at Leidos has an opening for an Electric Power Systems Engineer in Reston, Virginia. The primary focus of this team is conducting engineering assessments of ...

Leidos

Electric Power Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

The Analysis Solutions Business Area at Leidos has an opening for an Electric Power Systems Engineer in Reston, Virginia. The primary focus of this team is conducting engineering assessments of ...

Leidos

Electric Power Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Utilize industry-standard modeling and simulation tools to analyze complex electrical power systems. * Provide engineering guidance and technical judgment throughout the characterization process to ...

Leidos

Electric Power Systems Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

Utilize industry-standard modeling and simulation tools to analyze complex electrical power systems. * Provide engineering guidance and technical judgment throughout the characterization process to ...

SAIC

Senior Systems Engineer

Springfield, VA

$109K - $149K/yr

Systems Engineering and Programmatic Support: Provide high-level systems engineering expertise for ... SAIC ® is a premier mission integrator focused on advancing the power of technology and innovation ...

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All JobsPower Systems Engineer JobsPower Systems Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Power Systems Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$55.5K

$116.7K

$178K

How much do power systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for power systems engineer in Virginia is $116,692.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Power Systems Engineers face when working on grid modernization projects?

Power Systems Engineers involved in grid modernization often grapple with integrating renewable energy sources, ensuring grid reliability, and managing rapidly evolving technologies. Balancing traditional infrastructure with new smart grid components can be complex, requiring close collaboration with utility operators, IT specialists, and regulatory bodies. Additionally, adapting to changing industry standards and ensuring compliance with safety and efficiency regulations are ongoing challenges that demand strong problem-solving and communication skills.

What is the difference between Power Systems Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectPower Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentFocus on power generation, transmission, and distribution systemsBroader scope including electronics, control systems, and general electrical design
Industry UsagePrimarily in utilities, power generation, and transmission companiesWider range including manufacturing, electronics, and construction
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Power Systems Engineers specialize in designing, analyzing, and maintaining electrical power systems, often working within utilities and energy sectors. Electrical Engineers have a broader scope, covering various electrical systems and electronics across multiple industries. While both roles require similar credentials, Power Systems Engineers focus specifically on power infrastructure, making them the ideal comparison for those interested in the energy sector.

Can you make $500,000 as an electrical engineer?

Power Systems Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large companies or specialized industries can potentially earn $500,000 or more annually. Such high salaries are typically associated with senior positions, management, or consulting roles in high-demand sectors. Entry-level or mid-career electrical engineers usually earn significantly less than this figure.

What does a power systems engineer do?

A power systems engineer designs, analyzes, and maintains electrical power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution networks. They use tools like simulation software and often hold certifications such as PE or IEEE memberships to ensure system reliability and efficiency.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Power Systems Engineers in senior or executive roles, especially those working in large energy companies or consulting firms, can earn $500,000 or more annually. High compensation often requires advanced certifications, extensive experience, and expertise in specialized tools like power system analysis software, along with leadership responsibilities. Such roles may also include bonuses, profit sharing, or stock options.

What are Power Systems Engineers?

Power Systems Engineers are professionals who design, analyze, and maintain electrical power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution networks. They ensure the reliable and efficient delivery of electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. Their work involves using advanced engineering principles and software tools to optimize system performance, address technical challenges, and support the integration of renewable energy sources. Power Systems Engineers may work for utilities, engineering firms, or energy companies, and often collaborate with other engineers and stakeholders.

What Is a Power Systems Engineer?

A power systems engineer works in the energy industry. In this career, your job is to design, evaluate, and oversee the electrical power distribution system for a utility company or substations, perform electric metering, or work for a wind power company to evaluate transmission viability. You generally work on all parts of a power system to increase its efficiency and help the company for which you work to achieve their goals as assigned. You also have duties and responsibilities in project development, as you help the project manager determine the best locations for new utility projects like wind turbines or substations. As a power systems engineer, you also determine the best places within these locations for controls.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Power Systems Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills in grid design, renewable energy integration, or high-voltage systems can earn $300,000 or more annually. Such salaries are typically found in senior roles within large utilities, consulting firms, or energy companies, often requiring leadership responsibilities and advanced technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Power Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Systems Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in electrical engineering. Familiarity with power system simulation tools (such as ETAP, PSS/E, or MATLAB) and relevant industry standards or certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) licensure is important. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These abilities are crucial for designing reliable power systems, ensuring safety, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to support infrastructure and energy needs.
More about Power Systems Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Power Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Power Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Power Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Power Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Power Systems Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Power Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Power Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Power Systems Engineer jobs in VA? For Power Systems Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Power Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Power Systems Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,692 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Senior Power Systems Engineer

Wartsila North America

Herndon, VA • Hybrid

$107K - $146K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Wartsila is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we - Wartsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wartsila's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game-changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of. 
We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent - want to join the ride?

Role Summary


We are seeking a Senior Power Systems Engineer to lead dynamic model development and validation for our energy storage and hybrid renewable systems. This role is a key member of the Power Systems team, with a primary focus on creating and maintaining high-fidelity dynamic models of inverter-based resources (IBR) such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), solar PV, and hybrid plants. You will drive modeling excellence in industry-standard tools to support grid integration studies, stability assessments, and the development of automated power system workflows.

Key Responsibilities


Modeling and Technical Development


Lead hands-on development, validation, and maintenance of detailed dynamic simulation models for Wartsila BESS, renewable energy systems, inverter-based resources, and power plant controllers in tools such as PSCAD, PSSE, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and other industry platforms.


Build and refine models from first principles, ensuring accurate representation of control algorithms, protection schemes, and plant-level behavior (not limited to running simulation studies).


Optimize model parameters for grid stability, voltage/frequency response, and dynamic performance of standalone BESS as well as hybrid BESS + solar PV (or wind) plants.


Translate complex simulation algorithms into practical software modules (Python, Fortran, or similar) to enable automated modeling workflows and faster project delivery.


Perform integration studies and dynamic assessments for hybrid renewable plants, focusing on real-world model-to-field correlation and continuous model improvement.

Customer and Project Support

Serve as a technical modeling expert supporting project developers, utilities, and grid operators.

Collaborate with business development and project teams during pre-sales, proposals, and execution phases to deliver accurate dynamic models and technical solutions.

Provide model-related support during design, commissioning, and operations, including troubleshooting model performance issues and ensuring seamless handover.

Deliver training and knowledge transfer to customers and internal teams on model assumptions, usage, and best practices for dynamic studies.
Continuous Improvement


Enhance internal modeling tools, libraries, and automation scripts to increase accuracy, speed, and standardization across projects.


Capture lessons learned from projects and contribute to updates in modeling guidelines, best practices, and template libraries.


Stay current with evolving grid requirements for inverter-based resources and renewable integration.


Qualifications


Master's or Ph.D. in Power Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.


3-5 years of relevant experience with a strong emphasis on hands-on dynamic model development (not just simulation studies).
Demonstrated expertise in developing and validating models for inverter-based resources, renewable energy systems (BESS, solar PV, hybrid plants), and power plant controllers.
Proficiency in PSCAD, PSSE, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, and at least one scripting language (Python, MATLAB, or Fortran).
Solid understanding of power system dynamics, control theory, and grid integration of inverter-based resources.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

At Wartsila we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 
Please note that according to Wartsila policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wartsila 

Wartsila is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com. 

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