Research Specialist: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - UTK

February 24, 2026

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Job Description The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) department is looking for a research specialist to start asap. This position supports transmission planning and grid-strength assessment projects through power system modeling, data analysis, and technical reporting. The role involves developing and maintaining PSS/E models, processing and analyzing large-scale planning data using Python, and contributing to the preparation of project proposals, study reports, and monthly deliverables. The successful candidate will work closely with engineers and project managers to provide high-quality technical inputs that support reliable and cost-effective grid planning. Responsibilities Support transmission planning project: <ul><li> Perform data collection, processing, and validation for planning studies. </li><li> Develop Python-based tools and scripts to support transmission planning tasks. </li><li> Prepare and contribute to monthly technical reports. </li></ul>Support Grid Strength Project <ul><li> Conduct technical investigations and data analysis related to grid strength. </li><li> Develop and maintain PSS/E models for system studies. </li><li> Support the preparation of project proposals and technical reports. </li></ul>Qualifications Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience <ul><li> Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering </li><li> 1 year of experience with transmission grid planning and operation </li><li> Proficient with power system tools, including PSS/E, PSCAD, and OpenDSS. </li><li> Strong communication with oral and written presentation </li><li> Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 tools. </li></ul>Preferred Qualifications <ul><li> Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering </li><li> 1-2 years’ experience with transmission grid planning and operation </li></ul>Work Location: <ul><li> University of Tennessee, Knoxville </li><li> Onsite </li></ul>Compensation And Benefits <ul><li>UT market range: 07</li><li>Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here </li><li>Find more information on UT Benefits here </li></ul>Application Instructions To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. <ul><li> Resume/CV </li><li> Cover Letter </li></ul>About Us The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service. UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service. UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone. The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine. Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!

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