Electrical Engineer, Digital Twin & Simulation

Electrical Engineer

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer with deep expertise in power systems modeling, rotating machinery, and electrical controls to join our digital twin and pre-commissioning simulation practice. This mid-level role targets a professional with 5–10 years of experience who brings rigorous electrical engineering fundamentals and the applied interest to translate that knowledge into high-fidelity simulation models that de-risk commissioning and validate design decisions before field equipment is energized.

You will be a core technical contributor across a portfolio of digital twin and pre-commissioning simulation engagements spanning data centers, distributed energy, advanced manufacturing, and other power-intensive critical infrastructure. Working within a multidisciplinary simulation team, you will develop and validate dynamic electrical models within physics-based simulation platforms; design and execute scenarios covering contingency analysis, transfer and ride-through validation, generation control logic, fault simulation, black-start sequencing, and capacity analysis; and deliver technically rigorous outputs that translate simulation findings into actionable commissioning guidance.

Location: Remote in the United States with ~25% travel to client sites

Responsibilities

Electrical Power Systems Modeling

Dynamic Model Development – Build physics-based dynamic models spanning the full power path—from utility supply or on-site generation through switchgear and distribution to load endpoints. Represent key equipment characteristics including rotational inertia, governor type and response, droop control, alternator winding parameters, ATS transfer timing, UPS topology and bypass logic, and branch circuit coordination.

Rotating Machinery & Generation – Develop models of reciprocating engine-generators, combustion turbines, and hybrid generation configurations. Accurately represent governor and AVR behavior, paralleling switchgear synchronization, load-sharing characteristics, and generation source interactions during paralleling, load transfer, and unit trip events. Model BESS grid-forming and frequency/voltage response behavior where applicable.

Transient, Harmonic & Protection Analysis – Model transients and power quality phenomena including voltage and frequency deviation during transfer events, RoCoF under generation loss, THD under non-linear loading, and UPS waveform degradation during fault events. Model protection relay coordination, overcurrent device selectivity, and breaker trip/reclose logic. Evaluate outputs against applicable standards including ITIC/CBEMA and IEEE 519.

Use Case Development & Simulation Execution

• Contingency & Fault Simulation – Develop and execute N-1/N-2 contingency scenarios, ATS open- and closed-transition transfer scenarios, and UPS power path fault scenarios. Assess power margin, overload duration, waveform quality, ride-through behavior, and load transfer success against defined acceptance criteria. Design cascading multi-system fault scenarios to evaluate failure behavior, alarm escalation logic, and load shedding sequences.
• Black-Start Sequencing – Model and execute complete startup from de-energized conditions, sequencing generation ignition, governor stabilization, switchgear closure with synchronization verification, UPS initialization, and load energization. Identify automation gaps, validate interlock release logic, and document the full sequence timeline from de-energized conditions to stable generation and load acceptance.
• Capacity & Expansion Envelope Analysis – Model phased expansion scenarios to evaluate whether planned electrical infrastructure can support incremental load additions with acceptable redundancy margins. Produce headroom analyses, uptime projections, and fuel-limited runtime assessments to support go/no-go decisions at each expansion milestone.

Control Logic Validation & Commissioning Support

• Sequence of Operations Validation – Simulate and validate programmed electrical control sequences—ATS transfer logic, generator paralleling and synchronization, and UPS redundancy and bypass sequences—against project control narratives and design intent. Document pass/fail results against a defined test matrix.
• Control System Testing – Support integration of PLC logic into the simulation environment and execute control system factory acceptance testing against live or emulated controllers. Identify control logic deficiencies, coordinate corrective actions, and retest updated logic prior to field deployment.
• Interlock & Protection Validation – Validate interlock release conditions, protection relay logic, alarm propagation, and emergency shutdown sequences. Confirm that safety-critical automation functions correctly without manual intervention under simulated fault and contingency conditions.

Architecture Assessment, Reporting & Practice Development

• Architecture Review & Gap Analysis – Review project electrical documentation—one-line diagrams, protection coordination studies, I/O lists, control narratives, and EPMS configurations—to assess instrumentation coverage and data availability. Identify metering and instrumentation gaps and recommend remediation strategies.
• Technical Reporting – Develop simulation reports documenting use case findings, failure scenario results, SOO validation outcomes, and performance compliance analyses. Produce quantitative outputs—power efficiency predictions, capacity margins, fuel runtime assessments, and protection coordination evaluations—with stated confidence intervals and documented assumptions. Contribute to operator training materials and model handover documentation.
• Practice Contribution – Contribute to reusable model libraries, simulation methodologies, and standardized testing frameworks. Support technical scoping and proposal development for new simulation opportunities. Collaborate with mechanical, I&C, and other simulation engineers to ensure correct multi-domain model integration.

Here's what you'll need

• 5–10 years of electrical engineering experience with at least 3 years in power systems design, analysis, protection engineering, or simulation for data centers, industrial facilities, power generation, or critical infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience developing or contributing to dynamic electrical models for simulation or digital twin applications, covering equipment such as generators, combustion turbines, UPS systems, ATS, switchgear, paralleling gear, and power distribution infrastructure.
• Working knowledge of rotating machinery characteristics relevant to simulation: governor and AVR behavior, paralleling and synchronization logic, droop control, rotational inertia, and generator fault response.
• Familiarity with electrical transient and power quality phenomena including ATS transfer excursions, RoCoF under generation loss, THD under non-linear loading, and UPS waveform behavior during fault events; ability to evaluate outputs against ITIC/CBEMA and IEEE 519.
• Working knowledge of PLC-based electrical control logic and ability to read control narratives, protection coordination studies, I/O lists, and one-line diagrams to develop and validate simulation models.
• Familiarity with SCADA and EPMS platforms and integration of electrical monitoring data into engineering workflows (e.g., Ignition, FactoryTalk, or equivalent).
• Strong technical documentation skills; able to produce simulation reports, deficiency logs, and performance analyses with confidence intervals and documented assumptions.
• Effective cross-functional collaborator; able to coordinate with controls integrators, OEM representatives, commissioning managers, and project engineering teams. Willing to travel up to 25% of time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with physics-based or dynamic simulation platforms for electrical or power systems modeling (e.g., ETAP, PSCAD, SKM Power Tools, EMTP, Modelica-based tools, or comparable); familiarity with proprietary pre-commissioning simulation environments is a plus.
• Background in mission-critical or distributed generation infrastructure, including paralleling switchgear, emergency and standby power system design, large UPS architectures, or hyperscale data center power distribution.
• Experience with control system FAT or Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing for electrical or power systems in industrial or mission-critical commissioning environments; familiarity with PLC emulation platforms is a plus.
• Experience with protection coordination analysis and relay logic validation in simulated or physical test environments.
• Knowledge of power performance metrics for mission-critical facilities (PUE, generation efficiency, fuel consumption) and performance threshold frameworks.
• Exposure to BESS modeling including grid-forming inverter behavior, frequency and voltage response, and hybrid generation plant integration.
• Familiarity with industrial communication protocols (BACnet, Modbus, DNP3) in power monitoring and EPMS applications.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Electrical Engineering, or active pursuit, is a plus.

Minimum Education & Preferred Focus Areas

• Bachelor's degree required in Electrical Engineering or Electrical Engineering Technology from an ABET-accredited program.
• Master's degree preferred in Electrical Engineering with focus on power systems, energy systems, or controls engineering.
• Equivalent experience will be considered for candidates with a demonstrated track record in electrical power systems simulation, mission-critical electrical design, or critical infrastructure commissioning.