Research Scientist – Theoretical Physics

Job title: Research Scientist – Theoretical Physics

About the Role

As a Research Scientist focused on theoretical physics applications for power system simulation, you will develop and advance numerical simulation approaches that support future power system technologies. The role involves collaborating with researchers, engineers, business units, universities, national laboratories, startups, and vendors to create software applications, mathematical and physical models, and simulation algorithms that address challenges associated with the energy transition and the future grid. This opportunity will be based at Hitachi Energy's research center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

What You'll Do

• Collaborate with global researchers and engineers to develop software applications for power systems.
• Propose and develop new approaches for creating, running, and using numerical simulations with business impact.
• Build prototypes and verify new simulation concepts and methods.
• Develop approaches that combine mathematical and physical power system models with mathematical optimization technologies.
• Implement novel simulation algorithms and work across multiple simulation software tools.
• Support business units and contribute to the successful execution of research projects.
• Share knowledge across the organization and collaborate with external research and industry partners.
• Publish results through scientific publications, patent applications, and technical reports.
• Ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures, and guidelines.

What We're Looking For

• Work authorization to work in the United States (as per requirement).
• PhD in Theoretical Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or related field; Master’s may be considered.
• Interest in power systems engineering, energy transition, and operations research.
• Experience designing, developing, and executing numerical simulation algorithms for large-scale systems.
• Willingness to take an interdisciplinary approach, collaborating with experts from other domains.
• Deep knowledge in Numerical Methods for Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Convex and Nonconvex Optimization, Fourier Analysis.
• Experience with mathematical modeling languages for optimization problems.
• Experience using automatic differentiation.
• Experience with algorithmic performance optimization for large-scale solvers.
• Strong programming experience in C, C++, CUDA, Python, Fortran.
• Solid theoretical background with publications in journals and conferences.
• Excellent innovation capabilities and application-oriented research mindset.
• Self-motivated, curious; able to learn new technologies.
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills in English.

Nice to Have

• Experience collaborating with academia, national laboratories, startups, and external vendors.
• Experience collaborating on multidisciplinary research projects across global teams.

Compensation & Benefits

• Exposure to multidisciplinary research, collaboration across global teams, and opportunities to expand technical knowledge.
• Work on innovative energy technologies related to power systems, simulation methods, and the energy transition.
• Learning and development opportunities through research projects, knowledge sharing, and external collaborations.
• Health and retirement benefits, paid leave, and workplace flexibility.
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and accessibility accommodations are supported.