Research Engineer II/III - Grid Modernization Implementation and Integration of ADMS/DERMS

Posting TitleResearch Engineer II/III - Grid Modernization Implementation and Integration of ADMS/DERMS

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeRegular

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NRELThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.

Job Description

NREL is seeking an engineer to join the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) Test Bed team under the Power Systems Engineering Center (PSEC) at NREL. PSEC supports the science and technology goals of the U.S. Department of Energy and NREL toward a sustainable energy future. The center works with the electricity industry to optimize strategies for effectively interconnecting renewable resources and emerging energy efficiency technologies in the existing electric power system. The center focuses on resolving grid integration barriers and providing improved control and management strategies for increased grid flexibility, consumer empowerment, and transportation electrification.

The candidate will be a key contributor to assist electric utilities in de-risking the implementation of cutting-edge grid control solutions by performing laboratory evaluation in NREL’s Energy Systems Integration Facility (ESIF); and to accelerate the digital transformation of the electric utility industry that is needed to integrate increasing numbers of renewable energy resources. The successful candidate will be responsible for the deployment, configuration and networking—using industrial OT-specific protocols including Modbus, DNP and 2030.5—of utility management systems such as ADMS, Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and Microgrid controllers and their integration with real-time simulators, distributed energy resources (DERs) and other SCADA system equipment. The applicant may also contribute to the development of electromagnetic transient (EMT) system models of electric distribution systems with high levels of renewable sources and energy storage.

A Researcher III level performer is expected to be able to work independently with limited supervision and manage engagements with external clients directly and effectively. The Researcher III performer will assume a task lead role, whereas a Researcher II will contribute to the execution of project tasks.

Please note: this position is expected to work in a hybrid arrangement (primarily on-site with some work from home flexibility, in any given work week) and is not eligible for 100% remote work options.

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Basic QualificationsResearcher III Requirements: Relevant PhD . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience . Demonstrates broad understanding and wide application of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

Researcher II Requirements: Relevant Master's Degree . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience . General knowledge and application of engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 1 or more years of experience or bachelor’s degree with 2 or more years of experience in electrical or computer engineering or computer science.
• Experience with the use of industrial communications protocols.
• Basic knowledge of OT protocols such as Modbus, DNP, and IEEE 2030.5.
• Background in electric power systems.
• Experience in AcSELerator RTAC programing or similar protocol converters.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in the electric utility industry, with knowledge of the configuration and use of grid management software such as ADMS, DERMS and microgrid controllers.
• Experience in power system engineering analysis software tools such as OpenDSS, ETAP, CYME, and PSCAD.
• Experience in real-time simulation hardware such as OPAL-RT, RTDS, and Typhoon.
• Experience in MATLAB and Python programing.
• Familiarity with grid integration of distributed energy resources (DERs).
• Knowledge of power electronics, control systems, and energy storage technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Capable of managing multiple tasks.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and dynamic research environment.

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $79,600 - $143,300

Job Profile: Researcher II / Annual Salary Range: $73,200 - $120,800

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; short*- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits*; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement*. NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

EEO is the Law | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Reasonable Accommodations

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E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This business uses E-Verify in its hiring practices to achieve a lawful workforce. 

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