Senior Energy Engineer

The Leidos Health & Civil Sector is seeking a part-time, remote Senior Energy Engineer for its role on the Strategic Analysis (SA) contract supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). NETL is a multi-disciplinary, scientific, and technical-oriented national laboratory that develops creative innovations and efficient energy systems advancing technologies driving toward a carbon-free power sector by 2035 and a net-zero economy by 2050. NETL research is providing breakthroughs and discoveries that support home-grown energy initiatives, stimulate a growing economy, and improve the health, safety, and security of all Americans. Highly skilled researchers at NETL’s three research sites –– Albany, Oregon; Morgantown, West Virginia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania –– conduct a broad range of research activities that support DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.

The successful candidate will support the work of geographically dispersed teams comprised of engineers; scientists; technicians; subject matter experts; faculty members; and post-doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students from various socio-economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. These teams develop process flowsheets, process simulations, rigorous models of energy systems, mathematical optimization, and/or statistical analyses and techno-economic analyses of lab-scale, pilot-scale, or commercial-scale process data while fulfilling the following general functions:

• Conduct exploratory and applied analyses in the areas of simulation, modeling and optimization, scientific computing, and the science of flowing materials, including multi-phase and chemically reactive flows.
• Investigate theoretical and fundamental phenomena to support NETL’s current needs and to develop new concepts.
• Examples of these analyses include: (1) assessing laboratory-scale research within the context of application at a commercial plant; (2) evaluating the impact of new and/or proposed legislation on power generation at large; (3) interacting with power generation technology vendors and developers; (4) engaging with power generation community stakeholders (e.g., utilities, institutions, research organizations and laboratories); and (5) numerous other pathways.
• Attend regular and ad hoc meetings and contribute to the development of written reports, journal articles, and presentations on findings and innovative solutions.

The successful candidate will provide subject matter expertise in the areas of industrial carbon dioxide (CO2) capture, post-combustion CO2 capture from power sources, and carbon conversion. The support will consist primarily of reviews of subject-matter appropriate techno-economic analyses, and pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering and Design) and FEED studies. Additional topic areas may also be supported.

Required Education, Experience & Other:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering with 6+ years of relevant experience or Master’s degree in chemical or mechanical engineering with 4+ years of relevant experience. Relevant experience includes experience in energy systems analysis, with an emphasis on: (1) Aspen Plus process simulation software; (2) power systems cost estimating; (3) natural gas combined cycle plants; (4) pulverized coal power plants, and; (5) CO2 capture (pre- and post-combustion, negative emission), conversion, and utilization technologies.
• Aspen Plus is the primary process engineering modeling platform utilized. A successful candidate will possess formal educational training and/or practical industrial experience in the use of Aspen Plus and related sub-packages. In lieu of Aspen Plus experience, cursory familiarity with Aspen platforms and specific experience with other similar analysis tools (e.g., PRO/II, Fluent, MFIX, ChemCad, Thermoflow, or others) will be considered.
• Must be detail-oriented, able to take initiative, work well both independently and as a member of a team, and be able to balance competing and changing priorities.
• Ability to demonstrate competency in scientific and engineering modeling and analysis tools applicable to the specific tasks.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, Publisher), and proficiency with Microsoft Teams and other video-conferencing software, e.g., Webex; Zoom, Skype, etc.
• Possess strong analytical and oral and written communications skills, particularly the ability to analyze and interpret data generated from research, apply data to analysis within the context of scope and direction, and clearly report results.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in energy systems analysis, with an emphasis on Aspen Plus process simulation software
• Experience in conducting techno-economic analyses of lab-scale, pilot-scale, and commercial-scale power and chemical conversion processes
• Experience as a technical services contractor with the Department of Energy

The salary range for this position: $55/hr to $60/hr

Original Posting Date:

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.