Posting Title

Integrated Grid Planning and Dynamics - Modeler/Analyst
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Location

CO - Golden
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Position Type

Regular
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Hours Per Week
40

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Working at NLR

NLR is located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation's primary laboratory for energy systems research and development.

Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NLR, you'll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Job Description

Are you passionate about improving the reliability, resilience, and affordability of the electric grid with improved integrated planning techniques, including power flow, dynamics, and related analyses Do you enjoy modeling distribution and transmission systems for a range of timescales, spatial resolutions and use cases The Transmission and Distribution Interactions (T&D) group in the Grid Planning and Analysis Center (GPAC) at NLR is looking for exceptional candidates to join our team to help connect bulk/transmission power flow, dynamic, and related contingency modeling within integrated grid planning frameworks and studies. Specifically, this role will work closely with NRL research engineers to build dynamic and steady-state G&T&D models, conduct power flow and dynamics studies for both existing and future grids, help develop co-simulation frameworks, and perform natural hazard and multi-hazard modeling. These will be used in collaboration with a range of partners to understand and propose solutions to 1) managing a high percentage of IBRs and DER, and 2) prioritizing investments to improve the reliability and resilience of the grid.

The ideal candidate would bring solid knowledge on bulk power system dynamics, co-simulation, along with experience modeling of distribution systems, DER & IBR, and natural/man-made hazards.

We are researchers, engineers, software developers, modelers, physicists, product managers, thought leaders, system thinkers, and life-long learners. We strive to push the boundaries of innovation, integrated analysis, and computational tool development. You would join us in developing innovative modeling approaches, collaboratively applying them with a wide-range of research and industry partners to conduct high-impact analysis and working to articulate current trends and chart future needs in integrated grid systems. A sample of on-going research include reliability studies examining interactions between DER and bulk grid dynamics; interactions between generation dispatch during black-sky days; and impacts of natural and human-caused threats on the grid.

Come join a team whose mission is to innovate, inform, and create value for energy systems transitions, including renewable energy, distribution systems, transmission systems, energy storage, markets, and economics and much more.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Build, troubleshoot, and validate large-scale bulk/transmission power system models

Conduct AC power flow, dynamics, and contingency simulations across scales ranging from smaller island and regional-scale systems up to national and international interconnections

Design, develop and maintain co-simulation frameworks

Apply best-practice code development techniques

Perform analysis demonstrating the importance of technical capabilities.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of developers, engineers, and analysts

Present work at conferences, symposia, and project meetings.

Contribute to journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports

Work with other staff to develop proposals and partnerships for funding opportunities

What we can offer:

A collaborative, supportive, flexible, and fun work environment

Training, mentoring, and collaboration to build upon or learn new technical skills

Interesting work where you don't do the same thing every day

Projects, professional development, and growth opportunities to help you meet your career goals

A professional environment that encourages innovation and imaginative thinking to understand and plan the future electric power system

Adaptable schedule to promote work-life balance.
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Basic Qualifications

This role can be hired as an RIV or an RIII:

Researcher IV:

Relevant PhD and 4 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 7 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 9 or more years of experience .

Researcher III:

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 .

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

Researcher IV:

Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Security Clearance. Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. See DOE O 472.2A for additional information.

Experience with commercial power system power flow software such as Powerworld, PSS/E, or similar

Applies extensive engineering technical expertise, and has full knowledge of other related disciplines

Considered a technical resource

Demonstrates leadership in several areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities

Demonstrated experience in management of projects

Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work independently and in team settings

Researcher III:

Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q Security Clearance. Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age and a U.S. citizen. See DOE O 472.2A for additional information.

Experience with commercial power system power flow software such as Powerworld, PSS/E, or similar

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

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

Proven expertise with developing, modeling, troubleshooting, and in-depth analysis with power system dynamics (phasor, RMS) and large-scale EMT simulations using widely-used commercial software tools including Powerworld, EMTP, PSS/E, PSCAD, and DIgSILENT

Experience with production cost modeling tools, such as PLEXOS-LT or Sienna, and their interactions with power flow models

Experience automating, conducting, and visualizing engineering analyses for large-scale grids, including N-1, N-1-1, and N-k contingencies; frequency response; and multiple stability criteria for both strong and weak grids

Experience developing and validating dynamic and transient models for both grid-forming and grid-following IBRs with a variety of energy sources, including solar, wind, and storage

Experience troubleshooting and adapting system-scale models for convergence, particularly for future scenarios with extensive changes to the generator fleet and wide-spread transmission expansion

Experience with software development for scripting and automation of such analyses, particularly in Python, Julia, or Rust

Experience with multi-model and co-simulation frameworks such as HELICS

Experience with resilience analysis to both natural hazards and man-made threats.

Experience capturing DER and IBR within these modeling paradigms

Familiarity with DER and IBR interconnection standards, such as IEEE 2800 or IEEE 1547

Familiarity with distribution modeling using widely-used tools such as OpenDSS, CYME, and Synergi
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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 IV / Annual Salary Range: $100,400 - $180,700

Job Profile: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $83,600 - $150,500

NLR 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 Summary

Benefits 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 . NLR 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 Requirement

NLR 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

NLR 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 NLR, 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 NLR 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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Equal Opportunity 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.

Reasonable Accommodations (http://www.nrel.gov/careers/employment-policies.html)

E * * -Verify www.dhs.gov/E-Verify For information about right to work, click here (http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/crt/legacy/2013/08/13/FinalOSCPosterEN08 01 2013.pdf) for English or here (http://www.justice.gov/crt/file/813271/download) for Spanish.

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.

The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is the U.S. Department of Energy's primary national laboratory for critical minerals, energy innovation, and energy security. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, Fairbanks, Alaska, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NLR bridges foundational research with practical applications to develop and bring to scale new energy materials and technologies that lower energy costs, drive economic growth, and deliver abundant and reliable energy.

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All candidates must be authorized to access the facility per DOE rules and guidance within a reasonable time frame for the specified position in order to be considered for an interview and for hiring. DOE rules for site access during the interview process depend on whether the candidate is interviewed on-site, off-site, or via telephone or videoconference. 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. Additionally, DOE contractor employees are prohibited from participating in certain Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Programs (FGTRPs). If a candidate is currently participating in an FGTRP, they will be required to disclose their participation after receiving an offer of employment and may be required to disengage from participation in the FGTRP prior to commencing employment. Any offer of employment is conditional on the ability to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NLR by the Department of Energy (DOE).

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with 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 NLR, 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.

Please review the information on our Hiring Process (https://www.nlr.gov/careers/hiring-process.html) website before you create an account and apply for a job. We also hope you will learn more about NLR (https://www.nlr.gov/about/) , visit our Careers site (https://www.nlr.gov/careers/) , and continue to search for job opportunities (https://nrel.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/NLR) at the lab.

National Laboratory of the Rockies

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Integrated Grid Planning and Dynamics - Modeler/Analyst