Posting TitleElectro-magnetic transient (EMT) modeling, laboratory verification, and stability analysis for power systems Researcher
LocationCO - Golden
Position TypeRegular
Hours Per Week40
Job DescriptionIntegrated Devices and Systems (IDS) Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is looking for an exceptional researcher to support research in the modeling and simulation of the modern power grids and the integration of advanced technologies such as inverter-based resources (IBRs).
The successful candidate will be working on cutting-edge projects in power system modeling, simulation, and stability analysis. The successful candidate is expected to bring in power system modeling and simulation expertise to address the stability, reliability challenges of the future grid.
Job duties and responsibilities include:
- Develop high-fidelity EMT models for various inverter-based resources (such as advanced pumped storage hydro, data center, grid-forming/grid-following inverters, etc.) for large-scale power grids studies.
- Design ride-through controls of IBRs and implement and validate models in EMT simulation environments such as PSCAD, RTDS, or ParaEMT.
- Contribute to the development of advanced simulation tools, platforms, testbed development for large-scale EMT analysis.
- Conduct large-scale transient analysis including (small-signal stability, transient stability, and voltage stability) for high IBR-dominated systems.
- Lead laboratory experiments to validate models and specific equipment, inform model development, and answer critical questions regarding the integrated operation of complete systems.
- Support development of AI-assisted tools for grid stability monitoring, scenario generation, and digital twin applications.
- Support large-scale power system studies (e.g., national-scale scenarios) using commercial tools (e.g., PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD) or open-source tools (e.g., ParaEMT, ANDES and others).
- Support interconnection studies, grid impact assessments, and compliance studies.
- Prepare the results in form of reports and presentations.
- Write and publish results of analyses in peer-reviewed journals, transactions, conference proceedings, and/or technical reports.
Successful candidates will join the IDS group in the Power System Engineering Center (PSEC) at NLR, a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative team of engineers, analysts, and software developers. IDS works to develop and apply state-of-the-art energy system modeling techniques, software, and simulations for breakthrough engineering and techno-economic analysis of the emerging future electric grid and broader interconnected energy system: transportation, buildings, gas, communication/controls, and beyond. PSEC supports the science and technology goals of the U.S. Department of Energy, and industry partners toward an affordable, reliable, and secure energy future. We work with the electricity industry and broader research community to conduct high-impact research and development that provides practical solutions to grid design and integration challenges that enable sustainable energy systems. PSEC uniquely combines the most advanced research techniques with real-world experience for improving electricity grids.
Basic QualificationsFor a Researcher II: Relevant PhD . Or, relevant Master's Degree or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 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.
For a 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 . 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.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.Additional Required QualificationsAdditional Required Qualifications- Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance at the Q/TS/SCI level. A polygraph may be required. Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE O 472.2A for additional information.
- Relevant candidate in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science or related fields.
- Solid background in power systems dynamics and modeling including load flow, short-circuit, and contingency analysis.
- Experience with power system simulation tools in EMT environment (e.g.,PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL-RT, ParaEMT, etc. )
- Strong understanding of inverter-based resource (IBR) modeling and integration challenges, and power system stability concepts.
Preferred QualificationsPreferred Qualifications- Hands-on modeling experience with EMT simulation tools (e.g., PSCAD, RSCAD, OPAL-RT or EMTP).
- Strong understanding of small-signal, transient, and voltage stability.
- Familiarity with EMT modeling of IBRs, such as data centers, advanced pumped-storage hydro, batteries, wind and solar, grid forming inverters, etc.
- Experience in modeling and simulation of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and stability analysis of high-IBR-dominated power systems.
- Hands-on experience with data center modeling is a plus.
- Experience with software development in Python, C++, or other programming languages.
- Hands-on experience developing automated tools for accelerating contingency analysis is a plus.
- At least one paper on inverter stability/modeling
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to process, interpret, and present technical results clearly.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Interest in AI/ML applications for power system modeling and analysis.
Job Application Submission WindowThe 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: $83,600 - $150,500
Job Profile: Researcher II / Annual Salary Range: $76,600 - $126,400
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 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*. 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 RequirementNLR 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 WorkplaceNLR 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 GuidelinesPlease 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.
