Senior Research Engineer - Power Systems at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Job description

Overview At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The  Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division , part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to a n efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy Responsibilities The successful candidate will l ead and contribute to research, design, modeling, integration, and field validation of power system technologies. This role requires strong analytical skills under uncertainty and the ability to synthesize sparse or incomplete data. Responsibilities: • Analyze power systems, including protection, stability, reliability, and operational characteristics. • Develop algorithms and platforms for time synchronized measurements in power systems • Select components and equipment based on technical specifications, reliability, and system-level requirements. • Contribute to secure and reliable architectures that incorporate communications systems and grid cybersecurity considerations. • Plan and execute hands-on installation of novel devices in laboratory and field testbeds; maintain documentation and safety/compliance practices. • Analyze inverter-based resources and power-electronics interactions at an awareness level sufficient to inform system design and testing. • Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams; communicate progress to sponsors and stakeholders; publish and present research outcomes where appropriate . Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: • BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience -OR- • MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience -OR- • PhD with 3+ year of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience Preferred Qualifications: • Field experience with deployment of time synchronized measurement application platforms. • Knowledge of SCADA and grid communications systems; familiarity with cybersecurity implications. • Awareness of inverter-based resources, power electronics, and grid-forming/grid-following control concepts. • Strong written and verbal communication; ability to lead tasks and mentor junior staff. Additional Information “ReferrEligible” Testing Designated Position This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP). About PNNL Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them! At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs. Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov . Drug Free Workplace PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn. Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws. For foreign national candidates: If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential. Mandatory Requirements Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a “country of risk” without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment. Rockstar Rewards Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year. * Research Associates excluded. **All benefits are dependent upon eligibility. Click Here For Rockstar Rewards Notice to Applicants PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual’s relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules. As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position. Minimum Salary USD $148,000.00/Yr. Maximum Salary USD $233,900.00/Yr.

Requirements

Must-haves

Analyze power systems, including protection, stability, reliability, and operational characteristics.
Develop algorithms and platforms for time synchronized measurements in power systems
Select components and equipment based on technical specifications, reliability, and system-level requirements.
Contribute to secure and reliable architectures that incorporate communications systems and grid cybersecurity considerations.
Plan and execute hands-on installation of novel devices in laboratory and field testbeds; maintain documentation and safety/compliance practices.
Analyze inverter-based resources and power-electronics interactions at an awareness level sufficient to inform system design and testing.
Collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams; communicate progress to sponsors and stakeholders; publish and present research outcomes where appropriate .
BS/BA and 7+ years of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience -OR-
MS/MA and 5+ years of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience -OR-
PhD with 3+ year of relevant power systems grid data analysis experience
Mandatory Requirements
Rockstar Rewards
Research Associates excluded.
All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to Applicants

Nice-to-haves

Field experience with deployment of time synchronized measurement application platforms.
Knowledge of SCADA and grid communications systems; familiarity with cybersecurity implications.
Awareness of inverter-based resources, power electronics, and grid-forming/grid-following control concepts.
Strong written and verbal communication; ability to lead tasks and mentor junior staff.
Additional Information
“ReferrEligible”
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).

Application prep

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Benefits

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Health Insurance

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