Electrical Engineer II - Power Electronics Control & Optimization

Company: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Location: Santa Fe
Posted on: May 27, 2023

Job Description:

Overview
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a sustainable, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through innovation and actionable solutions. We are a diverse research organization of over 350 experts in electrical, mechanical, and systems engineering, data and computer sciences, cybersecurity, policy, economics, and related disciplines. Our vision is to transform the way our energy system infrastructure is designed, integrated, and operated in order to create environmental security, economic prosperity, and social equity for the Pacific Northwest region, the nation, and the world. Join our team and make an impact!
The Optimization and Control Group within the Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division is currently looking for a Control System Engineer with a strong background in control system theory, dynamical system analysis and power electronics. The position will support the Laboratory's research on stability, reliability, and resilience of power-electronics-dominated systems, including dynamic analysis of interconnected systems and model-based or data-driven optimization, control and coordination methods for large scale systems.
The successful candidate will be required to conduct independent research, develop new ideas and contribute to research proposals, engage with business development managers in relevant areas, prepare manuscripts for publication, and present their work to clients and at conferences.
Responsibilities

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  Work with colleagues and external collaborators to develop innovative solutions and technical approaches to emerging design and operation challenges of power and energy systems
  
  
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  Serve as lead author on project reports, journal articles, conference papers, and presentations
  
  
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  Contribute to technical proposals for developing new projects and business
  
  
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  Effectively collaborate in a team environment of high-performance multi-disciplinary experts
  
  
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  Mentor junior staff and students
  
  
  Qualifications
  Minimum Qualifications:
  
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    BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
    
    
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    MS/MA -OR-
    
    
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    PhD
    
    
    Preferred Qualifications:
    
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      PhD in electrical engineering with 0-1 years of experience
      
      
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      MS/MA with 2 years of experience
      
      
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      Strong technical background in dynamical system analysis, including stability analysis of interconnected power electronics devices and power systems
      
      
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      Research experience in designing, implementing, and testing power electronics control strategies and distributed control and coordination methods for large scale systems
      
      
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      Good understanding of power electronics integration and power systems operation
      
      
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      Familiarity with power system simulation and analysis tools (e.g., HYPERSIM, GridLAB-D and PowerWorld)
      
      
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      Strong programming ability, e.g., C/ C++, Python, Julia, Java, MATLAB
      
      
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      Strong analytical, task management, and communications skills, both oral and written
      
      
      Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
      Not applicable.
      Additional Information
      Not applicable.
      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, flexible work schedules and telework options. 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, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity
      Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
      Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), 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.
      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, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, 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 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
      
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      • Research Associates excluded.
        
        **Once eligibility requirements are met.
        Click Here For Rockstar Rewards (https://careers.pnnl.gov/rockstar-rewards)

Keywords: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Santa Fe , Electrical Engineer II - Power Electronics Control & Optimization, Engineering , Santa Fe, New Mexico