Posting TitleDRTS Operation and Controls Engineer
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LocationCO - Boulder
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Position TypeRegular
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Hours Per Week40
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Working at NREL
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We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.
Job Description
The MTES Research Operations group is seeking to hire a DRTS Operation and Controls Engineer. This position is targeted at Ph.D. graduates in Engineering, with a focus on Energy Systems. The ideal candidate will have expertise in power systems dynamics and controls, including proficiency with dynamic and transient modeling tools. Experience in electrical power engineering, particularly related to machine dynamics and energy systems, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have a strong foundation in data-driven methods for real-time control and automation of complex systems.
Role Responsibilities:
- The DRTS Operation and Controls Engineer will be responsible for the hands-on integration of complex multi-technology systems, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal systems, with an emphasis on experimental setups involving FPGA-based controllers. This role involves the evaluation of controllers and power devices within an experimental and real-time environment.
- Key responsibilities include leveraging both physics-based and data-driven methods for real-time simulation and analysis of hybrid energy systems, encompassing electrical, mechanical, and thermal systems, as well as hydrogen energy conversion. The engineer will conduct dynamic and transient modeling and analysis, focusing on energy conversion between different system types, including short- and long-term storage solutions.
- The role also involves utilizing Controller Hardware in the Loop (CHIL) and Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) systems, as well as other experimental setups, for advanced characterization, analysis, and validation. This includes designing and constructing experimental setups that mirror real-world applications, such as hybrid microgrid testbeds, and implementing embedded control systems that integrate FPGA logic, real-time controllers, and data acquisition systems to predict and mitigate common failures in low inertia environments.
An ideal candidate for this would have the following list of experiences and knowledge.
- Hands-on experience with the development of controls prototyping and dynamic modeling tools such as PSCAD, SIMULINK and Simscape.
- Expertise in experimental setup design, including FPGA-based controllers as part of the experimental setup and data acquisition systems.
- Experience with modeling and simulation for inverter-based resource device controls.
- Proficiency in system identification techniques, hardware device characterization, and the implementation of data-driven controls for power systems and power electronics.
- Familiarity with standard communication protocols (such as DNP3, MODBUS, IEC 61850 GOOSE, and C37.118 PMU) for control and automation in multi-technology hybrid energy systems.
- A proven track record of research through peer-reviewed conference and journal publications.
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Basic QualificationsRelevant 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 Qualifications
- Strong written and verbal communication skills: Ability to clearly articulate technical concepts and results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proficient in documentation: Expertise in developing detailed test plans, reports, and technical documentation to support experimental setups and project milestones.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration: Skilled in working collaboratively with peers from various engineering disciplines to ensure seamless integration and alignment of project objectives.
- experience with the development of controls prototyping and dynamic modeling tools such as PSCAD, SIMULINK and Simscape.
- Familiarity with standard communication protocols (such as DNP3, MODBUS, IEC 61850 GOOSE, and C37.118 PMU) for control and automation in multi-technology hybrid energy systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated experience in implementation of real-time HIL evaluation testbed for emulation of energy system technologies.
- Expertise in software setup for data acquisition and experimental data collection, including configuration management.
- Experience with multiple automation and control platforms is highly desirable.
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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 III / Annual Salary Range: $79,600 - $143,300
Job Profile: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $79,600 - $143,300
NREL 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*. NREL 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
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