Graduate Intern - Data Center Load Modeling for Transmission Planning Studies

Nrel • Golden, CO

38d

About The Position

The Grid Optimization and Control Group at NREL is looking for a highly motivated intern to join our team and support the development of composite data center load models for transmission planning studies. The internship will focus on building and validating both detailed EMT (electromagnetic transient) models and RMS-based phasor models to represent the unique characteristics of modern data centers. With the rapid growth of data centers as critical loads on the grid, this work will directly contribute to improving reliability, stability, and protection strategies for transmission systems.

Requirements

• Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution.
• Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
• Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master's degree program from an accredited institution.
• Post Graduate: Earned a master's degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
• Graduate + PhD: Completed master's degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.
• Please Note: Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.
• If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• Completed an undergraduate degree in power systems, electrical engineering, or related field, and be pursuing or graduated from a master's degree, or currently enrolled in a PhD program in these fields
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with power electronics, machine and drives, dynamic load modeling, and power system stability
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (e.g., PSCAD or EMTP)
• Strong programming/analytical skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
• Strong communication and technical writing skills

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated knowledge or experience with phasor-domain tools (e.g., PSSE, PSLF) is preferred

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze technical data on data center electrical architecture, including UPS systems, PDUs, cooling systems, and backup generation
• Develop and validate component-level models (e.g., UPS with PFC, PDU, VFD), and build a composite data center load model that integrates IT load, power electronic interfaces, and motor-driven auxiliaries
• Implement detailed EMT models in simulation platforms (e.g., PSCAD, RTDS) to capture fast transients and fault behavior
• Validate the EMT models using real-world data
• Build corresponding RMS phasor models for transmission planning tools (e.g., PSSE, and PSLF) to enable computationally efficient studies
• Perform side-by-side comparisons between EMT and RMS models to assess accuracy and applicability for different planning scenarios
• Document modeling methods, assumptions, and validation results in a clear and reproducible format
• Collaborate with planning and protection engineers to ensure models meet practical study requirements
• Contributing to the development of technical reports and research papers

Benefits

• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; and sick leave (where required by law). 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. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Industry: Administrative and Support Services
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees