Graduate PhD (Year-Round) Intern - Power Distribution System Planning and Operations

National Renewable Energy Laboratory • New Site, AL

312d • $50,200 - $80,300

About The Position

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado, is the nation's primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies. Join a team of world-class scientists, engineers, and visionaries dedicated to shaping the world’s energy future through cutting-edge research and innovation. From our vision to our NREL community, we are unique in the research community. We are focused on impact. From our work in basic sciences to systems engineering, analysis, demonstration, and deployment, we are focused on solving market-relevant problems that result in advanced, secure, reliable, and affordable energy systems. We are trusted clean energy leaders, developing cost-saving solutions that make U.S. industries more competitive, and support job creation and economic growth across rural and urban communities. At NREL, we offer a unique, mission-driven work environment with cutting-edge facilities and multidisciplinary research teams. NREL's environment offers strong partnerships with industry, academia, and other national laboratories, as well as professional development opportunities and a competitive benefits package for employees.

Requirements

• Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Completed an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or related field
• Must be currently enrolled in a PhD program in Electrical Engineering or related field
• Experience in using power system modeling and simulation software (e.g. OpenDSS or other Python packages)
• Demonstrated research experience in power distribution system modeling, planning, and operation
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience with DSOs, Virtual power plants, FTM/BTM DER dispatch strategies, large-scale networked microgrids, and state of the art distribution system planning methodologies for current research literature

Responsibilities

• Developing planning solutions and controls for power distribution systems and DERs
• Designing control strategies for Distribution System Operators (DSOs) and virtual power plants
• Validate planning and operation results by analyzing future power system scenarios
• Conducting literature review, identifying research gaps, and summarizing new research opportunities
• Working both independently and collaborating with project PI and other researchers
• Writing research papers, technical documentation, etc.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match
• Sick leave (where required by law)
• Performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards that include a monetary component
• Potential eligibility for relocation expense reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree