Lead Power Engineering Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory•Idaho Falls, ID

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Lead Power Engineering Researcher to work in our National and Homeland Security Directorate. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off. You will report to a Senior Manager and work closely with the Program Managers. Provide strategic, long-term analysis and insights on the evolution of the energy sector. Develop novel strategies and proposals to further INL’s innovation and technical leadership in the areas of energy generation, storage, transmission, distribution, management, and use. Oversee applied engineering projects, direct and perform research, collaborate with associated organizations and engineering professionals to pursue strategies for energy innovation, capacity growth, reliability and affordability. Develop relationships with Department of Energy sponsors aligned with INL research interests. Build INL’s engineering talent pool through mentorship, identifying talent, and building skillsets necessary for research execution.

Requirements

EX5: Bachelors and 14 years of experience, Master’s and 8 years of experience. PhD and 6 years of experience.
EX6: Bachelors and 18 years of experience, Master’s and 12 years of experience. PhD and 10 years of experience.
Expertise in scaling R&D innovations into production systems (strong knowledge of systems engineering and utility-scale electrical power systems).
Demonstrated ability to orally communicate ideas, prepare clear, concise written reports and technical publications.
Demonstrated experience proposing and completing strategic engineering research programs.
Demonstrated ability to lead and work in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
You will be asked to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
Must be willing to travel up to 25%25.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in Electrical or Power Engineering or directly related field.
Energy asset owner / operator utility experience highly desired.
Experience providing strategic power engineering consultation to the Department of Energy, and other US Government agencies, US Asset Owners and Operators, universities, industry, and other external entities.
Expert knowledge on electrical engineering, instrumentation and control, as well as software systems applicable to the design and operation of experimental processes.
Expertise in AI/ML modeling and power system optimization algorithm expertise (including digital twins)
Hands-on experience designing digital substations and/or cloud-based virtualization of grid components
Experience in grid automation, power electronics, and control systems/technologies (focus on large loads)
Ability to quickly understand and recommend improvements in Grid Architecture & Grid Topology Optimization
Experience using design and analysis programs such as ORCAD, CAD, MatLab, Labview, PowerWorld, and RTDS.
Experience conducting experiments and demonstrations with utility-scale electrical equipment.
Experience Working with high-risk equipment, safety requirements, and procedures.
Active Q clearance

Responsibilities

Lead detailed analyses on current and planned power transmission and distribution systems to inform development decisions associated with research and development opportunities.
Apply engineering theories and principles to develop research concepts resulting in secure, sustainable, resilient, robust, reliable electrical power systems, including all aspects of energy generation, storage, transmission, distribution, management, and use.
Specify and oversee engineering-based procurements needed for project work.
Oversee the design and maintenance of assigned high-risk electrical systems and test beds.
Direct others or work directly with sponsors and equipment vendors to ensure the achievement of research goals.
Provide scientific and strategic insight for INL's N&HS mission as it relates to the Department of Energy.
Ensure sound engineering principles are applied in the development of electrical power-related experiments.
Develop concepts for novel research approaches to meet national-level energy system need for Department of Energy and other strategic partners.
Create design of experiments including data acquisition, data collection in laboratory, and appropriate data reduction as dictated by project needs.
Collaborate with other engineers, researchers and performers and mentor junior engineers and other technical personnel in appropriate procedures for research, testing, maintenance, and laboratory activities and ensure the viability of engineering-related research concepts.
Publish work in various internal reports and external peer-reviewed journal and conference publications.
Preparation, peer review, and delivery of program plans, oral presentations, and other activities related to INL N&HS equities.
Will require business travel, which may include international travel
Other tasks as assigned

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
401(k) with a 4.2%25 employer contribution and up to 4.8%25 match
Paid time off (personal leave)
Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
Comprehensive Relocation Package
Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

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