Power Systems Research Engineer - Telecommunications

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.
On-site in Richland, WA is strongly preferred; remote work may be considered.

Requirements

• BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
• PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting the design and/or operation of ICT solutions for the electric energy industry across multiple network domains and technologies.
• Basic knowledge of telecommunications system networks, architecture, operation, electronics, management software, and system modeling and simulation.
• Familiarity with IEEE 1588 Precision Time Protocol (PTP) standards and their application in LAN and WAN environments.
• Understanding of Position Navigation and Timing (PNT) equipment as applicable to the electric utility industry.
• Exposure to power system operations and management.
• Experience using telecommunication systems modeling and analysis tools such as NS3, OPNet, or CORE.
• Familiarity with power system modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience supporting co-simulation tasks, e.g., with HELICS or other simulation tools.
• Experience assisting with the development and application of system architectures for complex systems.
• Basic software development experience in Python, C++, Java, MATLAB, or similar languages.
• Knowledge of telecommunication protocols and standards such as IEEE 802.15.4, 802.11,SONET, MPLS, or carrier ethernet.
• Understanding of information models and standards utilized in the power system industry, such as IEC 61970/61968 CIM, MultiSpeak, or IEEE 1547.

Responsibilities

• Assists in researching, developing, designing, and testing distributed electrical/electronic, telecommunication, or software systems, as well as supporting their operation and control with basic optimization techniques.
• Supports the creation and execution of use case test plans, including helping to formulate research questions, compiling equipment lists, assisting with software verification, and contributing to resource and schedule planning. Participates in and assists with the execution of these use cases as directed.
• Contributes to identifying system requirements and supports the development of system architectures for distributed systems, including electric power and telecommunication system components, controls, and interfaces under supervision.
• Applies foundational concepts from information theory, communication theory, and control theory to aid in the design of energy systems aimed at improving reliability and performance, under guidance.
• Participates in the design and development of techniques and methodologies for control and integration of diverse energy resources and points of consumption, as directed.
• Supports the development of new project opportunities in collaboration with program managers and senior staff.
• Facilitates communication within a multi-disciplinary team, effectively sharing information and collaborating with laboratory leadership and external stakeholders under supervision.

Benefits

• Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, 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 401 (k) savings plan with company match.
• Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level