Senior Grid Analyst—Power Flow and Integrated Planning

National Laboratory of the Rockies•Golden, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Grid Planning and Analysis Center (GPAC) at NLR is looking for exceptional candidates to join our team to help conduct bulk/transmission power flow, dynamic, and related contingency modeling including building models in commercial and lab tools, conducting power flow and dynamics studies for both existing and future grids, and help connect such modeling into multi-model workflows. In addition, this role will help lead complex partner projects with a range of partners in the U.S. and worldwide, contribute to distribution-scale modeling and analysis, participate in the development and analysis of new technoeconomic schemes for grid management, and provide technical assistance to partners. The ideal candidate would bring solid knowledge on bulk power system dynamics, co-simulation, along with experience modeling of distribution systems, and DER & IBR; along with project leadership experience and the ability to teach these skills to other both at the lab and through partnerships. We are researchers, engineers, software developers, modelers, physicists, product managers, thought leaders, system thinkers, and life-long learners. We strive to push the boundaries of innovation, integrated analysis, and computational tool development. You would join us in developing innovative modeling approaches, collaboratively applying them with a wide-range of research and industry partners to conduct high-impact analysis and working to articulate current trends and chart future needs in integrated grid systems. A sample of ongoing research include reliability studies examining interactions between DER, grid-forming IBRs, and bulk grid dynamics; multi-model frameworks for helping to automate complex grid planning workflows; and bulk transmission-system planning at both regional and continental scales. Come join a team whose mission is to innovate, inform, and create value for energy systems transitions, including renewable energy, distribution systems, transmission systems, energy storage, markets, and economics and much more.

Requirements

Relevant PhD and 4 or more years of experience OR relevant Master's Degree and 7 or more years of experience OR relevant Bachelor's Degree and 9 or more years of experience.
Applies extensive engineering technical expertise, and has full knowledge of other related disciplines. Considered a technical resource.
Demonstrates leadership in several areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities.
Demonstrated experience in management of projects.
Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Experience with commercial power system power flow software such as Powerworld, PSS/E, PowerFactory, or similar
Experience with distribution-scale modeling and analysis, such as with CYME, Synergi, PowerFactory, or similar
Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and in team settings

Nice To Haves

Proven expertise with developing, modeling, troubleshooting, and in-depth analysis with large-scale power system power flow and dynamics (phasor, RMS) using widely used commercial software tools including Powerworld, PSS/E, and DIgSILENT
Experience with production cost modeling tools, such as PLEXOS-ST or Sienna, and their interactions with power flow models
Experience automating, conducting, and visualizing engineering analyses for large-scale grids, including N-1, N-1-1, and N-k contingencies; frequency response; and multiple stability criteria for both strong and weak grids
Experience developing and validating dynamic models for both grid-forming and grid-following IBRs with a variety of energy sources, including solar, wind, and storage.
Experience troubleshooting and adapting system-scale models for convergence, particularly for future scenarios with extensive changes to the generator fleet and widespread transmission expansion
Experience with analyzing the technical and financial impacts of DERs on distribution systems (e.g., hosting capacity, non-wires alternatives, locational value of DPV, etc.)
Experience working with utility stakeholders at various levels to translate analysis outputs into implications and actionable recommendations for DER planning, evaluation, approval and integration
Experience evaluating economic and business elements of DER policy decisions, including evaluating DER compensation mechanisms, projections of DER consumer uptake, etc.
Experience leading trainings and working groups with culturally diverse audiences in a capacity-building setting, including developing training curriculum and materials and building trust and confidence with partners
Experience with software development for scripting and automation of such analyses, particularly in Python, Julia, or Rust
Experience with multi-model and co-simulation frameworks such as HELICS and MDO4Grid
Familiarity with DER and IBR interconnection standards, such as IEEE 2800 or IEEE 1547

Responsibilities

Build, troubleshoot, and validate large-scale bulk/transmission power system models
Conduct AC power flow, dynamics, and contingency simulations across scales ranging from smaller island and regional-scale systems up to national and international interconnections
Leading engagement with utilities, including responsibility for setting up technical working groups, leading regular calls, responding to partner requests, etc.
Developing/adapting analytical tools as needed to support technology evaluation, planning, approval and integration
Supporting the development of and community-building for open-source software tools
Developing and delivering training curriculum as appropriate to engineers at grid operators on analytical methods and use of relevant tools in institutional processes
Identifying potential research and assistance funding sources and engaging with partners to secure support
Design, develop and maintain multi-model frameworks and tool interfaces
Apply best-practice in software development techniques
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of developers, engineers, and analysts
Present work at conferences, symposia, and project meetings
Contribute to journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports
Work with other staff to develop proposals and partnerships for funding opportunities