Graduate PhD (Summer/Year-Round) Intern – Cyber-Resilient DERMS Control in Distribution Grid Operation

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking a Graduate PhD intern for a summer/year-round position in Cyber-Resilient DERMS Control in Distribution Grid Operation. The intern will develop DER control algorithms, conduct state estimation, and contribute to research publications. This is a 3-month internship with potential extension, requiring a full-time student enrolled in a relevant graduate program. The position is based in Golden, Colorado.
Posting Title

Graduate PhD (Summer/Year-Round) Intern – Cyber-Resilient DERMS Control in Distribution Grid Operation

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NREL

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 the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), where world-class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NREL stands out in the research community for its commitment to an affordable and secure energy future. Spanning foundational science to applied systems engineering and analysis, we focus on solving complex challenges to deliver advanced, secure, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Our work helps strengthen U.S. industries, support job creation, and promote national economic growth.

At NREL, you’ll find a mission-driven environment supported by state-of-the-art facilities, multidisciplinary research teams, and strong collaborations with industry, academia, and other national laboratories. We offer robust professional development opportunities, and a competitive benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Learn about NREL’s critical objectives: NREL's Mission and Vision.

Job Description

This Grid Automation and Controls group at NREL focuses on conducting research projects to improve the power systems operations. We develop cutting edge solutions and work closely with industry and utility partners to enhance grid reliability, resilience, and security. To learn more about the work this group does, check out the following link: https://www.nrel.gov/grid/distributed-energy-resource-management-systems.html

We are seeking an intern who will contribute to the development of DER control algorithms to mitigate the impact of potential cyber-attacks. This is a 3-month internship opportunity with the potential to extend up to an additional 9 months.

Job Duties May Include
• Development of DER control algorithms using python
• Conduct distribution system state estimation and optimal power flow
• Develop reinforcement-based DER controls using python
• Simulating DER control algorithms using Open DSS
• Contributing towards the creation of research publications and technical documents
• Conduct literature review, identify research gaps, and share findings with the team
• Present results and project updates to the research team including NREL researchers as well as external partners

Basic Qualifications

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.

Additional Required Qualifications
• Candidate must have completed an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering or related field
• The successful candidate will be a current student in a PhD program in electrical engineering or related field
• Demonstrated experience distribution system state estimation, and distribution system optimal power flow
• Proficiency in programming language (e.g., Python, C/C++).
• Proficiency in commercial/open-source optimization solvers and packages (e.g. Gurobi)
• Proficiency in power distribution system software i.e. Open DSS
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience with reinforcement learning

Preferred Qualifications
• Familiar with cyberattack mitigation in power system
• Experience in distributed energy resource modeling, optimization, and control

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $50,200 - $80,300

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

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.
• Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Reasonable Accommodations

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