Job Information
National Renewable Energy Laboratory ARIES Controls Hardware-in-the-Loop Integration Engineer in Boulder, Colorado
Posting Title
ARIES Controls Hardware-in-the-Loop Integration Engineer
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Location
CO - Boulder
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Position Type
Regular
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Hours Per Week
40
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Working at NREL
NREL’s 305-acre Flatirons Campus is the nation’s premier wind energy, water power, and grid integration research facility. Nestled south of Boulder, Colorado, and north of NREL’s main South Table Mountain campus, Flatirons sits adjacent to the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge and countless acres of open space and parks with stunning views of the Flatirons rock formations.
From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.
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Note: Research suggests that potential job seekers may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who is interested in this opportunity to apply. We seek dedicated people who believe they have the skills and ambition to succeed at NREL to apply for this role.
Job Description
The Controls Hardware-in-the-Loop Integration Engineer is responsible for the hands-on integration of multi-technology power systems, including both electrical and mechanical systems such as hydropower applications. The role involves the evaluation of controllers and power devices within a real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environment. The role involves leveraging both physics-based and data-driven methods for the real-time simulation of hybrid energy systems, which includes electrical, mechanical and thermal energy systems, and hydrogen energy conversion.
A significant aspect of the role is conducting dynamic and transient modeling and analysis of hybrid energy systems, focusing on the conversion between electrical, mechanical, and thermal systems, including both short- and long-term storage solutions. This involves employing Controller Hardware in the Loop (CHIL) and Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) systems for advanced characterization, analysis, and validation.
This position involves the experimental setup of large-scale energy systems, encompassing electrical, mechanical, and thermal components, to facilitate characterization and control strategy evaluations within a Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) environment. The role spans a broad spectrum of activities from theoretical design to practical application, ensuring robust operation of hybrid energy systems. Additionally, this position includes establishing a research platform designed to accelerate operational control development and evaluation. This platform will support innovative experimentation and enhance the capacity for advancing hydride energy system technologies and controls.
The position requires a robust understanding of hybrid energy systems dynamics, control theory, and practical application of electrical engineering principles in a high-tech research and development environment.
The ideal candidate will possess expertise in power systems dynamics and controls, including proficiency with dynamic and transient modeling tools such as PSCAD. Experience in electrical power engineering, specifically related to machine dynamics and energy systems, is essential. Additionally, candidates should have a strong foundation in data-driven methods for real-time control and automation of power grids.
Level II: This staff member is expected to collaborate on task assignments with senior staff.
Level III: The individual is expected to perform all responsibilities with limited oversight and lead the development of activities in each of the specific duties and responsibilities
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Basic Qualifications
For Researcher III
Relevant PhD . Or, relevant Master's Degree and 3 or more years of experience . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 5 or more years of experience . Demonstrates broad understanding and wide application of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories and concepts in the field. General knowledge of other related disciplines. Demonstrates leadership in one or more areas of team, task or project lead responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in management of projects. Very good writing, interpersonal and communication skills
For Researcher II
Relevant Master's Degree . Or, relevant Bachelor's Degree and 2 or more years of experience . General knowledge and application of engineering technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques. Training in team, task or project leadership responsibilities. Intermediate abilities and knowledge of practices and techniques. Beginning experience in project management. Good writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
Additional Required Qualifications
Hands-on experience with development of controls prototyping, real-time dynamic modeling tools such as PSS/E. PSLF and PSCAD.
Experience with modeling and simulation for inverter-based resource device controls.
Experience in system identification techniques, hardware device characterization, and implementation of data-driven controls for power systems and power electronics.
Experience with standard communication protocols (such DNP3, MODBUS, IEC 61850 GOOSE, C37.118 PMU) for control and automation in multi-technology hybrid energy systems
Evidence of research through peer-reviewed conference and journal publications
Real-time Software experience (at least one): PSS/E, PSLF, PSCAD, RSCAD
Energy System: PSCAD, Simulink, Power World, PSIM.
Programming experience: Python, MATLAB, C, C++ Automation and Control: Communication protocols such as DNP3, MODBUS and NI LabVIEW
Preferred Qualifications
Demonstrated experience in implementation of real-time HIL evaluation testbed for emulation of energy system technologies.
Software setup for protection relays and power converter control configurations
Experience with multiple automation and control platforms is highly desirable.
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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: Researcher III / Annual Salary Range: $79,600 - $143,300
Job Profile: Researcher II / Annual Salary Range: $73,200 - $120,800
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; short- and long-term disability insurance; pension benefits; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance; personal time off (PTO) and sick leave; paid holidays; and tuition reimbursement. 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. Limited-term positions are not eligible for long-term disability or tuition reimbursement.
* Based on eligibility rules
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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.
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The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is a leader in the U.S. Department of Energy’s effort to secure an environmentally and economically sustainable energy future. With locations in Golden and Boulder, Colorado, and a satellite office in Washington, D.C., NREL is the primary laboratory for research, development, and deployment of renewable energy technologies in the United States.
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Drug Free Workplace
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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.
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