Energy Systems Engineer III - Microgrids

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution focused on addressing energy and environmental challenges. The Energy Systems Engineer III will lead the development of distributed systems, specifically microgrids, by evaluating design options, assisting in project execution, and providing operational support.

Responsibilities:

• Researches, analyzes, develops, and designs electrical/electronic systems, components, equipment, and networks as well as their control and optimization
• Evaluates electrical designs (including utility interconnection and microgrid design) and system integration plans
• Analyzes systems and equipment to establish operating data and evaluates performance
• Selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability
• Performs modeling and simulation of small electric power systems (i.e., microgrids) and components in order to inform scaled planning, operations, economics, resilience, and optimization of system performance
• Designs and develops new techniques and methodologies for control and integration of diverse energy resources and points of consumption
• Uses risk-analysis techniques to evaluate the likelihood and consequence of power system disruptions and risk mitigation measures associated with power system failure modes
• Develops and applies system architectures, models, and technologies for secure and reliable electric power systems and related technologies such as communications systems and grid cyber security
• Develops sustainment plan that identifies training needs for local operators
• Evaluate and produce technical assessments related to impacts of new technologies and their utilization in Black Start
• Requires 25% travel

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
• U.S. Citizenship
• Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B
• Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP)
• Field experience with transmission and/or distribution systems
• Experience with power generation (microgrids, energy storage, engines/turbines, renewables, etc.)
• Operational experience with electric utilities
• Experience conducting power systems analysis using modeling and simulation software programs to evaluate real-world system characteristics such as load and power flows, transient stability, reliability, short circuit analysis, and other operational characteristics
• Knowledge of SCADA and communication systems
• Experience with DOD; clearance is beneficial
• Familiarity with industry standards and federal codes
• Experience working with critical power infrastructure (i.e., backup generators, automatic transfer switches, UPS systems, etc.)