Post Undergraduate/Graduate (Summer) Intern - Co-Optimized Design for Integrated Grid Energy Systems

Posting TitlePost Undergraduate/Graduate (Summer) Intern - Co-Optimized Design for Integrated Grid Energy Systems

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LocationCO - Golden

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Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NRELThe 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

The Transmission & Distribution Interactions (T&D) group at NREL is looking for one to two innovative, collaborative, and enthusiastic research interns to work on integrating multiple commercial, open-source, and research software tools into large-scale co-optimization frameworks and conducting novel analysis using these tools. Specifically, this position will work others to use and help advance MDO4Grid, a multi-energy systems analysis automation and co-optimization framework that builds on the aerospace-developed OpenMDAO framework to enable the co-design of future transmission and distribution grids and grid-adjacent technologies such as buildings, vehicles, gas networks, etc. Depending on background and progress, there can be an opportunity for self-directed research to align with topics/tools of interest.

The ideal candidate will bring a combination of  programming experience in one or more modern languages, expertise with linking multiple software tools, and experience with simulation and technoeconomic design for power systems and multi-energy systems; however other exceptional candidates with multi-disciplinary backgrounds, excitement for this type of work, strong computer skills, and a proven track record of success in new areas are also encouraged to apply.

Successful intern candidates will join the T&D group in the Grid Planning and Analysis Center (GPAC) at NREL, a highly interdisciplinary and collaborative team of engineers, analysts, and software developers.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to collaborative open-source modeling tools and package development
• Conduct integrated energy system analysis using multiple software tools, including preparing data, configuring simulations, troubleshooting, reviewing results, and preparing visuals and other outputs to clearly explain outcomes for a wide range of audiences.
• Potentially contribute to publications, including assisting with preparing user guides and documentation
• Work effectively with interdisciplinary team of developers, engineers, and analysts

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Basic QualificationsMust be enrolled as a full-time student in a Bachelor's, Master's or PhD degree program, or graduated in the past 12 months from an accredited institution. Candidates who have earned a degree may work for a period not to exceed 12 months. Must have a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
Please Note:
•You will need to upload 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.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Solid experience in simulation, software development, and/or computational analysis expertise, or a related area of study.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience integrating multiple software tools for co-optimization such as with OpenMDAO, HELICS, other MDO/MDAO frameworks, or other approaches
• Proficiency with software development and deployment in a scientific/engineering environment, including proficiency in: Python, Julia, CPP/C++, or C
• Familiarity with power systems engineering and technoeconomic concepts
• Comfort with command-line interfaces, ideally including Linux based environments
• Experience using Source Control tools such as Git.
• Experience with Power Systems Simulation Tools such as ReEDS, PyDSS, PowerSystems.jl, OpenDSS, CYMEDIST, Synergi, PowerWorld, PSLF, PSS/E, WindMill, DEW, PowerFactory, etc.

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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: / 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 SummaryBenefits 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 RequirementNREL 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.

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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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