Posting Title

Graduate (Year-Round) Internship Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis of Power Systems With High-Penetration Renewables

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 energy systems research and development.

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.

Job Description

This Grid Automation and Controls group at NREL focuses on conducting research projects to improve power systems operations. We develop cutting edge solutions and work closely with industry and utility partners to enhance grid reliability, resilience, and security.

Our team is looking for a graduate level intern who has solid background on power system modeling, simulation, optimization and control. An ideal candidate is expected to have a good knowledge of renewable dynamic modeling or power market optimization. This will be a 3-month opportunity with the possibility to extend to 12-months. To learn more about the work this team does, please click here Power Systems Operations and Controls | Grid Modernization | NREL.

The intern will focus on tackling the renewable integration challenges in inverter-dominated power systems. The preferred candidate would be working on:

• Developing inverter-based resource especially adjustable speed pumped storage hydro models in commercial software.
• Conducting renewable integration studies for understanding the new technologies impact on grid stability or grid services.
• Contributing and/or leading the writing of research papers and working closely with NREL researchers to deliver high-impact work.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
• Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelors degree program from an accredited institution.
• Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelors 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 masters degree program from an accredited institution.
• Post Graduate: Earned a masters degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
• Graduate + PhD: Completed masters degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.
• 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.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Masters program, or currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Power Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in power system modeling, dynamics, and control.
• Experience in modeling, design, and analysis of inverter-based resources such as solar, wind and adjustable speed pumped hydro, etc.
• Proficiency in commercial power system simulation software such as PSS/E, PSLF, PSCAD and Powertech tools.
• Self-motivated, having good problem-solving capability, and ability to follow project timelines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in developing user-defined models in PSS/E and/or PSLF.
• Good programming skills.

Salary Range

Annual Salary Range: $50,200 - $80,300

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; and sick leave (where required by law). Eligible for performance-, merit-, and achievement-based awards including monetary components. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

Badging Requirement

Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), including a favorable background investigation. Assignments beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL complies with federal Drug-Free Workplace Act. A pre-employment drug test including marijuana is required and positive tests may lead to withdrawal of employment offer.