Energy Systems Engineer III - Microgrids

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

About The Position

At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget. Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus. The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation’s biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation’s power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management. The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy. The Energy Technology Deployment (ETD) Group applies expertise in program design and management to speed the deployment of technologies that improve energy efficiency and resilience of the built environment. ETD has 53 staff members across 2 capability areas: Federal Technical Support – Staff apply knowledge of federal agency energy and sustainability performance mandates, missions and operations to support the implementation of institutional changes (e.g. programs, policies, behavior) that enable their achievement. Market Transformation – Staff design and implement programs that speed market adoption of energy efficient building technologies through stakeholder engagement, training and education, and direct technical assistance. This position focuses on leading and developing new distributed systems that explores small electric power systems (i.e., microgrids) and components. This person will evaluate design options; assist through project execution and commissioning; and assist the site with operations, training, and sustainment planning. The ideal candidate will have field experience with power generation (microgrids, energy storage, engines/turbines, renewables, etc.), distribution systems, and operational experience with electric utilities.

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

Nice To Haves

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.

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.

Benefits

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support.
Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match.
Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

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