Hardware-in-Loop investigation internship

Alfen B.V.; Almere; On-site; EUR 7,000 - 11,000; Part time

Job summary

Alfen B.V. invites master’s students to contribute to advanced testing methods for battery energy storage systems and control applications.

You will explore Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL/PHIL) validation for grid-connected energy storage and site-level control, using real-time simulation platforms to create a repeatable, automated validation environment. The internship focuses on investigating HIL applicability, defining test scenarios, comparing platforms, and outlining an integration

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Master's degree (WO level) at a technical university.
• Study Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Control Engineering, Power Electronics, or related field.
• Exposure to Hardware-in-the-Loop concepts through university projects, research, or relevant experience.
• Experience with modelling and simulation tools such as Simulink, Modelica, PSCAD, FMI/FMU, PSSE, or PowerFactory.
• Scripting or programming skills, for example in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• Independent thinker able to communicate findings clearly to others.
• Fluent in English; Dutch language skills are not required.

Responsibilities

• Investigate and develop a Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL/PHIL) testing approach for grid-connected energy storage systems and site-level control applications.
• Define realistic test scenarios for a wide range of operating conditions, disturbances, and grid events.
• Compare and evaluate HIL platforms on performance, integration possibilities, automation potential, and scalability.
• Develop a reference architecture and implementation roadmap for integrating HIL testing into the engineering workflow.
• Optionally create a proof-of-concept for closed-loop testing and automated reporting.

Skills

Power systems

HIL/PHIL

Simulation

Python

MATLAB

English fluency

Independent thinker

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

Simulink

Modelica

PSCAD

FMI/FMU

PSSE

PowerFactory

dSPACE

Job description

Location: Almere | Thesis Internship | 32-40 hours per week | Start: September 2026 (flexible)

Are you a master's student interested in energy systems, simulation, and software validation? Would you like to contribute to advanced testing methods for battery energy storage systems that play a key role in the energy transition? Then this thesis internship could be the perfect opportunity for you!

What will you do?

As power systems become increasingly software-driven, advanced validation methods are essential to ensure reliable performance across a wide range of grid conditions and site configurations. During this thesis internship, you will investigate and develop a Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL/PHIL) testing approach for grid-connected energy storage systems and site-level control applications.

You will work on a research-oriented project exploring how real-time simulation platforms such as RTDS, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, dSPACE, and Speedgoat can be used to create a repeatable, scalable, and automated validation environment for control software and system-level functions.

During this internship, you will be involved in:

• Investigating how Power Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing can be applied to validate energy storage systems and site-level control functions.
• Defining realistic test scenarios for a wide range of operating conditions, disturbances, and grid events.
• Comparing and evaluating HIL platforms on performance, integration possibilities, automation potential, and scalability.
• Developing a reference architecture and implementation roadmap for integrating HIL testing into the engineering workflow.
• Optionally creating a proof-of-concept for closed-loop testing and automated reporting.

Your research will help bridge the gap between real-world systems and simulation environments, contributing directly to the quality and reliability of Alfen's Elements Battery Energy Storage Systems product line.

Who are you?

We are looking for a self-driven and analytical student who enjoys research and is able to translate complex technical challenges into practical solutions. You are curious, independent, and able to communicate your findings clearly to different audiences.

You recognize yourself in the following:

• You are currently pursuing a Master's degree (WO level), preferably at a technical university.
• You study Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Control Engineering, Power Electronics, or a related field.
• You have exposure to Hardware-in-the-Loop concepts through university projects, research, or relevant experience.
• You have experience with modelling and simulation tools such as Simulink, Modelica, PSCAD, FMI/FMU, PSSE, or PowerFactory.
• You have scripting or programming skills, for example in Python, MATLAB, or similar tools.
• You are an independent thinker who enjoys exploring new ideas and can explain complex topics clearly to others.
• You are fluent in English. Dutch language skills are not required.

About the Team

You will join a multidisciplinary and multicultural R&D team of twelve colleagues within Alfen's Energy Storage Systems Business Unit. Together, the team develops utility-scale battery energy storage solutions within the Alfen Elements product line.

During your internship, you will work closely with Electrical Engineers, Control Engineers, Testing Engineers, and Systems Engineers. This provides a unique opportunity to collaborate across multiple disciplines and contribute directly to innovative solutions for the power grid of the future.

The team combines technical excellence with an informal and collaborative atmosphere. During breaks, colleagues regularly enjoy a game of table football together, and interns are welcome to join.

About Alfen

With more than 80 years of experience, Alfen plays an important role in today's energy grid. The company develops and manufactures transformer substations, energy storage systems, and charging solutions for electric vehicles, among other products. Many of these products are designed and built in-house at our Almere facility. Through these innovations, Alfen delivers essential solutions that support the energy transition every day.

Does this sound like the right internship for you?

Questions about the internship?
Please contact Nikolaos Milas, Discipline Expert, [e-mail] or [phone]

Questions about the application process?
Please contact Ilse Neijmeijer, Campus Recruiter, at [e-mail] or [phone].