Electro-magnetic transient (EMT) modeling, laboratory verification, and stability analysis for [...]

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) employee savings plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Pension benefits

Job summary

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory is seeking a Researcher for Electro-magnetic transient modeling and analysis for power systems in Golden, Colorado. This position involves developing high-fidelity models, conducting stability analysis, and leading lab verification efforts.

The ideal candidate will have a relevant PhD or Master's degree, extensive experience in modeling, and an understanding of power systems dynamics. Benefits include comprehensive insurance, a retirement savings plan, and performance-based awards.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in relevant fields with corresponding experience.
• Broad understanding of engineering concepts and procedures.
• Experience with power systems dynamics and modeling.

Responsibilities

• Develop EMT models for inverter-based resources.
• Conduct large-scale transient analysis for power systems.
• Lead laboratory experiments to validate models.

Skills

Engineering principles understanding

Leadership experience

Project management

Communication skills

Power systems modeling

Education

Relevant PhD

Master’s degree with experience

Bachelor’s degree with experience

Tools

PSCAD

RTDS

ParaEMT

Python

C++

Job description

Electro-magnetic transient (EMT) modeling, laboratory verification, and stability analysis for power systems Researcher

Location: Golden, Colorado. Position Type: Regular. Hours per week: 40.

National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) is a leading energy systems research laboratory. This role is part of the Integrated Devices and Systems (IDS) Group of the Power Systems and Engineering Center (PSEC).

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop high‑fidelity EMT models for inverter‑based resources (IBRs) such as advanced pumped storage hydro, data center, grid‑forming/grid‑following inverters, etc., for large‑scale power grid studies.
• Design ride‑through controls of IBRs and implement and validate models in EMT simulation environments such as PSCAD, RTDS, or ParaEMT.
• Contribute to the development of advanced simulation tools, platforms, and testbeds for large‑scale EMT analysis.
• Conduct large‑scale transient analysis (small‑signal stability, transient stability, voltage stability) for high‑IBR‑dominated systems.
• Lead laboratory experiments to validate models and equipment, inform model development and answer critical questions about integrated operation of complete systems.
• Support development of AI‑assisted tools for grid stability monitoring, scenario generation, and digital twin applications.
• Support large‑scale power system studies using commercial tools (PSSE, PSLF, PSCAD) or open‑source tools (ParaEMT, ANDES).
• Support interconnection studies, grid impact assessments, and compliance studies.
• Prepare results in reports and presentations.
• Write and publish results in peer‑reviewed journals, conference proceedings, and technical reports.

Basic Qualifications

• For ResearcherII: Relevant PhD, or relevant Master’s degree, or relevant Bachelor’s degree plus 2+ years experience.
• For ResearcherIII: Relevant PhD, or relevant Master’s degree with 3+ years experience, or relevant Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years experience.
• Broad understanding of engineering technical procedures, principles, theories, and concepts.
• Leadership experience in team, task, or project lead responsibilities.
• Project management experience.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE security clearance at the Q/TS/SCI level. A polygraph may be required.
• U.S. citizenship; at least 18 years of age.
• Relevant in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related fields.
• Solid background in power systems dynamics and modeling including load flow, short‑circuit, and contingency analysis.
• Experience with power system simulation tools in EMT environment (PSCAD, RTDS, OPAL‑RT, ParaEMT, etc.).
• Strong understanding of inverter‑based resource (IBR) modeling and integration challenges, and power system stability concepts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands‑on modeling experience with EMT simulation tools (PSCAD, RSCAD, OPAL‑RT, EMTP etc.).
• Strong understanding of small‑signal, transient, and voltage stability.
• Experience with EMT modeling of IBRs such as data centers, advanced pumped‑storage hydro, batteries, wind and solar, grid‑forming inverters.
• Experience in modeling and simulation of inverter‑based resources (IBRs) and stability analysis of high‑IBR‑dominated power systems.
• Hands‑on experience with data center modeling a plus.
• Experience with software development in Python, C++, or other programming languages.
• Experience developing automated tools for accelerating contingency analysis.
• At least one paper on inverter stability/modeling.
• Strong analytical skills and excellent written & verbal communication.
• Interest in AI/ML applications for power system modeling and analysis.

Benefits Summary

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability insurance.
• Pension benefits.
• 403(b) employee savings plan with employer match.
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Personal time off, sick leave, paid holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Potential for relocation expense reimbursement.
• Performance- and merit‑based awards (some positions).

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, domestic partner status, military or veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.