Graduate (6-12 month) Intern - Data Center Load Modeling for Transmission Planning Studies

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 30,307 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) employer match

Sick leave as required by law

Performance-based awards

Relocation expense reimbursement

Job summary

National Renewable Energy Laboratory is offering a Graduate Intern position focused on data center load modeling for transmission planning. The role involves collecting data, building EMT and RMS models, and validating them against real data.

You will work with planning engineers to ensure models meet study requirements and support technical reports and papers. The 6–12 month internship is 40 hours per week in Golden, Colorado, targeting undergraduates or graduates in power systems or electrical

Qualifications

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Undergraduate: full‑time student or recent graduate within 12 months.
• Graduate: full‑time student or recent graduate within 12 months.
• Graduate + PhD: enrolled or completed in related field.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze data center electrical architecture data (UPS, PDUs, cooling, backup generation).
• Develop and validate component models (UPS with PFC, PDU, VFD) and a composite data center load model.
• Implement EMT models in PSCAD/EMTP to capture fast transients and faults.
• Validate EMT models with real‑world data and build RMS models for planning tools (PSSE/PSLF).
• Compare EMT and RMS models for accuracy across scenarios.
• Document modeling methods, assumptions, and validation results clearly.
• Collaborate with planning and protection engineers to meet study requirements.
• Contribute to technical reports and research papers.

Skills

Python

MATLAB

Power electronics

Dynamic load modeling

Power system stability

Data analysis

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in power systems / electrical engineering

Master’s degree in power systems / electrical engineering (pursuing or completed)

PhD track (Graduate + PhD)

Tools

PSCAD

EMTP

PSLF

Job description

Job Overview

Graduate (6‑12 month) Intern – Data Center Load Modeling for Transmission Planning Studies. Location: Golden, Colorado. Position type: Intern (Fixed Term). 40 hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze technical data on data center electrical architecture, including UPS systems, PDUs, cooling systems, and backup generation.
• Develop and validate component‑level models (e.g., UPS with PFC, PDU, VFD) and build a composite data center load model that integrates IT load, power electronic interfaces, and motor‑driven auxiliaries.
• Implement detailed EMT models in simulation platforms (e.g., PSCAD, RTDS) to capture fast transients and fault behavior.
• Validate the EMT models using real‑world data.
• Build corresponding RMS phasor models for transmission planning tools (e.g., PSS®E, PSLF) to enable computationally efficient studies.
• Perform side‑by‑side comparisons between EMT and RMS models to assess accuracy and applicability for different planning scenarios.
• Document modeling methods, assumptions, and validation results in a clear and reproducible format.
• Collaborate with planning and protection engineers to ensure models meet practical study requirements.
• Contribute to the development of technical reports and research papers.

Qualifications

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Undergraduate: Full‑time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution; or earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months.
• Graduate: Full‑time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution; or earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months.
• Graduate + PhD: Completed master’s degree and enrolled as a PhD student from an accredited institution.
• Completed an undergraduate degree in power systems, electrical engineering, or a related field, and currently pursuing or graduated from a master’s degree or PhD program in these fields.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with power electronics, machine and drives, dynamic load modeling, and power system stability.
• Experience with EMT simulation tools (e.g., PSCAD or EMTP).
• Strong programming and analytical skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar).
• Strong communication and technical writing skills.
• Optional: Demonstrated knowledge or experience with phasor‑domain tools (e.g., PSS®E, PSLF).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match.
• Sick leave as required by law.
• Performance, merit, and achievement‑based awards (subject to eligibility).
• Relocation expense reimbursement for qualifying positions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to 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.

E‑Verify

All candidates must be authorized to obtain work authorization and to be granted access to NLR by the Department of Energy (DOE). All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required.