Graduate (Year-Round) Intern – Modeling, Real-Time Simulation and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) Testing of Distribution Systems

National Laboratory of the Rockies; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 45,000 - 71,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) employer match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

National Laboratory of the Rockies invites graduate students for a year‑round intern position in Modeling, Real‑Time Simulation and HIL Testing of distribution systems in Golden, CO.

The role focuses on CHIL interfaces, real‑time microgrid simulations, and Python data analysis, with opportunity to contribute to research papers and collaborate with senior engineers.

This fixed‑term internship is 40 hours per week and requires in‑person work at the Golden campus.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s program, or currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or a related field

Responsibilities

• Setting up CHIL interfaces using commercial microgrid controllers and relays for real‑time simulation models of microgrids
• Conducting Hardware in the Loop (HIL) experiments using real‑time simulation models of distribution feeders and hardware microgrid controllers
• Implementing sequence of operations for grid‑connected and islanded operation of utility‑scale microgrids in commercial microgrid controllers
• Analyzing high‑resolution data collected from real‑time simulations and HIL experiments of distribution feeders using Python
• Contributing and/or leading the writing of research papers and working closely with NLR researchers and delivering high‑impact work

Skills

Power systems modeling

Python programming

Real-time simulation

CHIL testing

Relay programming

Education

Master's student in Electrical Engineering

Power Systems specialization

PhD candidate (informal)

Tools

OpenDSS

RTDS

SEL RTAC

Real-time simulator

Job description

Posting Title

Graduate (Year-Round) Intern – Modeling, Real-Time Simulation and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) Testing of Distribution Systems

Location

CO - Golden

Position Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

Hours Per Week

40

Working at NLR

NLR is 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 Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), where world‑class scientists, engineers, and experts are accelerating energy innovation through breakthrough research and systems integration. From our mission to our collaborative culture, NLR 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 NLR, 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

The Power Systems Engineering Center at The National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) 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 simulation and hardware in the loop testing of microgrids in distribution systems. An ideal candidate is expected to have a good knowledge of dynamic modeling of distribution systems, relay programming, microgrid controller programming as well as setting up controller hardware in the loop (CHIL) interfaces for real‑time simulators. This will be a 3 to 6 month opportunity.

• Setting up CHIL interfaces using commercial microgrid controllers and relays for real‑time simulation models of microgrids
• Conducting Hardware in the Loop (HIL) experiments using real‑time simulation models of distribution feeders and hardware microgrid controllers
• Implementing sequence of operations for grid‑connected and islanded operation of utility‑scale microgrids in commercial microgrid controllers
• Analyzing high‑resolution data collected from real‑time simulations and HIL experiments of distribution feeders using Python
• Contributing and/or leading the writing of research papers and working closely with NLR researchers and delivering high‑impact work

Note: this position requires regular laboratory testing and in‑person work arrangements at NLR's South Table Mountain Campus in Golden, CO are required. This role is not eligible to fully remote work arrangements.

Basic Qualifications

Minimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full‑time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution.

Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor’s 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 master’s degree program from an accredited institution.

Post Graduate: Earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

Graduate + PhD: Completed master’s degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.

Please Note

• 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.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a Master’s program, or currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Power Systems or a related field
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience in power system modeling, dynamics, and control (OpenDSS or similar)
• Experience in programming commercial relays and microgrid controllers
• Experience in working with RTDS simulator, devices like SEL RTAC and SEL relays
• Self‑motivated, having good problem‑solving capability, and ability to follow project timelines
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Good programming skills in Python

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in conducting power hardware‑in‑the‑loop (HIL) and controller HIL experiments for distribution systems
• Experience in setting up microgrid controllers and relays

Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full‑time 40 hours per week)

Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $44,500 - $71,200.

NLR takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits Summary

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NLR employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement‑based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

• Based on eligibility rules

Badging Requirement

NLR is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

Drug Free Workplace

NLR is committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug‑Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you are offered employment at NLR, you must pass a pre‑employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre‑employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre‑employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of 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.

Reasonable Accommodations

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