Integrated Grid Planning and Dynamics - Modeler/Analyst

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Golden (CO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match

Paid holidays and tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Join the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, CO as an Integrated Grid Planning and Dynamics Modeler/Analyst. This role involves conducting power flow, dynamics, and related analyses to support the reliability and affordability of the electric grid.

Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree and proven experience in power system modeling and simulation tools. The position offers a robust benefits package, including healthcare and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• PhD and ≥4 years of experience, Master's and ≥7 years, or Bachelor's and ≥9 years.
• Must obtain and maintain a DOE Q Security Clearance.
• Experience with commercial power system software.

Responsibilities

• Build, troubleshoot, and validate bulk/transmission power system models.
• Conduct simulations across scales from island to national systems.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Experience with commercial power system power flow software

Excellent writing skills

Demonstrated leadership in team or project lead responsibilities

Ability to work independently

Education

PhD with ≥4 years or Master’s with ≥7 years or Bachelor’s with ≥9 years

Tools

Powerworld

PSS/E

PLEXOS-LT

OpenDSS

Job description

Job Description

Integrated Grid Planning and Dynamics – Modeler/Analyst (Location: CO – Golden, Position Type: Regular, Hours: 40 per week). Join the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) to support the reliability, resilience, and affordability of the electric grid through integrated planning techniques, power flow, dynamics, and related analyses.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Build, troubleshoot, and validate large-scale bulk/transmission power system models.
• Conduct AC power flow, dynamics, and contingency simulations across scales ranging from island and regional systems to national and international interconnections.
• Design, develop and maintain co‑simulation frameworks.
• Apply best‑practice code development techniques.
• Perform analyses demonstrating the importance of technical capabilities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams of developers, engineers, and analysts.
• Present work at conferences, symposia, and project meetings.
• Contribute to journal articles, conference papers, and technical reports.
• Work with other staff to develop proposals and partnerships for funding opportunities.

Basic Qualifications

• Researcher IV: PhD and ≥4 years of experience, or Master’s and ≥7 years, or Bachelor’s and ≥9 years.
• Researcher III: PhD, or Master’s and ≥3 years, or Bachelor’s and ≥5 years.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.
• Must obtain and maintain a DOE Q Security Clearance (eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, ≥18 years).
• Experience with commercial power system power flow software such as Powerworld, PSS/E, or similar.
• Demonstrated leadership in team or project lead responsibilities and experience managing projects.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in team settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven expertise with power system dynamics, large‑scale EMT simulations, and commercial software tools (Powerworld, EMTP, PSCAD, DIgSILENT).
• Experience with production cost modeling tools such as PLEXOS‑LT or Sienna.
• Experience automating, conducting, and visualizing engineering analyses for large‑scale grids (N‑1, N‑1‑1, N‑k contingencies, frequency response).
• Experience developing and validating dynamic and transient models for grid‑forming and grid‑following IBRs, including solar, wind, and storage.
• Familiarity with DER and IBR interconnection standards (IEEE 2800, IEEE 1547) and distribution modeling tools (OpenDSS, CYME, Synergi).
• Experience with multi‑model and co‑simulation frameworks such as HELICS.
• Experience with resilience analysis to natural hazards and man‑made threats.

What We Offer

• Collaborative, supportive, flexible, and fun work environment.
• Training, mentoring, and collaboration to build or learn new technical skills.
• Interesting work with variety and professional development opportunities.
• Adaptable schedule to promote work‑life balance.
• Opportunity to contribute to high‑impact research and to articulate current and future trends in integrated grid systems.

Benefits

• 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 and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Personal time off, sick leave, paid holidays, and tuition reimbursement.
• Eligibility for performance‑based awards with monetary component.
• Potential relocation expense reimbursement (subject to eligibility). Limited‑term positions are not eligible for long‑term disability or tuition reimbursement.

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, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available.