Real-time power system modeling and simulation internship

National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match

Sick leave where required by law

Job summary

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Boulder, CO is offering a Real-time Power System Modeling and Simulation Internship, focusing on modern power systems and inverter-based resources. Responsibilities include performing real-time modeling and using simulation tools like PSCAD and RSCAD.

Applicants should be full-time students in a related degree program or recent graduates, with strong knowledge of power systems and EMT simulation tools. Benefits include medical and dental insurance.

Qualifications

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Must be a full-time student in an accredited program.
• Graduate students must have completed a master's degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical analysis related to power electronics.
• Integrate and test user-written 'black box' models.
• Write and publish results in journals.

Skills

Experience with power system EMT software tools

Solid knowledge of using RSCAD

Modeling and control of inverter-based resources

Knowledge of co-simulation between PSCAD-RSCAD and PSS/E-PSCAD

Education

Full-time student in bachelor's or master's degree program

Master's degree within the past 12 months

Tools

PSCAD

RSCAD

MATLAB/Simulink

Job description

Position

Real‑time Power System Modeling and Simulation Internship

Location: Boulder, CO

Position Type: Intern (Fixed Term)

Hours per week: 40

Job Overview

The Power Systems Engineering Center (PSEC) at the National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR) invites applications for an internship focused on modern power systems and high‑level inverter‑based resources (IBR). The intern will perform real‑time modeling and simulation of power systems using RTDS and will work with PSEC’s large‑scale digital real‑time simulation capability at NLR’s Flatirons Campus.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical analysis related to power electronics and power systems control of inverter‑based resources, such as battery energy storage systems and large industrial drives.
• Build power systems with real‑time EMT simulation, integrating GTFPGA or GTSOC units under supervision.
• Integrate, test, and use user‑written "black box" models in PSCAD and RSCAD for solar inverters, battery energy storage systems (BESS), or other advanced power electronic systems.
• Evaluate studies examining the impact of high percentages of inverter‑based resources on power systems.
• Write and publish results of analysis in peer‑reviewed journals and technical reports.
• Follow all Environmental, Safety, and Health policies to maintain a safe working environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
• Undergraduate: Must be a full‑time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution.
• Post‑undergraduate: Must have earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months and be eligible for up to one year of internship.
• Graduate: Must be a full‑time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution.
• Post‑graduate: Must have earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months and be eligible for up to one year of internship.
• Graduate + PhD: Must have completed a master’s degree and be enrolled as a PhD student from an accredited institution.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

• Experience with power system EMT software tools such as PSCAD, RSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink, or other EMT simulation tools.
• Solid knowledge of using RSCAD for power system modeling, ideally experience with GTFPGAs and GTSOCs.
• Solid knowledge of modeling and control of inverter‑based resources.
• Knowledge of co‑simulation between PSCAD‑RSCAD and PSS/E‑PSCAD.
• Understanding of RTDS modeling and HIL testing.
• Ability to present technical results to multi‑stakeholder audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional experience in power system real‑time simulation and advanced inverter‑based resource integration.

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; a 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match; and sick leave where required by law. Internship positions of less than 20 hours per week may not receive full medical benefits.

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/ancestry, race, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding), sexual orientation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.