Electrical Engineer II - Energy Systems Optimization and Control

at  Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Overview:
The Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division (EIBD) of PNNL is accelerating the transition to a decarbonized, efficient, resilient, and secure energy system through basic and applied research. We leverage a strong technical foundation in power and energy systems and advanced data analytics to drive innovation, transform markets, and shape energy policy.
This position is in the Optimization and Control Group with PNNL’s EIBD. The Optimization and Control Group develops methods, algorithms, and applications for controlling and optimizing energy systems to enhance their reliability, resilience, and efficiency. The Group stewards core research capabilities in: analytics & learning, control methods, control design, and system optimization.
The Optimization and Control Group is looking for an early-career Energy Systems Optimization and Control Engineer to contribute to innovative research related to the development and application of advanced optimization and control theory to enhance the reliability, resilience, and efficiency of energy systems; this includes everything from the electric power grid, buildings and transportation systems, which are central to the nation’s economy, security, and quality of life. A successful candidate will be required to conduct independent research, develop new ideas and contribute to research proposals, engage with sector managers in relevant areas, prepare manuscripts for publication, and present their work to clients and at conferences.
Rockstar Rewards:

Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company funded pension plan and may enroll in our 401k savings plan. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.

• Research Associates excluded.

**Once eligibility requirements are met.
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Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities of the Electrical Engineer II - Energy Systems Optimization and Control include but aren’t limited to:

• Providing technical input and lead portions of large, complex, formal documents, such as project reports, lead author on journal articles, conference papers, and presentation.
• Selecting and developing technical approaches to project work assignments.
• Contributing to technical proposals for developing new projects and business.
• Working with senior staff and project managers to develop and implement project management plans for moderate to large projects.
• Working in a team environment of high-performance multi-disciplinary experts.
• Accountable to technical group manager and project managers for project development, execution, and closure.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA and 2 years of relevant experience -OR-
• MS/MA -OR-
• PhD

Preferred Qualifications:

• Research experience in building, automation system, sensor and control system.
• Strong theoretical foundation in optimization and control.
• Knowledge in numerical simulation and numerical stability.
• Good understanding of power system operation and planning, engineering economics, and power market.
• Strong programming capabilities in python, Modelica, Julia, C++, Java.
• Knowledge in software architecture, nd software engineering.
• Strong analytical, task management, and communication skills, both oral and written, and able to communicate clearly the goals, parameters, objectives and outcomes of their research.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment:
Not applicable.
Additional Information:
Not applicable.
Testing Designated Position (TDP):
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, flexible work schedules and telework options. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State—the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab’s campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3-hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Equal Employment Opportunity:
Our laboratory is committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment dedicated to solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. In support of this commitment, we encourage people of all racial/ethnic identities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply for employment.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace:
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
HSPD-12 PIV Credential Requirement:
In accordance with Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, new employees are required to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws

• Providing technical input and lead portions of large, complex, formal documents, such as project reports, lead author on journal articles, conference papers, and presentation.
• Selecting and developing technical approaches to project work assignments.
• Contributing to technical proposals for developing new projects and business.
• Working with senior staff and project managers to develop and implement project management plans for moderate to large projects.
• Working in a team environment of high-performance multi-disciplinary experts.
• Accountable to technical group manager and project managers for project development, execution, and closure