Energy System Control Engineer- Learning Based
Job Description
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.
Overview
This position will provide support to the Laboratory’s research in Optimization and Control of Energy Systems. This position will focus on research at the intersection of controls, learning, and computing with an emphasis on data driven and learning based control methods, distributed and robust optimization algorithms for building and power system applications. A successful candidate will be required to conduct independent research, develop new ideas and contribute to research proposals, engage with business development managers in relevant areas, prepare manuscripts for publication, and present their work to clients and at conferences.
The candidate will serve as a technical expert and task lead on multiple significant projects or tasks. This will include:
- Performing independently the activities assigned under the direction and guidance of the project manager, by selecting and developing technical approaches to project work assignments.
- Leading portions of large, complex, formal documents, such as project reports, journal articles, conference papers, and presentations.
- 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 projects of various sizes.
- Working in a team environment of high-performance multi-disciplinary experts.
Key Responsibilities:
- Providing technical input and lead portions of large, complex, formal documents, such as project reports, lead author on journal articles, conference papers, and presentations.
- Selecting and developing technical approaches to project work assignments.
- 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.
Responsibilities
Researches, develops, designs, and tests electrical/electronic systems, components, equipment, and networks as well as their control and optimization theory and techniques. Adapts and applies control theory to design electrical/electronic systems with desired behaviors. Designs, develops, installs, and supervises all aspects of control systems and processes. Determines design approaches and parameters. Analyzes equipment to establish operating data, conducts experimental tests, and evaluates results. Selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability. Researches, develops, and applies tools, simulations, and models of electric power systems and components addressing problems in planning, operations, economics, resilience, and optimization of system performance. Designs and develops new techniques and methodologies for control and integration of diverse energy resources and points of consumption. Develops and applies system architectures, models, and technologies for secure and reliable electric power systems and related technologies such as communications systems and grid cyber security.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
- BS/BA with 2 years of experience
- MS/MA with 0-2 years of experience
- PhD with 0 years of experience
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong technical background in distributed control and optimization, machine learning, uncertainty quantification
- Strong understanding of power systems operation, dynamics, and control
- Research experience in demand response, energy storages and other distributed energy resources, renewable energy, microgrid, buildings and their integration to grid.
- Proficiency in python, Julia, C++, Java
- Strong analytical, task management, and communications 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
Due to business needs and client space, US Citizenship is required:
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is subject to the Department of Energy Unclassified Foreign Visits & Assignment Program site, information, technologies, and equipment access requirements.
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position.
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 hr@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.
Mandatory Requirements
Battelle requires employees to have a COVID-19 vaccine as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation. Applicants are required to disclose their vaccination status following a conditional offer of employment and must attest to being fully vaccinated with a Center for Disease Control (CDC)-approved COVID-19 vaccination, or provide documentation of need for medical or religious exemption from the COVID-19 vaccination requirement.