Lead Power Engineering Researcher

Idaho National Laboratory is hiring a Lead Power Engineering Researcher to work in our National and Homeland Security Directorate. Our team works a 9x80 schedule located out of our Idaho Falls facility with every other Friday off. You will report to a Senior Manager and work closely with the Program Managers.

Provide strategic, long-term analysis and insights on the evolution of the energy sector. Develop novel strategies and proposals to further INL's innovation and technical leadership in the areas of energy generation, storage, transmission, distribution, management, and use. Oversee applied engineering projects, direct and perform research, collaborate with associated organizations and engineering professionals to pursue strategies for energy innovation, capacity growth, reliability and affordability. Develop relationships with Department of Energy sponsors aligned with INL research interests. Build INL's engineering talent pool through mentorship, identifying talent, and building skillsets necessary for research execution.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead detailed analyses on current and planned power transmission and distribution systems to inform development decisions associated with research and development opportunities.
• Apply engineering theories and principles to develop research concepts resulting in secure, sustainable, resilient, robust, reliable electrical power systems, including all aspects of energy generation, storage, transmission, distribution, management, and use.
• Specify and oversee engineering-based procurements needed for project work.
• Oversee the design and maintenance of assigned high-risk electrical systems and test beds.
• Direct others or work directly with sponsors and equipment vendors to ensure the achievement of research goals.
• Provide scientific and strategic insight for INL's N&HS mission as it relates to the Department of Energy.
• Ensure sound engineering principles are applied in the development of electrical power-related experiments.
• Develop concepts for novel research approaches to meet national-level energy system need for Department of Energy and other strategic partners.
• Create design of experiments including data acquisition, data collection in laboratory, and appropriate data reduction as dictated by project needs.
• Collaborate with other engineers, researchers and performers and mentor junior engineers and other technical personnel in appropriate procedures for research, testing, maintenance, and laboratory activities and ensure the viability of engineering-related research concepts.
• Publish work in various internal reports and external peer-reviewed journal and conference publications.
• Preparation, peer review, and delivery of program plans, oral presentations, and other activities related to INL N&HS equities.
• Will require business travel, which may include international travel
• Other tasks as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• EX5: Bachelors and 14 years of experience, Master's and 8 years of experience. PhD and 6 years of experience.
• EX6: Bachelors and 18 years of experience, Master's and 12 years of experience. PhD and 10 years of experience.
• Expertise in scaling R&D innovations into production systems (strong knowledge of systems engineering and utility-scale electrical power systems).
• Demonstrated ability to orally communicate ideas, prepare clear, concise written reports and technical publications.

• Demonstrated experience proposing and completing strategic engineering research programs.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

• You will be asked to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy "Q" clearance, which requires US Citizenship.
• Must be willing to travel up to 25%.

The Ideal candidate will possess the below:

• Master's or PhD in Electrical or Power Engineering or directly related field.
• Energy asset owner / operator utility experience highly desired.
• Experience providing strategic power engineering consultation to the Department of Energy, and other US Government agencies, US Asset Owners and Operators, universities, industry, and other external entities.
• Expert knowledge on electrical engineering, instrumentation and control, as well as software systems applicable to the design and operation of experimental processes.
• Expertise in AI/ML modeling and power system optimization algorithm expertise (including digital twins)
• Hands-on experience designing digital substations and/or cloud-based virtualization of grid components
• Experience in grid automation, power electronics, and control systems/technologies (focus on large loads)
• Ability to quickly understand and recommend improvements in Grid Architecture & Grid Topology Optimization
• Experience using design and analysis programs such as ORCAD, CAD, MatLab, Labview, PowerWorld, and RTDS.
• Experience conducting experiments and demonstrations with utility-scale electrical equipment.
• Experience Working with high-risk equipment, safety requirements, and procedures.
• Active Q clearance

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee may be required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials, manipulate tools, keyboard, and type, reach with hands and arms, and operate job-related equipment. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Information:

• The pay range for this position is: Level 5 ($137,076 - $281,196) / Level 6 ($164,592 - $337,428). At Idaho National Laboratory compensation decisions are determined using factors such as education, relevant experience, and other credentials.
• Multi-Level: This is a multi-level posting and you will be placed at the appropriate level dependent on depth and breadth of proven experience and skills.

Benefits and Relocation

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) with a 4.2% employer contribution and up to 4.8% match
• Paid time off (personal leave)
• Employee Education Program (tuition assistance)
• Comprehensive Relocation Package
• Benefit eligibility subject multiple factors, including employment status and position classification.

INL is a science-based, applied engineering national laboratory dedicated to supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's mission in nuclear energy research, science, and national defense. With more than 6,300 scientists, researchers, and support staff, the laboratory works with national and international governments, universities and industry partners to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

INL Mission
Our mission is to discover, demonstrate and secure innovative nuclear energy solutions, other clean energy options and critical infrastructure.

INL Vision
Our vision is to change the world's energy future and secure our nation's critical infrastructure.

Selective Service Requirements
To be eligible for employment at INL males born after December 31, 1959 must have registered with the Selective Service System (SSS). For more information see www.sss.gov.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of INL to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Reasonable Accommodation
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Other Information
When applying to positions please provide a resume and answer all questions on the following screens. Applicants, who fail to provide a resume or answer the questions, may be deemed ineligible for consideration.

INL does not accept resumes from third party vendors unsolicited.