Graduate (3-6 Month) Intern – Electrical Distribution System Analysis

Posting TitleGraduate (3-6 Month) Intern – Electrical Distribution System Analysis

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LocationCO – Golden

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Position TypeIntern (Fixed Term)

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Hours Per Week40

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Working at NRELThe National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Golden, Colorado is the nation’s primary laboratory for research and development of renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.

From day one at NREL, you’ll connect with coworkers driven by the same mission to save the planet. By joining an organization that values a supportive, inclusive, and flexible work environment, you’ll have the opportunity to engage through our ten employee resource groups, numerous employee-driven clubs, and learning and professional development classes.

NREL supports inclusive, diverse, and unbiased hiring practices that promote creativity and innovation. By collaborating with organizations that focus on diverse talent pools, reaching out to underrepresented demographics, and providing an inclusive application and interview process, our Talent Acquisition team aims to hear all voices equally. We strive to attract a highly diverse workforce and create a culture where every employee feels welcomed and respected and they can be their authentic selves.

Our planet needs us! Learn about NREL’s critical objectives, and see how NREL is focused on saving the planet.

We invite all interested candidates to apply for this opportunity. While we recognize that job seekers may hesitate if they don’t meet every requirement, we encourage dedicated individuals who meet all the basic and additional required qualifications of the role to submit an application. We value the opportunity to consider those who believe they have the necessary skills and ambition to succeed at NREL.

Job Description

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is seeking an enthusiastic and driven power distribution system intern within the Strategic Energy Analysis and Decision Sciences (SEADS) directorate.  The SEADS directorate contributes to an exciting portfolio of energy analysis, grid futures studies, applying advanced modeling and simulation tools to optimally plan and control for, design, and analyze distribution and bulk power systems.

You would join us in researching, supporting and advancing electric distribution systems research, using power-flow modeling, optimization, machine-learning, capacity modeling, forecasting techniques, statistical analysis, and data analysis among other research techniques. You would join a highly collaborative team of distribution researchers who are focused on delivering a reliable, sustainable, affordable, equitable, and resilient grid of the future. This team works with distribution utilities, regulators, and government entities across the U.S. and internationally, and works across multiple Department of Energy offices. The team focuses on major challenges including capacity expansion of the distribution system to enable electrification of buildings and vehicles, and integration of distributed energy resources including solar, wind, and battery storage. 

Click here to learn more about the exciting work this team is doing! https://www.nrel.gov/grid/distribution-integration.html

Job Responsibilities may include:  

• Working with NREL staff to run simulations and analyze data related to distributed energy resources and distribution systems
• Distribution system analysis, including upgrade analysis, non-wire alternatives, and DER and electrification integration
• Developing modeling and analysis tools, simulation techniques, and visualizations related to the DERs and distribution systems
• Following all environment, safety, and health policies and procedures to ensure and maintain a safe working environment.

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Basic QualificationsMinimum of a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.

Undergraduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a bachelor’s degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Undergraduate: Earned a bachelor’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.

Graduate: Must be enrolled as a full-time student in a master’s degree program from an accredited institution.
Post Graduate: Earned a master’s degree within the past 12 months. Eligible for an internship period of up to one year.
Graduate + PhD: Completed master’s degree and enrolled as PhD student from an accredited institution.

Please Note:
• Applicants are responsible for uploading official or unofficial school transcripts, as part of the application process.
• If selected for position, a letter of recommendation will be required as part of the hiring process.
• Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

* Must meet educational requirements prior to employment start date.

Additional Required Qualifications

The successful candidate will have will have either completed their graduate degree or be enrolled in a graduate degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, data science, or related discipline. In addition, the successful candidate should have:

• General knowledge and application of electricity distribution system planning, operations, and DER concepts
• Strong computer skills including at least one programming language relevant to simulation, data analysis, visualization, optimization, and/or high-performance computing e.g. (python, Julia, R, Matlab)
• Strong writing, interpersonal, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in design, modeling, simulation, and analysis of distribution systems, DERs, building loads, and power-flow.
• Experience with NREL-developed tools for energy modeling, simulation, and analysis.
• Experience with open-source software development in Python and with distribution power-flow (e.g., one of OpenDSS, WindMil, Synergi, CYME, PowerWorld, MATPOWER, PowerFactory, etc.).
• An understanding of distribution system planning and operation, DERs, electrification load modeling, and network resilience.
• An understanding of building and transportation electrification, renewable energy, and energy efficiency technologies. 

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Job Application Submission Window

The anticipated closing window for application submission is up to 30 days and may be extended as needed.

Annual Salary Range (based on full-time 40 hours per week)Job Profile: / Annual Salary Range: $42,700 – $68,300

NREL takes into consideration a candidate’s education, training, and experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value, including seniority and merit systems, and internal pay alignment when determining the salary level for potential new employees. In compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, a potential new employee’s salary history will not be used in compensation decisions.

Benefits SummaryBenefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; 403(b) Employee Savings Plan with employer match*; and sick leave (where required by law). NREL employees may be eligible for, but are not guaranteed, performance-, merit-, and achievement- based awards that include a monetary component. Some positions may be eligible for relocation expense reimbursement. Internships projected to be less than 20 hours per week are not eligible for medical, dental, or vision benefits.

* Based on eligibility rules

Badging RequirementNREL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as required by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12), which includes a favorable background investigation. Intern assignments extending beyond six months will be subject to this requirement.

Drug Free Workplace

NREL is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace in accordance with the federal Drug-Free Workplace Act and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug.

If you are offered employment at NREL, you must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to commencing employment. Unless prohibited by state or local law, the pre-employment drug test will include marijuana. If you test positive on the pre-employment drug test, your offer of employment may be withdrawn.

Submission Guidelines

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any position at NREL you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

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EEO Policy

NREL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard basis of age (40 and over), 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, and any other applicable status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

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