Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The?Energy and Environment Directorate?delivers?science and technology solutions for the nation's biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation's power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The?Electricity Infrastructure and Buildings Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is accelerating the transition to an 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
Responsibilities
This position focuses on leading and developing new distributed systems that explores small electric power systems (i.e., microgrids) and components. This person will evaluate design options; leads through project execution and commissioning; and assist the site with operations, training, and sustainment planning. The ideal candidate will have field experience with power generation (microgrids, energy storage, engines/turbines, renewables, etc.), distribution systems, and operational experience with electric utilities.
Researches, analyzes, develops, and designs electrical/electronic systems, components, equipment, and networks as well as their control and optimization.
Evaluates electrical designs (including utility interconnection and microgrid design) and system integration plans.
Analyzes systems and equipment to establish operating data and evaluates performance.
Selects components and equipment based on analysis of specifications and reliability.
Architects modeling and simulation of small electric power systems (i.e., microgrids) and components in order to inform scaled 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.
Uses risk-analysis techniques to evaluate the likelihood and consequence of power system disruptions and risk mitigation measures associated with power system failure modes.
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.
Develops and drives sustainment plan that identifies training needs for local operators.
Lead and evaluate technical assessments related to impacts of new technologies and their utilization in Black Start.
Requires 25% travel.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
BS/BA and 5+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
MS/MA and 3+ years of relevant work experience -OR-
PhD with 1+ year of relevant experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Field experience with transmission and/or distribution systems.
Experience with power generation (microgrids, energy storage, engines/turbines, renewables, etc.)
Operational experience with electric utilities.
Experience conducting power systems analysis using modeling and simulation software programs to evaluate real-world system characteristics such as load and power flows, transient stability, reliability, short circuit analysis, and other operational characteristics.
Knowledge of SCADA and communication systems.
Experience with DOD; clearance is beneficial.
Familiarity with industry standards and federal codes.
Experience working with critical power infrastructure (i.e., backup generators, automatic transfer switches, UPS systems, etc
Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not Applicable
Additional Information
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.
A security clearance background investigation includes review of your employment, education, financial, and criminal history, as well as interviews with you and your personal references, neighbors, and co-workers to determine trustworthiness, reliability, and loyalty to the United States. The investigation also examines your foreign connections, drug and alcohol use, foreign influence, and overall conduct.
Requirements:
U.S. Citizenship
Background Investigation: Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified matter in accordance with 10 CFR 710, Appendix B.
Drug Testing: All Security Clearance positions are Testing Designated Positions, which means that the applicant selected for hire is subject to pre-employment drug testing, and post-employment random drug testing. In addition, applicants must be able to demonstrate non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for the 12 consecutive months preceding completion of the requisite Questionnaire for National Security Positions (QNSP).
Note: Applicants will be considered ineligible for security clearance processing by the U.S. Department of Energy if non-use of illegal drugs, including marijuana, for 12 months cannot be demonstrated.
Testing Designated Position
This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP). The candidate selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing for illegal drugs, including marijuana, consistent with the Controlled Substances Act and the PNNL Workplace Substance Abuse Program.
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, and flexible work schedules. 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 and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, s
