Electric Power Systems Optimization R&D Engineer (Experienced)

About Sandia:

Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:

• Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide

• Extraordinary co-workers

• Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world

• Career advancement and enrichment opportunities

• Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)

• Generous vacations, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*

World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov*These benefits vary by job classification.

What Your Job Will Be Like:

The Electric Power Systems Research group at Sandia National Laboratories is seeking an Electrical Engineer with a strong background in optimization to join our team and conduct power systems research. This position will focus on making technical contributions and leading projects in the area of electric grid optimization problems related to power system planning and operations, grid resilience, decarbonization, and electricity markets.

This position will include development of optimization models focused on solving multi-disciplinary complex problems related to the electric grid. The selected candidate will use power systems data and have the ability to program and create power systems tools for electric utilities and electric grid decision makers. The position will include partnering/interacting with multiple external organizations, working in a team environment, writing proposals, and publishing peer reviewed conference and journal articles.

On any given day, you may be called on to:

• Provide program and project leadership

• Help determine research direction and write proposals

• Demonstrate technical knowledge with a focus on power system optimization

• Demonstrate creativity and ingenuity in providing software and analytical solutions

• Work with colleagues and external collaborators to develop innovative solutions to emerging challenges facing the power industry

• Publish research outcomes in peer-reviewed journals, conferences, etc.

• Present research findings to sponsors and externally to professional communities, e.g., IEEE, CIGRE, industry workshops, etc.

The selected applicant can be a virtual worker located in any U.S. State or District of Columbia. Regular or periodic travel to your assigned work location may be required.

Qualifications We Require:

• Ph.D. in electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, or other closely related science and engineering fields

• Expertise in optimization applied to power systems

• A proven track record of peer reviewed publications related to power systems and/or optimization

• Ability to obtain DOE clearance

Qualifications We Desire:

• Technical knowledge in power system simulation and analysis

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Strong programming ability and analytical skills, including proficiency with Python and MATLAB.

• Experience developing optimization models and improving model scalability

• Experience processing and analyzing real power systems data.

• Experience writing proposals and working with multi-organizational teams.

• Experience creating and leading teams focused on complex power systems and/or optimization problems.

• Self-motivated and able to work independently with minimal supervision and ability to work in a team environment

About Our Team:

Sandia National Laboratories is a U.S. research laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and supports numerous federal, state, and local government agencies, companies, and organizations. For more than 70 years, Sandia has delivered essential science and technology to resolve the nation's most challenging issues.

The Electric Power Systems Research Department is focused on novel R&D to enable the modernization of the nation's electric power grid. This work includes power system dynamics; grid stability; power system planning and operations; power system protection; threat modeling; grid resilience metrics and modeling; power systems controls and optimization techniques, and artificial intelligence and data analytics applied to the electric grid. The department is highly inter-disciplinary working closely with many departments across Sandia, while simultaneously working collaboratively with universities, utilities, government agencies, and other national research organizations.

Sandia offers an extremely competitive salary, 401k, healthcare, and overall benefits package. Sandia is consistently named a Forbes 500 Best Large Employers and is dedicated to cultivating valued professional and lifestyle opportunities that support a dynamic workforce focused on excellence and innovation.

Posting Duration:

This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of seven (7) calendar days, including the ‘posting date’. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.

Security Clearance:

Sandia is required by DOE to conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Applicants for employment need to be able to obtain and maintain a DOE L-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.

Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment.

EEO:

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.

NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs:

If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.

If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.

Position Information:

This Limited Term Employee (LTE) position is a temporary position for one year term, which may be renewed at Sandia's discretion up to a maximum of seven years.

Individuals in LTE positions may bid on regular Sandia positions as internal candidates, and in some cases may be converted to regular career positions during their term if warranted by ongoing operational needs, continuing availability of funds, and satisfactory job performance.

Job ID: 690965