Research Professional Grid Optimization and Control
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy national laboratory that conducts science and technology research in energy, national security, computing, materials, neutron science, isotopes, and related fields.
About Oak Ridge National Laboratory
ORNL is the largest science and energy laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy. Managed by UT-Battelle for DOE, it operates research infrastructure and user facilities, conducts applied and fundamental research, and currently advances AI-enabled scientific discovery alongside its energy and national-security missions.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will conduct independent research on grid architectures, power electronics, distributed energy resources, and grid controls. You will model and validate systems, develop embedded algorithms, support hardware demonstrations, prepare technical publications and proposals, and mentor researchers.
Requirements
- Two years of relevant research or engineering experience following completion of a PhD
- Expertise in power electronics, electric power systems, or grid integration technologies
- Experience modeling and simulating power electronic or electric power systems
- Experience developing learning and control algorithms for power electronic converters or grid-interactive systems
- Hands-on experience testing and validating electrical energy systems
- Record of peer-reviewed publications and technical presentations
- Ability to independently conduct research and contribute to multidisciplinary teams
- Obtain and maintain a federal PIV card or a favorable LSSO risk determination as applicable
Responsibilities
- Conduct research and development in grid architectures, power electronics, and distributed energy resource integration
- Develop solutions for power electronics, grid-forming converters, microgrids, and grid controls
- Perform modeling, simulation, and system-level electric-power analysis
- Design, implement, and validate learning and control strategies
- Develop embedded control algorithms using DSP, FPGA, or microcontroller platforms
- Support hardware and hardware-in-the-loop system design, integration, testing, and demonstration
- Identify research opportunities in grid modernization and energy systems
- Lead or support technical tasks in sponsored research projects
- Prepare technical reports, publications, conference papers, and presentations
- Contribute to research proposals
- Develop collaborations with research and external partners
- Mentor postdoctoral researchers, students, interns, and visiting researchers
Benefits
- Medical plans
- Retirement plans
- Flexible work hours
- On-site fitness facilities
- On-site banking facilities
- On-site cafeteria facilities
- Prescription drug plan
- Dental plan
- Vision plan
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Contributory pension plan
- Life insurance
- Disability benefits
- Vacation and holidays
- Parental leave
- Legal insurance with identity theft protection
- Employee assistance plan
- Flexible spending accounts
- Health savings accounts
- Wellness programs
- Relocation assistance
- Employee discounts