Graduate Research Assistant

Pitch Aeronautics () is a rapidly growing startup creating game-changing solutions for the utility industry. Pitch has developed a drone to install our line sensor, bird diverters, and other equipment on power lines. Our drone-deployable line sensors wirelessly transmit environmental and line characteristics to an online secure API to help utilities push more power through existing lines, prevent wildfires, and improve grid reliability.

At Pitch we’ve fostered a collaborative, fun, “get-stuff-done” working environment. We believe in moving fast and creating products and prototypes rapidly. If you’re looking for a place where you can make a difference on day one, be empowered to achieve, and love working in small teams, we want to meet you!

Join the first operational U.S. deployment of weather-based Dynamic Line Ratings. Idaho Power, Pitch Aeronautics, and partners are installing drone-deployable Wire Warrior line sensors and operating Wire Weather forecasting/analytics to increase transmission capacity, reduce wildfire risk, and integrate more renewables—funded under a DOE Grid-Enhancing Technologies initiative.

We’re seeking a Boise State graduate student (MS or PhD track) for a one-year research assistantship/internship (summer full-time + academic-year part-time).
You will be employed by Idaho Power and work primarily on-site with Idaho Power’s transmission planning, collaborating closely with Pitch Aeronautics, Idaho National Laboratory, and your BSU faculty advisor.

Important: This application is to assemble a short list of candidates that Pitch Aeronautics will forward to Idaho Power’s HR for formal hiring. Additional materials, interviews, background screens, or requirements may be requested by Idaho Power HR.

• Analyze forecast thermal line ratings and powerflow
• Evaluate micrometeorological downscaling and forecast-error models over complex terrain.
• Support power-system analytics: OPF/UC with DLR constraints, congestion relief scenarios.
• Present results to Idaho Power engineering/operations, document methods, and co-author internal reports.

• Power Systems (ECE): OPF/UC, probabilistic planning, EMS/SCADA, Python/Matlab/PSSE/Power World, uncertainty quantification.
• Meteorology/Geosciences: Boundary-layer micromet, forecast verification, CFD/Wind Ninja/OpenFOAM experience a plus.
• Energy Policy/Public Administration: FERC AAR/DLR policy, cost recovery, wildfire/public-safety operations, benefit-cost analysis.

• Current or incoming Boise State graduate student (MS or PhD).
• Strong quantitative skills in Python and/or MATLAB
  ; version control (Git).
• Ability to work on-site in Boise, multiple days per week; field work tolerance (substations/line corridors with proper training/PPE).
• Excellent technical writing and presentation skills.

• Coursework/research in any of: power systems, meteorology, heat transfer, remote sensing, or energy policy.
• Experience with large data-set postprocessing
• Familiarity with thermal line ratings, power delivery systems.
• Comfort bridging across engineering and policy teams.

• Employment: Idaho Power (standard pre-employment screening and HR onboarding apply).
• Term: One year (summer + two semesters), with potential to extend subject to performance and funding.
• Pay & Benefits: Competitive graduate RA/intern hourly or salaried compensation via Idaho Power; details finalized by HR during hiring.

Please submit the following as a single PDF titled :

• 1-page statement of interest (which lane(s) you fit and why)
• 1–2 references (names + contact info)
• BSU faculty advisor name and confirmation that they can supervise for credit (if applicable)

We will review submissions and forward a short list to Idaho Power HR
. If selected, Idaho Power may request additional materials (e.g., formal application, background check) and schedule interviews.